BEDCOVER : PATCHWORK

Object Name: Bedcover
Date Made: 1900-1910
Description: 1900-1910 patchwork and appliqued bedcover, machine stitched in a very unusual stylised 'bird' pattern. The bedcover or quilt is comprised of sixteen repeating blocks of pattern, arranged in four rows of four squares each. The appliqued blocks are 39 cms square, of plain black cotton with a 'bird' motif in faded dull red cotton machine-stitched on each one in black cotton thread, placed centrally. The appliqued blocks are joined by bands of sashing 9 cm wide, with contrast squares at each intersection. The long sashing bands are of dull red cotton with some bands pieced in several shades of red to make up the length. The contrast squares are a mix of dark grey/green cotton and leaf green cotton. The backing is a patchwork of large sections of woollen blanket fabric, machine pieced, with some evidence of hand-sewn patches and darning. The backing is a bright vermillion green, the shading and uneven colouring is suggestive of home-dyeing. The bedcover is quilted all over in a square diamond pattern, hand-sewn using running stitch in black cotton thread. The edges are bound with black cotton fabric, hand-stitched.
Materials: cotton : wool
Catalogue Number: HOYFM.2013.76.13

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