QUILT INDEX RECORD

12-8-5390

Who documented this quilt?

Michigan Quilt Project

Where are the records for this quilt housed?

Michigan State University Museum

Michigan Quilt Project Number:

09.0178

Quilt's title:

Chimney Sweep Album

When was the form filled out?

10/28/2009

Quilt top made by:

Unknown, Maker

If you are a relative of the quiltmaker, how are you related? The quiltmaker is my:

Quilt collector; Quilt owner

If you are the quilt owner, how did you acquire this quilt?

Purchased the quilt

Where the quilt was made, country:

United States

Time period:

1800-1849

When was the quilt finished?

c1840

Quilt is presently used as:

Study or teaching aid; Other collection

This is a:

Finished quilt

How wide is the quilt?

70 1/2"

How long is the quilt?

87"

Shape of edge:

Straight

Shape of corners:

Straight

What color is the quilt?

Beige or Tan; Blue; Brown; Cream

Antique colors:

Prussian Blue or Lafayette Blue

Quilt's condition:

Good/moderate use

Type of inscription:

Signature; Multiple Names

What is inscribed on the quilt?

They include Simon Fish, born Jan. 17, 1797, followed by 1803, William R. Fish, Nathan G. Fish, Judiah R. Fish, Portins Ville-Gooten, April 1841. The earliest members are placed in the center and then build outwards. One block at the bottom traces the deaths and ages of children.

Method used to make the inscription:

Ink

Location of inscription:

on block

Describe the quilt's layout:

Block pattern

Number of quilt blocks:

56

Arrangement of quilt blocks:

Straight

Spacing of quilt blocks:

Separated by plain sashing

Fiber types used to make the quilt top:

Cotton

Fabric types used to make the quilt top:

Chintz

Describe the fibers or fabrics in the quilt top:

Ombre

Piecing techniques used to make the quilt top:

Hand Piecing

Materials used to make the back:

Cotton

What kind of filling is used in the quilt?

Cotton

How are the layers held together?

Hand quilting

Features or notes about the quilt's appearance, materials, or construction:

During the 1840’s, album blocks were common. This quilt is a family quilt that documents the members of a family similar to a family bible. Blocks are signed with indelible ink. Many are dated with birth and/or death dates. They include Simon Fish, born Jan. 17, 1797, followed by 1803, William R. Fish, Nathan G. Fish, Judiah R. Fish, Portins Ville-Gooten, April 1841. The earliest members are placed in the center and then build outwards. One block at the bottom traces the deaths and ages of children. The fabrics include some chintz, Prussian blue, and ombre prints. This quilt dates c. 1840.

Exhibitions where this quilt was displayed:

Antique Quilt Exhibit, Michigan Quilt Network Showcase September 9-13, 2009; Lansing Center, Lansing, Michigan. #5

Person filling out this form is:

Quilt collector; Quilt owner

Ownership of this quilt is:

Private

Quilt owner's name:

Virginia Anderson and April Yorks

Quilt owner's county:

Genesee

Quilt owner's state:

Michigan (MI)

Quilt owner's country:

United States

Access and copyright information:

Restricted

Who photographed this quilt?

Beth Donaldson

Copyright holder:

MSU Board of Trustees