British Quilt Study Group - Gallery

Dresden Plate Quilt

84? x 73? (210cm x 180cm)

Made by Elsie Killian, Canton, Ohio, USA (1886-1955)

Private Collection

February?s quilt is a Dresden plate made in a 5 x 4 layout. The individual blocks are approximately 15? square of cream fabric made up of 16, 5? fans of a variety of fabrics, completed with 4? circles in bright yellow. The plates are joined together with 2 ½? sashing, again using the bright yellow fabric with cream cornerstones. This quilt is machine made with all the components of the quilt machine stitched except for the centre circles which are hand appliquéd to each plate. The quilting as well as the binding have been finished by machine. The fans have been created with so many different vivid colours of fabrics many of which include the seams from the fabric of their previous life. Although the quilt is very thin, it comprises of three layers, with the middle layer fabric has a seam running down the length of the quilt. Thus showing the quilt maker's thrifty use of fabrics available to her.

This quilt is very special to me because the maker is my grandmother. She passed away before I was born, so this my connection to her. My sister gave me several of her quilts a few years ago, knowing that I would appreciate them, and they were just being stored in her closet. This quilt has been a well-loved as it shows signs of deterioration and stains, but it is still in a usable condition. I would have loved to sit and talk with my grandmother about all the different fabrics, feed sacks and/or clothing, finding out more about her life. Was this quilt made for a special occasion or just for a bed? Do you have a grandmother's quilt you would like share?

Anymore information about the fabrics would be appreciated - please contact

[email protected]

Dorothy Hill