Patchwork Quilt c. 1936

This captivating patchwork quilt was made by Irene Schaefer, likely in the late 20th century, using an array of cotton fabrics. The quilt’s charm lies in its intricate assembly of small, colorful, patterned hexagons, arranged in a 'grandmother's flower garden' pattern. Look closely, and you'll see the attention to detail in how each piece is hand-stitched together. It's a real labor of love, and labor is the key word here. The choice of repurposed fabrics speaks volumes. Quilting often involved reclaiming and reusing textiles – scraps from clothing, remnants from other projects. In this context, the quilt is a material record, a composition of domestic life, and a testament to the values of thriftiness and resourcefulness. Quilts like this represent a profound contribution to creative culture, and blur any line separating craft from art.