Wild Goose Chase Quilt 1851

The Wild Goose Chase Quilt was created in 1851 by Susan Reed Ruddick, using cotton. The quilt is made up of many small pieces of fabric joined together with careful stitching. Look closely, and you'll see a grid of green squares, framing patterned blocks in muted shades of brown, white, and blue. The quilt’s visual impact comes from its intricate, repetitive design. Each block contains a pattern of triangles, carefully arranged to create a dynamic sense of movement. Imagine the amount of time that Ruddick invested in this piece, cutting and sewing each patch by hand. Quilts such as these were a labor of love, and speak to the maker’s skill and patience, transforming humble textiles into a treasured object. The social context of the quilt is also relevant. In the mid-19th century, quilt-making was a significant form of creative expression for women. It could be a communal activity, allowing women to share patterns and techniques. Ruddick's Wild Goose Chase Quilt stands as a testament to the artistic potential of everyday materials.