Hand-Sewn

Quilts served both a functional purpose and an aesthetic one. The quilts in this collection, sewn in the 19th and 20th century, were made by female members of the Berry family for their trousseaus and for their family homes. They served as functional household goods to keep beds warm on cold nights, but also served to show off the skill and talent of the women who crafted them. Tight stitching, creative color palettes and complex patterns came together in handsewn quilts that allowed women to display their artistic chops and their technical skill.