Historic Treasure of the Week - June 13, 1982
By Patricia F. Engelland
Museum Assistant, Vigo County Historical Society
Historic Treasure of the Week - June 13, 1982
By Patricia F. Engelland
Museum Assistant, Vigo County Historical Society
It is said the crazy quilt is the oldest pattern in American quilt heritage.
Beginning as a necessity to use every scrap on hand during colonial times, it faded in use during the Industrial Revolution and emerged again as a fad in Victorian times. During this period, fancy needlework and elaborate embroidery produced lavish designs and creations on fancy and rich fabrics.
This crazy quilt was created from silk, velvet and taffeta in 16 blocks. A variety of embroidery stitches was used to outline each piece and a myriad of objects are embroidered on the larger pieces. These include flowers, animals and fruit. The quilt has a partial paper interlining and a red serge backing.
It was created by Mrs. Mary Catherine Johnson sometime in the 1890's and given to the donor's mother when she married in 1899. The quilt was presented to the Vigo County Historical Society by Rosella Lunsford, Terre Haute.