blocks arranged in Barn Raising pattern; block centers of red wool; strips in variety of solid colors and prints; blue edge binding; back is black and white small floral print on grey ground

Log Cabin (Barn Raising) Quilt, c. 1890

expand_more
Not on Viewexpand_more

Log Cabin quilts are constructed of blocks made up of narrow strips or “logs” of fabric—half of them dark, half light—around a central square. The squares are often red, a reference to the fireplace, the center of the home. The blocks in this quilt are arranged so as to form concentric diamonds that create a bulls-eye effect, a Log Cabin variation called Barn Raising.

Many of the strips in this quilt are woolen fabrics, probably scraps cut from worn-out men’s suits. This suggests the maker was frugal and resourceful. Yet her thriftiness did not overwhelm her aesthetic sense. Even this economical utility quilt is meant to please the eye.

Details
Title
Log Cabin (Barn Raising) Quilt
Role
Artist
Accession Number
2003.257.2
Curator Approved

This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.

Does something look wrong with this image? Let us know

Zoom in on the left to the detail you'd like to save. Click 'Save detail' and wait until the image updates. Right click the image to 'save image as' or copy link, or click the image to open in a new tab.

blocks arranged in Barn Raising pattern; block centers of red wool; strips in variety of solid colors and prints; blue edge binding; back is black and white small floral print on grey ground