Trip Around the World Variation
Maker unknown
Bowmansville, Pennsylvania
c.1900
73" x 76 1/2"
Cotton
MSU Museum Accession 2001:158.6
Photo by Fumio Ichikawa, all rights reserved by MSU Museum

The striking graphic design of this quilt, attributed to an unidentified Mennonite maker, is typical of quilts from this region and period. Variations on this pattern, known also as "Postage Stamp" or "Philadelphia Pavement," have been closely associated with Bowmansville in Brecknock Township, Lancaster County.

Precisely placed one-inch squares form a design of one large central diamond, four corner diamonds, and four smaller diamonds. These elements are then bordered by a row of squares in a patriotic color scheme: blue print squares alternating with red and white striped ones. The arrangement of light and dark squares in the outer border creates a dramatic hill and valley design. A sharp eye for color and design would have been required of the quiltmaker to successfully complete this complex design. The quilt's pristine condition showcases the bright palette and its unusual setting and pieced borders.

By Mary Worrall, excerpted from American Quilts from Michigan State University Museum.