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Quilting and Patchwork

Crazy Quilts & Horsehair Couches

by Mary Emma Allen on July 22nd, 2005

As I recall the quilting memories of my childhood, the striking Crazy Quilt draped over the horsehair couch in my grandmother’s parlor (as living rooms were then called) comes to mind. This was the first quilt I’d seen made of exotic silk, satin, and velveteen.

Those irregular patches were sewn together with many different types of stitches that added to the appeal of the quilt. Some of the patches also had designs stitched within them with colorful thread.

I wish now I’d asked about this quilt, where it came from and whose clothing might have gone into the making. However, it was fun when I was allowed to drape this quilt around my shoulders if I were cold or cover me when I might rest upon the couch.

Resting upon a horsehair couch wasn’t the easiest to do, and sleeping on it was even more difficult. Even though the shiny black seat and back was attractive to look at, it scraped against our skin and itched.

I recall sleeping on the couch one night when our family arrived unexpectedly at Grandmother’s and she didn’t have enough beds. She had other guests we hadn’t known about. So I was
allowed to sleep on the couch and pull the crazy quilt over me.

The thrill soon turned to itching as the horsehair seemed to penetrate both the sheet under me and my pajamas.

I often wonder though what happened to that quilt. If someone has it now, I hope they treasure the Crazy Quilt from Trails End Farm.
©2005

POSTED IN: Quilting / Patchwork Memories

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