Ladies of the Grand Army of the Republic Crazy Quilt

Made by the Ladies of the Grand Army of the Republic (L. G. A. R.) chapter in San Jose. Each square was made by a different person, some of who sewed in their names.
The quilt has a central panel of white silk satin and has wool chenille floral wreath with inscription inside "Circle No.1, Ladies of the G.A.R. San Jose, Cal. Mrs. DJ Soper, Pres. 1892." Surrounded by a burgundy silk velvet band, then 32 ten inch squares comprised of small asymmetrical silk fabrics, pieced with embroidery stitches. There is muslin behind the squares, though it is difficult to discern if the embroidery is through the muslin throughout. Many of the fabrics are embroidered with figures or names. Some are painted with figures. There is a burgundy silk velvet border. The back is a burgundy cotton sateen. The quilt is tied with silk embroidery floss.

Techniques: Hand embroidered
Culture: American
Geographic Location: North and Central America, United States
Credit Line: Gift of Francis Spinelli