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1840 - 1860 Slothower Family's Appliqued Quilt

Object Details

Description
Also known as the “Seamstresses’ Quilt,” this red and green example of mid-19th century quilting was in the George Slothower family of Baltimore County, Maryland. He was a wholesale dry goods merchant and the owner of two cotton mills: the Powhatan and Pocahontas Mills. Apparently at the time this quilt was crafted, resident seamstresses, usually of German or Dutch origin, made the family clothing and most likely this quilt.
The center basket of flowers is framed by floral-and-leaf panels and borders, each accented with red saw-tooth bands. Echo quilting highlights each of the motifs on this appliquéd quilt.
Location
Currently not on view
Data Source
National Museum of American History
maker
unknown
date made
1840-1860
Credit Line
Gift of Miss Doris E. Slothower
Physical Description
fabric, cotton (overall material)
thread, cotton, silk (overall material)
Measurements
overall: 92 in x 93 in; 234 cm x 237 cm
Object Name
quilt

Featured In

  • National Quilt Collection
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