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Two Quilt Blocks
Two Quilt Blocks
Two Quilt Blocks

Two Quilt Blocks

PeriodCirca 1870-1885
Place MadeNew Jersey, U.S.A.
MediumSilk, silk satin, cotton and silk velvet, silk embroidery floss
Dimensions15 × 12 in. (38.1 × 30.5 cm)
ClassificationsQuilts and Coverlets
Credit LineGift of Miss Etta Miller, 1948
Object number3241
DescriptionTwo unfinished quilt panels in variations of the Crazy Quilt pattern. Panel A is the larger of the two panels, almost square, with a wide variety of solid silks and silk velvets in black, red, marooon, blue, light blue, pink, yellow, and oyster white and patterned silks in several floral patterns and a dark blue stripe. All the seams are highlighted and embellished with silk embroidery floss in the buttonhole stitch and additional "starburst" stitches at selected corners. Three additional embellishment additions include an appliqued circle, an appliqued five-pointed star in black velvet, and and embroidered image of a pair of small scissors tucked in a scissors keeper. Panel B is smaller and rectangular, and includes additional embellishments including red flowers, a red five-pointed star, and a round hand fan in one corner. All pieces are stitched to a base layer of plain off white cotton.
Curatorial RemarksCrazy quilts gained incredible popularity after the Civil War. Using scraps of colorful silks, satins, and velvets, often embellished with embroidery stitches and appliques, these quilts were in direct contrast to the planned and organized quilts of previous decades.NotesThese two unfinished crazy quilt blocks were made by Elizabeth Sophia Gillis Stillwell. This miniature locket, in the form of a book, was owned and worn by Elizabeth Sophia Giles Stillwell (1815-1890). Born in New York, Elizabeth married Dr. John E. E. Stillwell (1813-1873) in 1844. The couple had four children: Laura (1845), Isabel (sometimes referred to as Isabella or Arabella in census records) (1847), Elizabeth "Lizzie" (1852) and John Edwin (1853). Donor Lauretta Stillwell Miller was the daughter of Laura Stillwell and Captain David Miller. The Association owns a tiny gold and blue enamel locket worn by Elizabeth Gillis Stillwell.
Collections
ProvenanceElizabeth Sophia Gillis Stillwell (1815-1890) to her daughter Laura Stillwell Miller (1845-1916) to her daughter Lauretta Stillwell Miller (1870-1949)