Title: Oak Leaf and Cherries
Artist(s): Mary Vida Schafer
Material(s): Cotton, Polyester filling
Technique(s): Hand pieced, hand appliqued and hand quilted
Dimensions: 79" x 88"
Date made: 1969
Place Created: Flushing, Genesee County, Michigan
Collection: Great Lakes Quilt Center/Michigan State University Museum
Photo Credit: Fumio Ichikawa

Interpretative Commentary:

Mary created "Oak Leaf and Cherries" during her self-named "Challenge Period" when she became determined "to raise in popular esteem" the appreciation of quilts. Many of the quilts Mary made during this period were intended to honor important figures in history, especially women and those who played key roles in quilting history. To honor Rose Wilder Lane, author of American Needlework, Mary selected "Oak Leaf and Cherries," one of the patterns featured in Lane's book. The quilt was a perfect showcase for Mary's needlework skills; she stuffed the cherries, created an original quilting design, and added a unique appliqued border. -- Mary Worrall

Additional Commentary:

This quilt was chosen to tour with the American Quilts from Michigan State University Museum exhibit, January-December, 2003, Japan; and is featured in the exhibit's catalogue, American Quilts from Michigan State University Museum, page 115. It was illustrated in the publication, Mary Schafer and Her Quilts, page 22. It won the First Award at the Saginaw County Fair in 1971 and First Premium at the Michigan State Fair in 1972. -- Beth Donaldson