This quilt was made by the 30 members of the East Bay Heritage Quilters, Albany, California. Their names are embroidered on the back of the quilt in white. The pattern and construction was supervised by Adele Ingraham, who took inspiration from an antique Baltimore Album quilt from the 1840s. A central medallion design, with a large appliqued floral basket in the center is surrounded by blocks of floral and fruit baskets, wreaths, bouquets, and flower filled cornucopias.

The emergence of album quilts corresponded to the nineteenth-century interest in autograph books. Women's magazines such as Gody's Ladies Book, sparked this interest by publishing verses deemed appropriate to be written in autograph books. The books then served as mementos for friends and relatives who were moving away. This practice was translated by quilters into album quilts, which typically incorporated numerous designs of appliquéd blocks in a single quilt. They were created either by one individual or by a group, with each member contributing a block to the final composition.

Baltimore Album quilts represent the finest of this style. Developed in the Baltimore region, they were at the height of popularity between 1846 and 1852. They are prized for their beauty and exquisite craftsmanship in the creation of designs that incorporate floral motifs, historic events, and Baltimore monuments. Designs are appliquéd to squares, and in group projects are sometimes inscribed with each maker's name. Subtle variations of shading, depth and dimension are achieved by incorporating a large variety of fabrics, and appliquéing them layer upon layer.

Techniques: Hand quilted, hand applique
Culture: American
Geographic Location: North and Central America, United States, California
Credit Line: Gift of East Bay Heritage Quilters