QUILT INDEX RECORD

12-8-64

Object label

Crazy Quilt
Lena Lardner
Niles, Berrien County, Michigan
1889
Collection of Michigan State University Museum acc.#7097.1

Essay about this quilt.

This quilt is thought to have been made by Ring Lardner's mother who was a published poet. It was acquired by the donor from the family estate sale of Lardner's brother.

Each block is separated by hand-made, needle-woven lace sashing and features silk embroidery, drawing or figures. The center block with the American flag has written on it,
From patriot sire to patriot son
Our flag is handed down
Thro' battles fought and victories won
It holds its own renown
And second only to the cross
Let this bright emblem be!
Thro' earthly gain and earthly loss
Our sign of Liberty! Mother July 31st 1889

Who documented this quilt?

Michigan Quilt Project; Michigan State University Museum Collection

Where are the records for this quilt housed?

Michigan State University Museum

Michigan Quilt Project Number

91.0008

If this quilt is owned by a museum, enter the accession number here

7097.1

What is the name of the quilt given by the owner?

Crazy Quilt

What is the pattern name that it is commonly used among quilt makers and historians for this quilt?

Contained Crazy

Who made the quilt top?

Lardner, Lena

Who did the quilting?

If you are the quilt owner, how did you acquire this quilt?

Received as a gift

Where was the quilt made (city)?

Niles

Where was the quilt made (county)?

Berrien

Where was the quilt made (state)?

Michigan (MI)

Choose the time frame that best describes when the quilt was made.

1876-1900

When was the quilt finished?

1889

How is this quilt used?

Museum collection

Choose the gender of the quilt maker(s).

Female

Where does/did the quilt maker live (city)?

Niles

Where does/did the quilt maker live (county)?

Berrien

Where does/did the quilt maker live (state)?

Michigan (MI)

Did the quilt maker have children? If so, how many?

3

How many of the quilt maker's children were girls?

1

How many of the quilt maker's children were boys?

2

What type of quilted object is this?

Finished quilt

How wide is the quilt?

81"

How long is the quilt?

81"

What is the shape of the quilt edge?

Straight

Choose the best color scheme description for the quilt.

Multicolor

What is the best description of the quilt's condition?

Very good/almost new

Is this quilt damaged? If yes, how?

Disintegration of fabric

Enter the exact inscription here, including dates in the same form in which they appear on the quilt. Do not correct any spellings.

From patriot sire to patriot son, Our flag is handed down, Thro' battles fought and victories won, It holds its old renown, And second only to the cross, Let this bright emblem be!, Thro' earthly gain and earthly loss, Our sign of Liberty! Mother July 31, 1889

What is the date found on the quilt?

July 31,1889

How was the inscription made?

Ink

If you chose Other, please describe where the inscription was found.

top

What is the layout (or set) of the quilt?

Crazy

How many blocks are in the quilt?

16

How are the blocks arranged in the quilt?

Straight

How are the blocks spaced in the quilt?

Separated by plain sashing

Explain any other quilt setting here.

Handmade lace

What is the width of the sashing?

5 3/4

How many borders are on the quilt?

1

Describe the style of the borders.

7 3/4", hand made lace

What types of fiber were used to make the quilt top?

Silk

What types of fabric were used to make the quilt top?

Velvet

Describe any unique fibers used in the quilt top.

Sashed and bordered in hand made string lace.

What piecing method was used to make the quilt top?

Hand Piecing

Enter any unusual technique that hasn't been described in a previous field.

Ink drawing/Painting

What embellishment materials were used to make the quilt top?

Other attachments

Enter any unique embellishments.

Lace

What fibers were used to make the quilt back?

Silk

List publications where this quilt or maker was featured.

Clippings or photocopies

Other relationship to source: If you chose Other, for the relationship to the source, describe the relationship here.

Museum employee

Ownership of this quilt is:

Public- Michigan State University Museum

Quilt owner's name:

Michigan State University Museum

Quilt owner's city:

East Lansing

Quilt owner's county:

Ingham

Quilt owner's state.

Michigan (MI)

How did the owner acquire this quilt?

Gift

Tell the story of how the quilt was obtained.

7-8-1990, Sally Peterson, Acquired from estate sale of Ring Lardner's brother

Access and copyright information:

Restricted

What parts of the quilt making process did the quilt maker do?

Made entire quilt

Describe anything about the design of the quilt that wasn't already recorded in a previous field.

Patriotic poetry, flags and emblems.

Who photographed this quilt?

Pearl Yee Wong

Who is the copyright holder?

Michigan State University Museum