Little Beauty is an album style quilt. It is composed of a prominent central medallion surrounded by twelve appliqued blocks, each differing in design from the others. Album quilts became very popular in the nineteenth-century and experienced a revival in the 1980s and 1990s. This particular piece displays Johnson's virtuosity as a quilter. Depth and texture are created by the careful placement of multiple layers of appliqued fabric, decorative rouching, and intricate embroidery.

Marian Johnson was an avid quilter, seamstress, and teacher. Born in South Dakota in 1920, she later settled in the Bay Area where she became active in the local quilt community. She was known for her technical skill, wonderful sense of color, and for the intricate embroidery that embellishes her work. She was an active member of the San Jose Museum of Quilts & Textiles, serving on the Board of Directors, as Volunteer Coordinator, and as a chair of the Museum's annual auction.

Techniques: Hand appliqued, hand embroidered, hand quilted
Culture: American
Geographic Location: North and Central America, United States, California
Credit Line: Gift of a consortium of quilters