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1875 - 1880 "Tumbling Blocks" Parlor Throw

National Museum of American History

Object Details

unknown
Description
This machine pieced and quilted example of the “Tumbling Blocks” pattern was given to the donor’s aunt by her great-great aunt, Julia Ross, in 1878. It is not known whether Julia made the parlor throw. She lived in Indianapolis, Indiana.
The “Tumbling Blocks” (also known as “Baby’s Blocks” or “Cube Work”) are 7/8-inch silk diamonds, precisely machine stitched, to create the overall geometric design. The pieced center section is tied with a thick silk thread, but only through the cotton lining and batting. The “Blocks” are framed by an 8-inch machine-quilted blue silk border. The use of various silk fabrics; plain-woven, faille, brocade, damask, woven stripes, and even a few with cut velvet motifs, contribute to the eye-catching quality of this parlor throw.
Location
Currently not on view
Credit Line
Gift of Mrs. Victor C. Barringer
1875-1880
ID Number
TE.T13572
catalog number
T13572
accession number
258907
Object Name
quilt
Physical Description
fabric, silk, satin, cotton (overall material)
thread, silk (overall material)
filling, cotton (overall material)
Measurements
overall: 56 in x 55 in; 142 cm x 140 cm
place made
United States: Indiana, Indianapolis
See more items in
Home and Community Life: Textiles
Textiles
Domestic Furnishings
Quilts
National Museum of American History
Subject
Quilting
Record ID
nmah_556441
Metadata Usage (text)
CC0
GUID (Link to Original Record)
https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746a3-c3d2-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa

Related Content

  • National Quilt Collection

    American History Museum
  • National Quilt Collection

    American History Museum
  • National Quilt Collection

    American History Museum
Tumbling Blocks Parlor Throw
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