Quilt Stories from the Museum of Texas Tech University
Quilt Stories from the Museum of Texas Tech University
Dr. Marian Ann J. Montgomery, Ph.D., Curator of Clothing and Textiles at the Museum of Texas Tech University shares images of vintage quilts from their collection and tells their fascinating stories.
A "Popping Red" Snowball Quilt
Learn what a "popping red" is in a quilt in this example of a snowball quilt from the Museum of Texas Tech University.
A Fruit Basket Quilt Designed by Ruby Short McKim
A Fruit Basket Quilt designed by Ruby Short McKim was brought to one of the quilt documentation events that coincided with the 2016 exhibition of the Museum of Texas Tech University’s quilts.
A Unique Sunbonnet Sue
Learn more about this unusually arranged Sunbonnet Sue quilt that was donated to the museum by Sandra Archer.
Accurate Quilt Patterns
One of the reasons that Mountain Mist batting wrapper patterns were so popular was because they were very accurate. If a quilter followed the cutting directions a beautiful quilt would result.
Alphabet Quilt
Quilters often make small quilts for the children in their family. A baby quilt is usually the first project a new quiltmaker will undertake. Grandmothers also join the celebration of new family members by making quilts for their grandchildren, as is the case with this Alphabet quilt made by Martha Alma Baker for her grandson Billy Baker.
Art Quilts by Ellie Kreneck Enter Collection
Generous donations by Ellie Kreneck of her West Texas art quilts as well as the recent purchase of a quilted Haori coat by Yvonne Porcella form the base of what is hoped will be a growing collection of Art Quilts in the Museum’s Collection. While it is difficult to collect pieces that haven’t yet stood the test of time, it is important to acquire these pieces while artists are still alive to provide information about their creations.
Baskets from Oklahoma
Basket quilts are charming, fun, and endearing. But they become so much more when a mother sources the fabrics from the clothing of her children. The resulting quilt becomes a much loved family treasure.
Blue and Cheddar Quilt
Learn about a blue, cheddar, and oxblood quilt with blocks and colors that indicate that it is from the 1880-1889 time frame. However, some scholars think the curved edging and light binding are indicative of a 1925-1950 date. Discover more about the pattern, quilting, and where and when this color combination was popular and when they actually think it was made.
Bow Tie Quilt with Significant Backing
Many of the quilts offered to the Museum of Texas Tech by the local community date from the early 20th century, a time when the area was becoming more fully settled. These quilts often feature soft colors and traditional patterns, as is the case with this one. However, what made this quilt particularly significant for the Museum’s collection was its backing: the maker used feed sacks with woven stripes along the edges, sewing them together to form the back.
Broken Lone Star Quilt
This year (2023) a beautiful circa 1930 Broken Lone Star quilt joined the collection of the Museum of Texas Tech University.