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.
Searching for Origins - Star and Crescent Quilt
The Museum of Texas Tech University is proud to announce that the 450 quilts from the collection of West Texas native Lisa Erlandson have been promised to the Museum, with an exhibit showcasing 40 of her treasures. Mrs. Erlandson, a quilt historian, has held numerous leadership roles with the American Quilt Study Group. She is particularly passionate about researching and preserving the stories behind each quilt. Having collected quilts for many years, she has chosen this institution to care for her remarkable collection, an honor the Museum staff deeply appreciates. The exhibit will be on display through August 17, 2025.
Mrs. Erlandson continues to lecture using her quilts, and some quilts that have been promised as gifts to the museum will be returned to her for ongoing research. One such example is a Star and Crescent pattern quilt with inscribed blocks dated 1877.
Seven Sisters Quilt: Shooting Stars or a Shootout?
Stars are a prime symbol at this time of the year for those celebrating Christmas. The star that led the Wise Men to find the Christ Child in Bethlehem features prominently on Christmas cards, wrapping paper and Christmas decorations. It seems timely to enjoy the Seven Sisters quilt block pattern—with a star representing each sister. The pattern is named for “The seven lovely daughters of the Fowler family” of Old Virginia” explained Nancy Cabot in her Chicago Tribune column in 1933.
Seven Sisters Quilts
The Seven Sisters quilt pattern, with its tricky inset seams is a popular, but difficult, pattern to piece. The Museum of Texas Tech University is fortunate to have two wonderful examples of this challenging pattern.
Sewing Machines and Southern Quilts
The sewing machine was perfected for home use in the late 1850s. For some time I had thought that the more prosperous industrial north had sewing machines long before the rural agrarian southern homes. However quilt historian Barbara Brackman in her reading of many diaries of Southern women noted that they were using sewing machines before the Civil War in order to help them clothe the many people on their plantations.
Shelter in Place Quilt
Learn about Linda Fisher's quilt, "Covid-19" created during the pandemic of 2020.
Snowflakes and Crochet on Quilts
The falling snow in January reminded Dr. Montgomery of the snowflake-like look of crocheted doilies in an acquisition of the Museum of Texas Tech University.
So How Many Quilts Did You Make in 25 Years?
Spinning Ball Quilts
Circles in many forms have been popular quilting motifs in recent years. If you have walked through any quilt shows recently or thumbed through quilt magazines, you are sure to have seen a circle quilt or two.
State Bird and Flower Quilt
State bird and flower quilts have been popular among quilt makers for years. It is a nice way to honor each state and teach the next generation about the symbols of each of the states in the country. Learn about Jewel Dee Merriman Clark's State Bird and Flower quilt created in the 1950s using crayons.
Sugar Loaf Quilt Leads to Collection from One Donor