War and Pieced

I'm back to share a little more of my trip to the International Quilt Study Center and Museum in Lincoln, Nebraska a couple of weeks ago. By far, the most amazing exhibit on display was "War and Pieced", a collection of quilts from the 1700 & 1800's made from the wool of military uniforms by men in the service. The term 'quilt' is used loosely as most of these textiles were not quilted, had no batting, and were almost never backed. Most were used as wall hangings, or sometimes table coverings, and others were used as game boards.

Click here for information about this quilt

The textiles were all very intricate, many created with thousands and thousands of tiny pieces. Most were very detailed and orderly, much like the military backgrounds from which these men came.

Layered appliqued cornerstone of the above quilt.

Close up of the incredibly intricate layered applique border from the above quilt.

Yet, some had a softer touch, as if they were trying to bring remembrances of their civil life back home to the war zone.

Click here for information about this quilt

Two of the quilts on display were appliqued pictorials created from photographs of actual events with elaborate floral borders surrounding them.

A close up of the appliqued pictorial.

It's hard to imagine a soldier battling in war by day and embroidering on this detailed applique by night.

Close up detail of the embroidered and appliqued border of the above quilt.

The detail in the floral borders was beautiful. I can't imagine the hours of work this took. (And to think, I don't have the patience to finish the binding on my quilts!)

Close up of embroidered and appliqued soldiers. The piping in the block seams adds another dimension to the quilt.

This was truly an awe-inspiring exhibit - be sure to go if you ever get the chance to see it. Unfortunately, the show is no longer on display at the International Quilt Study Center and Museum. For photographs and more information about each quilt in the "War and Pieced" collection, click here.

~Sharla

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