Textiles and the Triplett Sisters

As I continue to research the connection of Fire Companies of Baltimore and Baltimore Album Quilts, based on the diary note, there are interesting results. This new line of investigation is leading to new answers and possibilities. In our last blog post we explored the Ladies Liberty Temperance Benevolent Society associated with the Liberty Fire Company. The Liberty Fire Company participated in a public procession and mourning of President Andrew Jackson. The Union Fire Company joined the Liberty Fire Company in shrouding their Fire Company banners and halls with mourning for six months for Andrew Jackson. I’ve looked in vain for some direct link between the Jacksonian Blocks and why they were included in the certain BAQs. My current working theory asks if these blocks were sewn by the two fire companies’ ladies to acknowledge their...

As I was researching the chinoiserie panel, I saw several borders used in different quilts, which got me wondering about borders. Naturally, I then had to research border fabric that has obviously been around for some time. Also, I was surprised to see borders printed both horizontally and vertically which is convenient depending on the fabrics intended use. Border fabric was printed to be used for petticoats, with one border printed horizontally to provide a finish to the petticoat. A simpler print was used on the remainder of the fabric, which would make for easier block printing. It also allowed for one seam to be added to create the tube and as an early form of ready to wear, kept in stock. Once the petticoat was selected it could simply be fitted at the waist. Some...

Although the Poos Collection is limiting the number of new acquisitions, this month two important quilts were added to the collection. Not surprisingly both would be considered in the chintz quilt genre of the collection. A cut-out applique quilt, likely English in origin, has some of our favorite famous fabrics that we started tracking in 2012 including some Bannister Hall fabrics. For more information on the many owners of Bannister Hall, please see the link to a previous blog article providing details. When studiying the peacock fabric, it is interesting to the industrial espionage that was taking place. Changing the direction of the head was one way to avoid being accused of "copying."  The second antique quilt, also likely English, was added because of the chinoiserie panel in the center. This is the second antique quilt...

I’m interrupting the research to give you an update about some coming events. We’d love to see you at some of these in person events or via Zoom. In some cases, they are both an option. My long-awaited research trip to Philadelphia and New Jersey is coming up the end of May. I’ve located some original sources and I’m hopeful that will shed light on these Northern Style Cut-out Applique (NSCAs.) Thanks to AQSG for providing some of the funding for the research trip. On June 1, I’ll be presenting on NSCAs, with my presentation Delaware River Valley Quilts at Penn Dry Goods event hosted by the Schwenkfelder Museum. It looks like a fabulous event, so if you are interested in attending in person or via Zoom, here is the link. Also, those in person will...

When we were researching quilters who made BAQ’s we were searching for evidence of who might have made a living creating those quilts or at least supplemented their income. Evidence of women who advertised as quilters or sold quilt blocks was limited, and therefore researchers tended to explore dressmakers or milliners as possibilities. In Philadelphia, the first reference to a quilter in a Philadelphia Business Directory occurs in 1820. Beulah Wilson was listed as a quilter on Poplar Lane near Front. She made a living as a quilter for more than 10 years. In the 1830 edition of the Business Directory, she added mantua maker along with quilter. Also, Mary Hopper and Jas. Strain were listed in later directories as quilters only. Ads in the Philadelphia newspaper seeking quilters for employment appeared in August 1846 to...