Crazy Quilt by Louisa Joiner - c. 1887–1900 - 186.7 x 182.9 cm Cleveland Museum of Art Crazy Quilt by Louisa Joiner - c. 1887–1900 - 186.7 x 182.9 cm Cleveland Museum of Art

Crazy Quilt

Silk, ribbons, lace, velvet, embroidered, heat transfer • 186.7 x 182.9 cm
  • Louisa Joiner - 19th century Louisa Joiner c. 1887–1900

Today, thanks to the Cleveland Museum of Art we present something special—a crazy quilt! Crazy quilts are made from materials of varying colors, sizes, shapes, and textures, seemingly without a prearranged pattern. The one we present today, made from an eye-catching combination of fabrics and ribbons, was created by Louisa Joiner, whose initials appear on a panel at lower right. Little is known about the artist aside from the fact she was married to a captain who sailed on the Great Lakes. Some of the quilt’s pieces are believed to be scraps cut from clothing worn on lake cruises.

P.S. Discover beautiful, moving and relevant quilts by Faith Ringgold, a woman artist considered today an American icon.  <3

P.P.S. If you love crazy masterpieces as much as we do, please check our DailyArt 2023 Calendars, full of sometimes very unexpected paintings!