Collections Database

Description:
Coverlet done in three panels of material joined together with machine stitching in traditional blue denim with a white warp and blue weft, and linen candlewicking couched on the the surface in concentric circles of 7" and 10 1/2"; and a 3" machine-stiched hem on four sides. This technique is sometimes referred to as "candlewicking" because of the thick thread's resemblance to a candle's wick. The period term for this kind of embroidery is "knotted counterpane" as found in a c.1854 Illinois reference by Gail Bakkom and referred to by former Winterthur textile curator and author, Susan Swan.

Subjects:
Textile fabrics; Linen

Link to share this object record:
https://museums.fivecolleges.edu/detail.php?t=objects&type=ext&id_number=HD+69.1249

Research on objects in the collections, including provenance, is ongoing and may be incomplete. If you have additional information or would like to learn more about a particular object, please email fc-museums-web@fivecolleges.edu.