"Hello, Gorgeous!"

Every once in a while, something so unique comes along it's difficult to pass up. That's how I felt about this iconic Layered Fans quilt, c. 1920, from New York. If it looks familiar, it is the quilt on the cover of Robert Shaw's book, "American Quilts, The Democratic Art, 1780-2007" and it is in the book on page 243. When I opened the box, I said, "Hello, Gorgeous!"

In the book it is described as: Layered Fans, c. 1920, New York City. Cotton and velvet, pieced and tied. 70 x 66 inches. Collection of Laura Fisher / Fisher Heritage. (I bought it from Laura).

"This flamboyant Fans Variation was found in New York City. The arrangement of the fans gives the three-dimensional illusion of several layers of piecing piled on top of each other. These range from the complex center "square" with a circle, to ever-expanding "layers" that combine rounded half-circle fans and partially elongated fan segments until the quilt's full dimension is achieved. The top is attached to the back with string ties, rather than quilted." 

With another buying season coming to a close, this magnificent Layered Fans Variation was the perfect exclamation point! I've awaited its arrival for months. It was part of the "American Quilts, The Democratic Art" exhibition at the Whatcom Museum in Bellingham, Washington, which ended a couple weeks ago. If (when!) the exhibition travels to other locations, so will this quilt. It's a privilege to own it, but an ever greater privilege to share it.