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Oldest Surviving quilt
Oldest surviving wholly intact quilt dates to this year, done in a broderie perse mosaic style. -
Oldest Surviving American Quilt
Oldest surviving American made quilt dates from this time. -
Quilting in the Colonies
Imported Chintz (glazed cotton) gains popularity for quilting. This quality fabric does not shrink like wool and survives laundering better than linen and silk. Quilting is becoming more popular in the colonies, whole-cloth is still the most widely used technique. -
Period: to
War of Independence
War of Independence severely limits availability of imported fabrics. Quilts with patriotic themes are popular, depicting battles, heroes, and symbols of the revolution. Memorial quilts are made using clothing of the deceased. Applique and broderie perse (a late 18th century term) are being used. -
Adoption of a National Symbol
The eagle is adopted as a national symbol and becomes incorporated in many quilts. -
Roller Printing
Roller printing is first used to make patterned fabric in England. Can produce in 4 minutes the same amount of fabric it would take 6 hours to do by hand. -
Patriotic Prints
Patriotic prints made for the American market are introduced. -
Cotton Gin Invented
Invention of the cotton gin leads to rise of cotton industry and mills in the northeast. -
Pioneer Era
Beginning of the Pioneer Era. Nine-patch and Grandmother's Basket (basket with no handle) appear as block patterns. Cloth panels specifically for making into quilt tops begin to be imported. Floral motifs are cut out and appliqued in swags, wreaths, and bouquets to frame a pre-printed center medallion panel. Marseilles Work, a type of loomed in imitation of whitework quilting is a popular import. -
Period: to
Block Patterns
Increase in use of block patterns rather than whole-cloth quilts, although whole-cloth is still more fashionable. Sashing comes into use to frame individual blocks. Patchwork blocks are both portable and frugal uses for scraps, and may have become popular among pioneer women as a result. -
First Block Pattern
Irish Chain pattern known. May be first use of block pattern as an overall design. -
Period: to
County Fairs Start
County Fairs begin to appear, offering prizes for needlework. Log Cabin patterns developed, first Barn Raising and then Courthouse Steps variations. The zig-zag Streak of Lightning pattern appears. Quilting is done in flower, heart, and quatrefoil designs. -
Second War of Independence
Patriotic themes increase. -
The Power Loom
The power loom is installed in Waltham, MA. First American factory production of cloth and thread begins. -
Permanent Ink
Permanent ink makes signature quilts more popular. Appearance of Feathered Star, and Nine-Patch-Wild-Goose variation. Lone Star (Star of Bethlehem, Rising Sun) patterns known. Godey's Lady's Book introduced, with regular needlework and quilting sections. American mills are producing cotton calicoes. -
Blue & White Quilts Become Popular
Quilts made in blue and white become common. Bay Leaf, Magnolia, and applique patterns known. Appearance of hexagon Honeycomb patchwork (aka Grandmother's Flower Garden). -
Commercial Quilt Batting
First commercial quilt batting is produced. Princess Feather applique pattern known. -
Sewing Machine Patented
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Coal Tar Dyes
Coal tar dyes make modern, bright, synthetic colors possible. -
Patchwork Quilts
Patchwork viewed as a lower class activity, for keeping children busy and for covering servant's beds. -
Period: to
The Civil War
Traditional German motifs, similar to the album style, become more widespread with immigrational influences. The bouquet and urn design on white is popular. -
Dyes
Commercially packaged dyes marketed for home use. -
Wool & Silk
Use of wool and silk increasing in quilts. Remains until about 1925. The Suffrage movement adopts the blue and white Drunkard's Path pattern, initiates the raffle quilt as a fund-raiser. -
Period: to
Printed Quilt Patterns
Revival of printed quilt patterns in newspapers and company brochures. -
Period: to
The Great Depression
Quilts of this era are characterized by their use of scraps, especially feed, flour, and sugar sack prints, and colors in the pastel range, particularly shades of purple. Applique kits become popular, as do scalloped borders. Sunbonnet Sue is born. Grandmother's Flower Garden becomes a popular use for scraps. -
Machine Made Quilts
Machine made quilts are available in department stores. Polyester fabrics and batting are introduced. -
Synthetic Threads
Synthetic threads are available. -
The Bicentennial
The Bicentennial revives interest in traditional crafts, folk arts, and history.