Saturday at the Quilt Museum - Feathered Stars

Since we've already looked at "Star of Bethlehem" quilts recently, I though we'd focus on some Feathered Stars this week in honor of this Christmas season.

One of the things I've noticed in looking at this pattern is how the tips of the stars have changed. Back in the 1800's, it appears it was much more common to have a half-square triangle unit used at the end of a point, while now a diamond is the usual treatment.

So, let's start our tour......

Chintz Feathered Star
Virginia
1850

This first one has very little information attached to it.  It was made around 1850 in Virginia.  The thing that stands out to me about it is the use of chintz in the centers of the stars and alternate blocks.

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Possible Mourning Quilt
1880-1890

I've not found any further information about this one, but I really like the simplicity of it.  I think the sawtooth border is a perfect finish to it after the wonderful open space around the stars.

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Feathered Star
Jan Hoard Hubbard
Texas
1860
80" x 97"

Isn't this one striking?  I like her use of color and the second star she created on the interior of each.  The quilting looks kind of like a clam shell.

There is quite a lengthy note attached to this record on the The Quilt Index.  If you follow the link, you can read more about it.
http://www.quiltindex.org/basicdisplay.php?kid=4F-88-CF

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Double Feathered Star
1850-1860

There's no additional information about this one, but I really like the "double" treatment in this.  There's so much to see.  The traditional feathered star in the middle of much larger "feathers" as well as the secondary pattern that kind of has a Navajo feel to it.  The border and corner stones finish it well.

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Feather Quilt
Barbara Voilu; Barbra Pennington
1860's
77" x 79"

Another one with no additional information, but if you follow the link below, you can see many more pictures of it and a note that was attached to the back.

The use of ombre in the centers adds a very distinctive touch to it.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/-/291146284634?roken=cUgayN

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Feathered Star and Oak Leaf
Sarah Lefever
1847

I've posted about this one before, but it is probably my favorite among many.  Made by Sarah Lefever in 1847, the workmanship is stellar.  You can read more about it and see more pictures on Bonnie Hunter's blog
http://quiltville.blogspot.com/2012/05/sarah-m-lefever-1847.html

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Thanks for joining us for our tour of Feathered Star Quilts!

Happy Quilting!!

PLEASE NOTE:

- I am not a quilt historian.  I simply enjoy finding interesting quilts and sharing them with you!

- The quilt images on this post were sourced from Pinterest, unless otherwise noted, and are linked to their origin whenever possible.