Pattern Name: Flower Basket
Age: 1860s-1870s
Quilting: self quilting throughout - hand pieced and hand-quilted
Material: plant dyed plain beige calico with cheddar and indigo dyed sash and blocks; homespun blue striped backing 
Measurements: 80x60
 
Heritage: This quilt was found in Alabama and is a truly remarkable quilt.  From the black quilting thread to the beautiful blue homespun backing to the CHEDDAR and indigo sash and block piecing, this quilt is absolutely a stunning example of an early quilt.  This quilt was used as a museum display in Talladega, Alabama and received quite a welcoming!  Despite the issues with the condition, the piece is a remarkable example of a particular quilting style and technique popularized in the 1860s and 1870s.  The pattern, the thread, the dyes all work together to be a true show stopper.  
 
Condition: Overall the piece is in fair condition for its age.  The quilt itself is quite sturdy, there are several issues:  the caustic iron mordants have eaten away the fabric in some of the baskets and the backing is visible.  The binding is worn and frayed in several places and has also been replaced a bit later with a turkey red (someone really had a good eye).  Surprisingly (or maybe unsurprisingly) the homespun backing is in remarkable shape and just as good as the front.  This quilt is still strong, but would benefit from being a display piece.  This would not be a quilt to wash, but to leave outside in the sun (under a clean white sheet) for a few warm, sunny days.  This is the traditional cleaning method for these types of quilts and would be appropriate here.