1887 Mehitable Ware's Crazy-patch Parlor Throw

1887 Mehitable Ware's Crazy-patch Parlor Throw

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Description
“Commenced Jan 12th 1887. San Rafael... Finished March 12th 1887... M. M. Ware” is embroidered on this parlor throw composed of nine 21 ½-inch crazy-patch blocks. Many satin and velvet ribbons with California references are found among typical motifs such as a horseshoe, a fan, flowers, owls, bicycles, etc. A variety of embroidery stitches in many colors of silk thread decorate the throw. A red velvet 7-inch border and a red cotton lining complete it.
Mehitable (Mettie) Babcock was born in Vermont in 1816. She taught school from the age of 14 until she married Preserved Ware (1811-1885) in 1836. They had eight children and from 1868 they lived in California, where Mehitable Ware died in 1897.
Location
Currently not on view
Object Name
quilt
date made
1887
maker
Ware, Mettie Mehitable Babcock
Physical Description
fabric, silk, velvet, satin, ribbon (overall material)
thread, silk, cotton (overall material)
Measurements
overall: 79 in x 79 in; 199 cm x 199 cm
ID Number
TE.T16134
accession number
298792
catalog number
T16134
Credit Line
Gift of Mrs. Mildred Marvin Fly
subject
Quilting
See more items in
Home and Community Life: Textiles
Quilts
Domestic Furnishings
Textiles
Data Source
National Museum of American History
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