This museum quality album quilt top is truly a work of art. Every medium, and every creative stitch that could be used, is on this quilt. All hand-pieced and sewn, the twenty-five 12"x 12" squares, measures approximately 58" x 58".
Handpainted scenes and flowers, raised silk chenille embroidered florals, two Stevensgraphs (George Washington, Templars Pledge), etc. All done on velvet or silk quality fabrics.
In excellent condition, with only a few fractured silk pieces. Each square has at least one special design, in addition to the fancy stitches.

Apparently these crazy quilts started out as a method of recycling, and by the late 1800s people began to buy fabrics to make them. They would personalize them, and they were then known as Album Quilts. People wanted to keep up appearances and the quilts became a status symbol. The fabric was heavily adorned with fanciful, elaborate and bright birds, flowers and animals. They were the province of the well-to-do and middle class and often made statements of financial security, if not wealth. The addition of commemorative fabrics or ribbons that reveal occupations, leisure activities, political persuasions and historic events add to the value of the quilt.

The end has been left unstitched from the quilt top, and along with a British registry mark are the words 'T Stevens' on one edge, and 'Coventry' on the opposite edge. This quilt top was never attached to a backing. A lot of very unusual stitches that are not often seen on these quilts; very similar to a sampler. Some of the interesting themes shown are; 11 butterflies, 2 Moose or Elk, Elephant, 2 Dogs, one a very recognizable Pug, a cat, 2 mice, 3 Owls (one on a crescent moon), an Artist's palette, wire rim spectacles, pansys, (a favorite Victorian theme from the French, 'loving thoughts') the names Dora, and Ella, and several sets of initials.