There is a dandy exhibit of Civil War quilts at the Illinois State Museum in Springfield - now until September. It's a very clear representation of the ways women supported the war effort. The focus is on ways
loyal Illinois women organized to support soldiers on the field and in
the hospital, as they braced themselves for the changes in family and
community life that the war would bring.
There are many wonderful quilts but this one won my heart, hands down.
It's a Log Cabin, (possibly) stitched by Sarah Reed of Anna, in Union County, Illinois. It's a large quilt, made of wool, delaine, silk and velvet. Family lore has it that Sarah had a son fighting on both sides in the Civil War, and that uniforms of both are stitched into this quilt.
Illinois was a state sorely split by the Civil War, since it extends so far from North to South. I have been keenly aware of that since my youth when I read the wonderful book "Across Five Aprils" by Irene Hunt. It tells the story of the war years from the youngest son of a family with sons who went to fight on both sides of the war.
If you're near Springfield this summer, you don't want to miss this exhibit. This is only one of many spectacular quilts there.
Wish I lived in the USA to see this exhibition . Looks like a goodey
ReplyDeleteThe quilt looks massive. How big is it?
ReplyDeleteWow! Great quilt. I forget how much I love this color scheme. First I'd heard of soldiers fighting on both sides. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteMakes me want to make a special trip to Chicago area just for this one quilt! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteWhat a touching quilt story! I can only imagine the emotions of the quiltmaker. The result is breathtaking, however.
ReplyDeleteyou know the label didn't give a size.
ReplyDeletebut it is large.
it would cover a double bed, for sure...
The strips are not large - 1/2" - 3/4" wide.
Deb, how was this quilt finished? Is it quilted or tied?
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing it with us. Sure wish I could see the exhibit!