The Lincoln Memorial

Hello everyone! In honor of Presidents' Day this year, I'm sharing a special birthday quilt made by my friend, Barb Vedder. It's a tribute to Abraham Lincoln that I call "The Lincoln Memorial." Sure, it's a "monumental" name for a miniature quilt, but I like a good play on words!

Hyperbole aside, it’s a medallion-style quilt with Abe at the center surrounded by three deceptively simple borders. According to Barb, "Fabric choices really matter in small projects like this. When only a few are used, it can be challenging to pick just the right ones."

After trying a "gazillion" options, Barb's persistence finally paid off! Her savvy fabric choices add depth, complexity, and gravitas to an otherwise simple design. 

I wonder if Barb had Ford's Theatre in mind as she auditioned her fabrics, or was it happenstance how closely they resemble the 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 riverboat scene on the back of the quilt is accurate to the era!

Of course, this is just one of many patriotic quilts inspired by Barb’s love of U.S. history. She displays her quilts and collections throughout her lovely home. Check 'em out!

Incidentally, there's even a connection between Mary Todd Lincoln and our little town of Batavia, Illinois. Ten years after President Lincoln's assassination, 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 her to have earned a prominent place in local lore. In fact, even the Batavia Historical Society keeps the bed she slept in on display!

Originally posted 2/16/2016.