Name/Title
Neff QuiltEntry/Object ID
2016.007.001Description
Quilt with variation of Birds in Flight pattern. The blocks are set on point with alternating plain blocks (a red and brown design). The blocks are surrounded by a double pieced border. 11 additional blocks are lined up at the top and another 11 along the bottom. A wider, 11.5 inch border of a brown print fabric is brought around three sides. The binding is about 1/4 inch and brought from the top to the back with straight edges and squared corners.
The back is composed of 4 vertical strips of cotton fabric. The batting is a medium cotton.
The entire quilt is hand quilted using single, white, cotton thread. There are knots on the back. Stitches measure 8 stiches per inch. There are horizontal straight lines within the blocks, a grid/cross-hatch design in the alternating blocks, and then "V" triangle/Zig-zag design in the border.Context
The Neff Quilt was done in the Shenandoah Valley in the 1840s and is signed by Elizabeth Neff Miller. It was passed through the Miller family until 2001 when it was given to a local antique shop. The quilt was purchased from the shop by a Californian quilt historian who had acquired the quilt while in Williamsburg, Virginia. Later, she and a Virginia Quilt Museum member discussed the possibly of the museum acquiring the quilt. The Virginia Quilt Museum, the Shenandoah County Historical Society, and the New Market Historical Society raised funds to bring the quilt to back the valley.
It is unclear if Elizabeth made the quilt as she would have been only 10 years old at the time.Collection
Permanent CollectionAcquisition
Accession
2016.007Acquisition Method
PurchaseNotes
Purchase from Claire KernsMade/Created
Artist Information
Artist
Elizabeth NeffRole
QuilterDate made
1843Place
* Untyped Place
Shenandoah ValleyNotes
Signed by Elizabeth Neff, yet she was only 10 years old in 1843.Inscription/Signature/Marks
Type
SignatureLocation
Bottom left cornerTranscription
"Elizabeth Neff / Property / Shenandoah County / va 1843"Dimensions
Dimension Description
Overall Quilt DimensionsWidth
91 inLength
98 inDimension Description
Alternating Plain BlocksWidth
6-1/4 inLength
6-1/4 inMaterials
Material
Cotton, ChintzMaterial Notes
PrintsColor
Multi-Color, Brown, Red, BlueCondition
Overall Condition
GoodNotes
Slight deterioration along the bottom edge
Couple of small stains throughout
Staining/discoloration along the edge from handling
