Name/Title
Grabill Family Crazy QuiltEntry/Object ID
2000.008.002Description
This quilt measured at 68 1/2" x 80" and uses velvet, cotton, brocade, and woven fabrics. It is in the crazy quilt style and consists of 42 blocks measuring 11 inches square. Colors in the quilt include rose, tan, blue, burgundy, and black and are rendered in a variety of fabrics. Embellishments to this quilt make use of appliqué and embroidery techniques and create a storybook style, which includes many sayings of the day and advertising logos, particularly for Clarks O.N.T. thread. In addition to the embroidered "M.E.G., Handmade" on the left quilt front, is the documentation embroidered on the right: "commenced this quilt Dec. the 1, 1886 Finished March the 30, 1887.
The backing is a very thinly woven print. The binding is a brown woven fabric, machine applied (perhaps at a later date).
**Please note certain aspects of this quilt may be disturbing. Attitudes expressed on this quilt do not reflect that of the Virginia Quilt Museum.Context
This crazy quilt was made by Molly E. Grabill, who stitched her initials on the quilt. She made it between the years of 1886 and 1887. This is a folk art quilt in the crazy quilt format. Molly's husband gave land in Rockingham County for the East View School and their kids later attended that school.Collection
Permanent CollectionAcquisition
Accession
2000.008Source or Donor
John C. DellingerInscription/Signature/Marks
Location
Left Quilt FrontTranscription
"M.E.G. Handmade"Material/Technique
EmbroideredLocation
RightTranscription
"commenced this quilt Dec. the 1, 1886 Finished March the 20, 1887"Material/Technique
EmbroideredLocation
ThroughoutMaterial/Technique
EmbroideredNotes
Advertisements for Clark's O.N.T. ThreadOther Name
Dellinger Family QuiltDimensions
Dimension Description
Overall Quilt DimensionsWidth
68-1/2 inLength
80 inMaterial
Velvet, Cotton, Brocades, OtherCondition
Notes
Good; Volunteers not a fan of the bindingOverall Condition
FairNotes
Mending was done by machine
