Quilts from Int’l Quilt Study Center and Museum

Quiltmaker’s Countdown to Christmas continues and already we’re on Day 7. Have we got a treat for you—so much quilty loveliness I can hardly stand it.

Baskets of Flowers; Quiltmaker: unknown; Geographical Origin: Probably made in Ohio or Pennsylvania, United States; Date: Circa 1860-1880

You may be familiar with the International Quilt Study Center and Museum at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

The center houses the largest publicly held quilt collection in the world. More than 3,500 quilts date from the early 1700s to the present and represent more than 25 countries.

Blazing Star; Quiltmaker: unknown; Geographical Origin: Possibly made in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, United States; Date: Circa 1890-1910

I asked the folks at IQSCM if we might share some of the quilts with you here on Quilty Pleasures. Happily they said yes!

Christmas Cactus Result #: 13 Title: Quiltmaker: Maker unknown Geographical Origin: Possibly made in Pennsylvania, United States Date: Circa 1880-1910

You should know that searching for quilts in the IQSCM collections is fun and easy thanks to their thoroughly detailed online database. This is a rich resource for quilters at any level and I hope you’ll take advantage of it.

Applique; Quiltmaker: unknown; Geographical Origin: Probably made in United States; Date: Circa 1850-1870

If you’re looking for ideas or need some inspiration, this is the place.

Christmas Cactus; Quiltmaker: unknown; Geographical Origin: Made in United States; Date: Dated 1861

Maybe you just want to escape for a few minutes—this website can whisk you away.

Sunnyside Album; Quiltmaker: Sunnyside schoolchildren; Geographical Origin: Made in Miami County, Ohio, United States; Date: Dated 1894

If you have research to do or a quilt story to unravel, you may find help at quiltstudy.org. I hope you’ll visit them soon.

Album; Geographical Origin: Probably made in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, United States; Date: Circa 1885

I’ve chosen antique quilts that reminded me of Christmas for today’s post. I’ve included basic information on each one. The database offers additional information if you’re interested in learning more.

The museum also owns a variety of newer quilts, contemporary quilts and art quilts.

Album, Princess Feather; Quiltmaker: unknown; Geographical Origin: Made in United States; Date: Circa 1860-1880

Enjoy these treasures, and please join me in thanking the International Quilt Study Center and Museum for their role in preserving them.