Quilt Exhibit

I was able to run downtown yesterday to see the exhibit of Civil War quilts from the Illinois State Museum at their Chicago gallery. I live about 25 miles north of Chicago and, while that's relatively close and the exhibit had been here all summer, I was so busy these past few weeks that I just could not get down there until yesterday. Right under the wire too, as the exhibit is closing today.

 

My sister and I took the "L"  (Chicago's elevated rapid transit system)  into the city to avoid driving and facing any traffic disruptions due to the Chicago teachers' strike. We arrived in the morning and then left by early afternoon just as the marches were getting started so the trip was not as bad as I expected. My son happens to be student teaching at a Chicago Public School right now (or will be as soon as the strike is over) so you can guess where my sympathies lie.

 

(Photo courtesy of the Chicago Tribune)

 

 

  

I love seeing full photos of antique quilts but I know it's difficult for you to get a good feel for the entire quilt this way. I took quite a few closeups though so hopefully you can get an idea. There were too many to include today so I'll continue with more pictures next week.

Album quilt (c. 1857 - 1862) made by Martha Jane Gourley, a neighbor of President Lincoln in Springfield IL. One of my favorites, maybe because of its simplicity and awkwardness and all of those imperfections . . . 

  

This is hand pieced and machine quilted.

 

 

Floral Wreath Applique Quilt, c. 1860

 

 

 

Double Irish Chain quilt, c. 1865

  

 

 

 

 

 Another one of my favorites - "Seven Stars"  (Seven Sisters), c. 1870

 

 

 

 

Not perfect by any means. Still beautiful to the eye of this beholder . . .

 

Sunburst crib quilt, c. 1855

  

 

Wool Courthouse Steps, c. 1864. Almost looks like it belongs in a modern art gallery, doesn't it?

 

 

 

Happy me - taking them all in. I'll show you a few more next week.