Oak Leaf and Cherries
Mary Schafer
Flushing, Genesee County, MI
1969
88" x 79"
Cotton with polyester filling
1998:53.67
Photo by Fumio Ichikawa, all rights reserved Michigan State University Museum

Mary created "Oak Leaf and Cherries" during her self-named "Challenge Period" when she became determined "to raise in popular esteem" the appreciation of quilts. Many of the quilts Mary made during this period were intended to honor important figures in history, especially women and those who played key roles in quilting history. To honor Rose Wilder Lane, author of American Needlework, Mary selected "Oak Leaf and Cherries," one of the patterns featured in Lane's book. The quilt was a perfect showcase for Mary's needlework skills; she stuffed the cherries, created an original quilting design, and added a unique appliqued border.

By Mary Worrall from American Quilts from Michigan State University Museum