Quilt - Meadow Lily Variant c. 1937

This Meadow Lily Variant quilt design was made by C.H. Hastings, using pencil and watercolor on paper. Notice the interplay of blue and white, creating a geometric pattern, a template for a larger textile work. The design hints at the labor-intensive process of quilting. Each shape, carefully delineated, would need to be cut from fabric and stitched together. The choice of the Meadow Lily motif speaks to the maker's connection to the natural world, abstracted into geometric form. Quilting, often a communal activity, allowed for the sharing of skills and stories. The grid structure emphasizes order, but the subtle variations in the hand-drawn lines suggest the individuality and creativity of the maker. This design bridges the gap between functional craft and fine art, inviting us to consider the cultural significance of everyday objects. It shows the artistry embedded in traditional practices.