Pattern Name: Nelly Bly
Age: 1920s-1930s
Quilting: self quilting and fussy quilting in relief - machine pieced and hand-stitched
Material: VIBRANT green, orange, and white cotton calico with natural white cotton calico backing 
Measurements: 84"x84"
 
Heritage: This quilt was found in Alabama.  One of the most stunning quilts I have ever seen, this beautiful Nellie Bly variation is a quintessential 1920s and 30s quilt: from the nouveau design to the revival of the bold quilt colors.  In case you wondered about the name of the pattern, Wikipedia tells us that "Nellie Bly, was an American journalist, industrialist, inventor, and charity worker who was widely known for her record-breaking trip around the world in 72 days, in emulation of Jules Verne's fictional character Phileas Fogg, and an exposé in which she worked undercover to report on a mental institution from within."
 
It features a show-stopping tri-color combination of fabrics with an attention to detail that is unusual for a later decade.  The filler quilting in the relief is comprised of adorable little flowers with self-quilting throughout the remainder of the quilt. Interestingly, the quilt is not bound separately, but the front is wrapped around to the back of the quilt.  This is truly a work of art and should be cared for as such.  Whomever owned this piece has taken great care to ensure that the colors and fabrics stay in impeccable condition
 
Condition: Overall the piece is in excellent condition.  There is nothing wrong with the quilt whatsoever.  The colors are fast and there is no fading and the fabrics are strong and sure.  Great care was taken to store and care for the quilt.  With proper care, it will last many more years.