1700 - 1799 Wool Quilted Counterpane

1700 - 1799 Wool Quilted Counterpane

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Description
This example of an 18th century counterpane is composed of worn wool and linen/wool fabrics. A center panel, 55 x 35-inches, is made of unglazed green wool, the 17-inch border is made of dark blue glazed wool. Two corners are made of blue and brown striped linsey-woolsey.
Originally the counterpane was acquired for the study of the early textiles used in its construction. ("Anatomy of a Quilted Counterpane" by Rita J. Adrosko in Weavers Journal; Vol VIII, No4, Issue 32) The lining was of particular significance. Part of it consisted of a coverlet (TE*T14718 NMAH Coverlet Collection) woven in the “Monks Belt” design. It was separated from the top and wool filling and is one of the oldest coverlets in the Collection. The rest of the lining utilizes worn-out fabrics such as were used for the front. The sewing thread is linen (2-ply S-twist). It is quilted, 5 stitches per inch, with linen thread. This counterpane is an interesting example of recycled 18th century fabrics.
Location
Currently not on view
Object Name
quilt
date made
1700-1799
maker
unknown
place made
United States
Physical Description
fabric, wool (overall material)
thread, linen (overall material)
Measurements
overall: 89 in x 70 in; 226 cm x 179 cm
ID Number
TE.T14718.00A
catalog number
T14718A
accession number
281922
subject
Quilting
See more items in
Home and Community Life: Textiles
Textiles
Domestic Furnishings
Quilts
Data Source
National Museum of American History
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