18.1-W

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Mathematical Star quilt

1830s

Probably made by Frances Boltz Woodward (1800-1834) or Cynthia Sheppard Snyder (1806-1887)

99 in. W x 101 in. L
9-12 stitches per inch

Bequest of Frances Snyder Coyle
4025

Location

Berkeley or Jefferson County, Virginia (now West Virginia)

Design

Floral appliqué corners and a border of four-patch diamonds are common elements in star quilts of this region. The diamonds in the border are the same as those used in the star piecing. The quiltmaker managed to avoid the elaborate border’s competing with the central star.

Maker

As a bequest, this quilt came without family history, and we can only suppose that it was the work of one of the donor’s grandmothers, who were both of the right age to have made this handsome piece.

Material

Block- and roller-printed and solid cottons, cotton filling, backing, and binding

Twelve prints in pastel tones are used in the star and the nine-patch diamond border. Three additional large-scale florals appear in the borders and appliqués. The quiltmaker chose her palette carefully for a harmonious effect. Note the careful arrangement of the diamond-shaped nine-patches along each side.