Jan 14, 2019 2 min read

Victorian crazy quilt

In the late 1800s making a crazy quilt to display in the parlor was fashionable for women of means. These quilts showcased expensive velvet, chenille and delicate silk fabrics, often salvaged from dress making or worn-out garments. Shapes were hand-cut, arranged and sewn together. Every seam was then embellished with elaborate embroidery stitches such as Fishbone, Feather, Maidenhair and Lazy Daisy using colored silk thread. A quilt of this complexity may have taken 1,500 hours to quilt.

Emma Jane Taylor of Washington County made this quilt one year after the death of their 6-year-old son, Eddie. Daisies surround family members’ names in the center of the quilt, likely symbolizing the innocence and purity of a young child lost. She included other symbolism popular in the day such as a spider web for good luck, a long-necked bird for longevity and an owl for wisdom. Emma Jane was a descendent of James F. Taylor, the first president judge of Washington County and general of the militia during the Whiskey Rebellion.

Charles and Shirley (Haught) Eustis donated this family treasure in honor Shirley’s ancestors.

Linda Zelch is a volunteer for the Washington County Historical Society and a member of the antiquities committee.