Quilt No.983VD - Virginia DeFriest

Virginia DeFriest
Owner: 
Virginia DeFriest
Location: 
VIC Melbourne
Maker
Maker: 
Mother Bryant'
Made in
USA Arkansas
Patterms
Patchwork, Mosaic
Date: 
1921 - 1940
Description: 
Called an 'Easter Egg' pattern by the owner. Whole quilt is pieced from the same small shapes in printed and plain cottons. It is all hand stitched. The padding is cotton wadding and the backing plain white muslin. 2220 x 1840 mm
History: 

This quilt is thought to have been made by 'Mother Bryant' in the Ozark mountains of Arkansas USA c.1925. It was made for the present owner's husband, James Ellis DeFriest, at the time of his birth in 1925 and was to be a wedding quilt when he married. In 1950 he and Virginia were married in California. Following her husband's death, the quilt is with Virginia in Australia. It is used occasionally.

Story: 

"I was told it had been made by 'Mother Bryant' who lived somewhere in the Ozark mountains of Arkansas, USA. It had been presented to my late husband when he was born in 1925. 'Mother Bryant' was not a relation but presumably a close family friend. My husband was born in Springdale, Arkansas.
I first saw it when my husband and I married in California, 1950. We slept under it in many countries as my husband's work moved us to Kenya, Sierra Leonne, New Zealand, Ghana and Australia. As the older (previously used?) pieces wore out I have been replacing them and have put new edging around the quilt." [Virginia DeFriest]

James Ellis DeFriest as a baby c.1926. Next to him, Virginia and James son, Jim. Below, the owner's mother and father-in-law in 1950.
James Ellis DeFriest as a baby c.1926. Next to him, Virginia and James son, Jim. Below, the owner's mother and father-in-law in 1950.
Thought to have been taken on the Arkansas family property c.1925
Thought to have been taken on the Arkansas family property c.1925

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