Title: October Foliage
Artist(s): Mary Vida Schafer
Material(s): Cotton, Polyester filling
Technique(s): Hand pieced, hand appliqued and hand quilted
Dimensions: 94" x 84 1/2"
Date made: 1971
Place Created: Flushing, Genesee County, Michigan
Collection: Great Lakes Quilt Center/Michigan State University Museum
Photo Credit: Fumio Ichikawa

Interpretative Commentary:

Mary frequently added her own touch to the historical patterns she used by designing a border and original quilting design to further the quilt's overall impact. One of Mary's trademark original border designs, an appliquéd curving vine border with leaves and grapes, can be found in this "October Foliage" quilt. Mary usually had a very specific reason for choosing each element of her quilts. Here, the rust-colored appliquéd design of the blocks suggests fall leaves whirling in the wind. -- Mary Worrall

Additional Commentary:

The quilt was included in the exhibit American Quilts from Michigan State University Museum, which toured in Japan from January-December 2003 and is featured in the exhibit’s catalogue, American Quilts from Michigan State University Museum. -– Beth Donaldson