Quilt (or decorative throw), Roman Stripes pattern 1862 - 1865

Julia Perry Brigham crafted this Roman Stripes quilt somewhere around the mid-19th century. The patchwork of colorful stripes, though decorative, provides a window into the social fabric of its time. Quilts like these were a common form of artistic expression and domestic craft, particularly among women. They reflect resourcefulness and community, often made from scraps of fabric and assembled in groups. The Roman Stripe pattern itself, with its orderly arrangement, suggests a sense of structure and control amidst the domestic sphere. Understanding this quilt requires us to consider the everyday lives of women in 19th-century America. What were their roles, their challenges, their creative outlets? Quilts can be a treasure trove of information about the social history of domestic life. Investigating the fabrics used, the patterns chosen, and the techniques employed can tell us a great deal about the women who made them and the world they inhabited.