Silk Log Cabin

Textile

The Virginia Quilt Museum

Name/Title

Silk Log Cabin

Entry/Object ID

1997.006.001

Description

Sixty-four blocks constructed in the design of the log cabin are set together forming the "Barn Raising" design of this technique. In each of the three corner blocks a white star is embroidered in the center square using off white pearl cotton satin stitches. The center of the quilt features four log cabin blocks form a medallion with an overlayed black velvet square. This black velvet is a recent addition. 3 blocks are embroidered with 3 black flowers in the center at each corner. A 4'' border is made of striped silk and quilted in cross hatching. The tam colored binding was applied by hand with rounded corners. The binding itself is about 1/4'' wide. There is a thick wool batting. The entire quilt is hand quilted using single tan and black thread that does not come through. There is only quilting on the back and border. The quilting is done in diamond shapes and is 8-9 stitches per inch. The back is made up of 4 panels of a satin/silk patterned fabric.

Context

The creator of this quilt is unknown, but they made it circa. 1890 in the Midwest.

Collection

Permanent Collection

Acquisition

Accession

1997.006

Source or Donor

Dorothy Ann Jarmoska

Notes

Donated Sept. 23, 1997

Made/Created

Artist

Unknown Maker(s)

Date made

circa 1890

Notes

Made in the Mid-West

Dimensions

Dimension Description

Overall Quilt Dimensions

Width

60 in

Length

60 in

Dimension Notes

64 Total Blocks

Material

Silk, Velvet

Color

Multi-Color, Purple, Red, Green, Black

Condition

Overall Condition

Moderate Use

Notes

Holes in corners, fabric disintegration along fold lines -- stitched in the middle

Overall Condition

Good

Notes

Major deterioration on the creases from folding. Deterioration on some silk; major wearing on edges. tears on 3 blocks due to broken seams, tear on BL edge; prior repairs on edges at breaks in quadrants

Overall Condition

Good

Notes

Prior repairs had been made