Bicentennial Quilt from the collection of San Jose Museum of Quilts & Textiles

Bicentennial Quilt, 1975

Cotton, cotton blends

98 x 92 in (248.92 x 233.68 cm)

Inv: 2003.306.018

Heavy white cotton with navy blue stars and red stripes. One large eagle panel spans the top of the quilt above 16 white squares with patriotic appliqués. Polyester fill, both machine appliqué and hand stitches in white form the minimal quilting work. This is another quilt from Martha Lipsanen's estate. Martha designed and completed the quilt to celebrate America's Bicentennial. The quilt has personal and public appliqués that link Martha and Lucy. They met as Red Cross workers during WWII. Lucy said about her Red Cross days, " I joined the Red Cross to get out of Ohio and ended up in Cleveland." From mid 1950's through the 60's she and Martha traveled together to Alaska, through Europe to Russia and across the USA. During WWI, the Red Cross was involved in raising money for the war effort through Signature quilts. Their slogan was" Make Quilts - Save the blankets or our boys over there." Lucy and Martha's Red Cross link is in the quilt as Tartha's badge is appliquéd on one square and the blue stars of the border are made from Martha's old uniform. As a quilter, Martha was most interested in design, Lucy in the craft of quilting. The differences can be seen the comparison of their stitches.

Techniques: Hand quilted, hand embroidered, hand and machine applique
Culture: American
Geographic Location: North and Central America, United States
Credit Line: Gift of Rosemary Mucklow, The Lucy Hilty Collection

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Additional Details

Additional Artworks

Japanese Puzzle Quilt, 2003

Point Bonita Friendship Album Quilt, 1998

Feathered Wreaths, 1940

Cathedral Windows Coverlet, c. 1940

Snowball Quilt, c. 1940

Churn Dash Quilt, c. 1910

Pickle Dish Quilt, c. 1900

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