Name/Title
Nine-Patch QuiltEntry/Object ID
1991.002.001Description
Constructed of thirty pieced blocks made of various brown and plaid polished cotton fabrics. There are 5 blocks across and 6 down. The quilting stitches range from 9-11 stitches per inch and done with a vegetable dyed thread of the period. It is quilted in horizontal and diagonal straight lines.
Self-binding, front to back
The lining, or backing, of the quilt appears to be a vegetable-dyed (perhaps walnut-dyed) muslin. After the Civil War, there was a resurgence of using natural elements to dye fabric. Brown thread was used to piece in diagonal and horizontal lines, with sixteen stitches to the inch.
The date, 1889, is embroidered in chain stitching on the lower right corner of the back of the quilt.
Likely only washed a few times as much of the original surface glaze has been retained.Context
This was a family heirloom made in 1889 in Toms Brook, Virginia and is a good example of a Shenandoah Valley quilt made for utilitarian purposes. It is thought to have been made by an aunt of Mr. Russell Whitesell's of Toms Brook, Virginia. The piece still retains some of its original glaze.Collection
Permanent CollectionAcquisition
Accession
1991.002Source or Donor
Dr. and Mrs. Thomas P. KeenanNotes
Donated on 9-20-91Made/Created
Artist Information
Artist
Unknown Maker(s)Role
MakerDate made
circa 1889Place
* Untyped Place
Toms Brook, VirginiaNotes
year noted in bottom left cornerInscription/Signature/Marks
Type
DateLocation
Bottom left cornerTranscription
"1889"Notes
An embroidery stitch has been used to date the quilt on the liningDimensions
Dimension Description
Overall Quilt DimensionsWidth
72-1/2 inLength
92-1/2 inMaterials
Material
CottonMaterial Notes
Wool battingColors
Color
Multi-ColorColor Notes
Predominately BrownCondition
Notes
Bad staining on the back, border beginning to fray, tears A1, D1, D3, folded binding is fraying, frayed fabric & stain A5, and stains C3, E4, B5, D5, A6, D6, E5Overall Condition
GoodNotes
Some staining, very little to no breakage (some tears and fraying), rarely washed prior to donation
