United States, Mount Holly, New Jersey
Bedcover
1842
Cotton, pieced and appliquéd plain weave; 
some printed; some glazed; some quilted
264.7 x 272.6 cm
Gift of Betsey Leeds Tait Puth, 1978.923

This bedcover was made at a party called a “quilting bee.” Women gathered in a group to create a quilted cover like this, while they talked and enjoyed each other’s company. There are many different patterns, because each woman would make one or more of the pieces prior to the party, at home. Then the pieces were carefully arranged and sewn together at the quilting bee. 

Signatures and inscriptions on the quilt show that it was made for a woman named Ella Maria Deacon, who lived from 1811 to 1894.