Log Cabin (Courthouse Steps Quilt variation) from the collection of San Jose Museum of Quilts &

Log Cabin (Courthouse Steps Quilt variation), c. 1910

Cotton

75 x 68 in (190.5 x 172.72 cm)

Inv: 2002.287.002

At first glance, this quilt appears to be a typical late 19th century Log Cabin quilt with a soft palette of brown, blue and beige prints. Closer examination reveals that fabric from c. 1980 has been so skillfully appliquéd over entire sections that it is difficult to detect. Look at the blocks in each corner. Do you see how much lighter some of the "logs" are? Do you see that same fabric in other blocks? Without looking at the chart, can you find all the replacement "logs?" (Hint: Nineteen blocks have been restored!)

Careful examination of the fabric under the covered sections reveals a similar fabric underneath that has deteriorated. Was the intention of this restoration to deceive a purchaser into thinking the quilt was in excellent condition or simply a careful restoration that returned this quilt to its previous beauty? We will probably never know for certain. Acceptable practices for professional textile restorers are to leave all original material in place, do no further damage and document restorations. This restorer was successful in the first two but no documentation accompanied the quilt.

Techniques: Mix of machine and hand quilting and piecing
Culture: American
Geographic Location: North and Central America, United States
Credit Line: Gift of Jennifer Berthold

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From San Jose Museum of Quilts & Textiles

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View All Artworks

Additional Artworks

Lone Star Quilt, 1947

Eight Pointed Star Quilt, c. 1940

Fan Quilt, c. 1940

Grandmother’s Flower Garden Quilt, c. 1940

Field of Daisies Quilt, c. 1940

Grape Vine Quilt, c. 1915

Log Cabin Quilt (Courthouse Steps variation), c. 1910

Pennsylvania Sampler, c. 1900