Untitled Victorian "Crazy Quilt"
Artist
Mary Maujer
(b. c. 1836 - ?)
Datec. 1870
MediumVelvet, satin, brocades, feather stitching
Dimensions53 x 53 in.
ClassificationsTextile
Credit LineGift of Dorothy C.S. McCunn
Object number2010.25
DescriptionThe Philadelphia Centennial Exhibition, held in 1876, was the first official World's Fair to take place in the United States. It celebrated the 100th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, and it was there that Americans became fascinated with asymmetrical designs, especially from the displays at the Japanese Pavilion. Ladies incorporated these new designs into their quilts, and thanks to popular women's magazines, these "Crazy Quilts" became quite fashionable to sew. Quilters used asymmetrical fabric pieces, such as silk, velvet, satin, brocades, and taffeta, to create abstract arrangements. This made it possible to use every last scrap of fabric available. Oftentimes the women embellished the quilts with embroidery, such as multi-colored feather stitching, seen in this example. This quilt also shows embroidered designs of children and animals, including birds, bees, fish, and butterflies. Some quilters would include a spider on its web as a good luck charm. Crazy quilts also have embroidered verses or recorded family events. It was also common to add ribbons, lace, and sentimental mementos.
The early quilts were intended as show pieces and not supposed to have an actual function other than as decorations for pianos or furniture in parlors. This use fit with the extravagant interiors of Victorian homes. To the Victorians, the word "crazy," did not only imply broken or crazed but was also an appropriate description of the look of the quilts. Even though the designs seem haphazard the quilters spent many hours planning and mapping them out. The popularity of the crazy quilts lasted until approximately 1910, with a resurgence of interest in recent years.
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