Handsewn Patchwork Quilt, 1996

<p>This is a Scottish handsewn patchwork quilt by Ann MacFarlane, Ayrshire – August 1996. The design features a 6 part handsewn hexagon motif on a yellow background edged in navy. The quilt is fully lined in cream and there is a discreet hand-written dedication in one corner on the reverse.</p> <p>Patchwork became fashionable in Europe and America in the 17th century, as a means of showing off beautiful silks and printed cottons. Often, women would stitch in groups, or ‘quilting bees’ (sometimes including domestic staff) to create quilts to mark occasions such as a wedding.</p>