The Lincoln Memorial

Hello everyone. Today I'm sharing another birthday quilt made by my friend Barb Vedder. She sent it a few years back, but I'm always happy to revisit it.

I call it "The Lincoln Memorial.” Sure, it's a "monumental" name for a miniature quilt, but who could resist the play on words?

The medallion-style format features Abe Lincoln at its 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, her persistence finally paid off. Barb's 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 sheer 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 is accurate to the Civil War era.

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. Be sure to check them out!

Incidentally, there's also a connection between our little town of Batavia, Illinois and Mary Todd Lincoln. 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 have earned a prominent spot in local lore.