Tuesday, February 16, 2016

The Lincoln Memorial


Hello everyone! Yesterday was Presidents Day here in the U.S. and I've got a perfect quilt to share. It's a tiny tribute to Abraham Lincoln made by my friend Barb Vedder.

I've named it "The Lincoln Memorial”, a "monumental" title for a miniature quilt, but I like the play on words.



The medallion-style quilt features Abe at its center surrounded by three deceptively simple borders. According to Barb, “It’s interesting how much the fabric choices matter in small projects. When only a few are used, I find it challenging to pick just the right ones.”



After trying "a gazillion” options, Barb's persistence paid off. Her savvy choices lend a sense of depth, complexity, and gravitas to an otherwise simple design. 


I wonder if Barb had Ford’s Theatre in mind as she auditioned fabrics, or was it sheer happenstance how closely they resemble the infamous scene of Lincoln’s demise?



From the rich red carpet and brocade upholstery...


to the heavy swag draperies of the Presidential Box, the similarities are striking.



Even the print on the back, an antebellum riverboat scene, is true to the era.



This is just one of many patriotic quilts inspired by Barb’s love of U.S. history and Americana. She displays her quilts and collections throughout her lovely home. Check them out!


Incidentally, there's a connection between Mary Todd Lincoln and our little town of Batavia, Illinois. Ten years after her husband's tragic death, Mary was deemed mentally unstable and committed to Bellevue Place, a rest home and sanitarium just blocks from our house. Her stay was brief, a mere four months, but long enough for Mrs. Lincoln to earn a prominent spot in local lore.