Quilt
PeriodDated 1900
Place MadeNew Jersey, U.S.A.
MediumSilk, satin, cotton
Dimensions76 × 69 in. (193 × 175.3 cm)
ClassificationsQuilts and Coverlets
Credit LineGift of Mrs. Naizaire Jutras, 1967
Object numberT1974.225
DescriptionA quilt in the Barn Raising variation of the traditional Log Cabin pattern, comprised of a wide variety of plain, printed, and woven silks and satins. The backing is pieced of cotton and silk, edged with a maroon silk ruffled border. The backing includes an embroidered inscription "1900 M L M."Curatorial RemarksThe Log Cabin quilt pattern appears to have first been introduced in around 1863. Quilts were made and donated to many bazaars, fairs, and fundraisers raising money for Civil War troops. The "Log Cabin" pattern name may have been used as a nod to President Abraham Lincoln's childhood, raised in a Kentucky log cabin. Through the use of strategic placement of dark and light fabrics, the relatively simple pattern could result in a wide variation of pattern and design. In this quilt, the squares are arranged to form a strong optical, almost three-dimensional, square within square visual. Log Cabin quilts were also excellent ways to use up even the narrowest of fabric scraps. In this particular quilt, the silks and satins span at least forty years of fabric patterns, from simple taffeta solids to plaids dating from the 1840s, 1850s, and early 1860s. It is possible that the quilt top was made in the 1860s or 1870s, then finished by a friend, relative, or descendant of the original maker around 1900.NotesThis quilt may have descended to the donor, Miriam King Babos Jutras (1926-2014). The maker's initials "M L M" have not been identified.
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