Amish quilt, Diamond in the Square, quilted in corner by machine is "JTP" over "1921." Unusual characteristics indicate Mifflin Co. Amish origin or influence (overall proportions, quilting patterns, narrow binding, two inner borders, rounded corners and other construction details). However, Diamond in the Square pattern is usually associated with Lancater County.
Top is plain-weave wool. Central blue diamond on a green square. Unusual feature is two inner borders of equal width (5 1/4"), first is reddish-brown with green corners and the next is blue with green corners. (Equal width inner borders is another characteristic of Mifflin Co.) Outer border (9 1/2" wide) is of reddish-brown with green corners.
Back is blue plain-weave cotton chambray. Blue binding is only 3/4" wide (standard Lanc. Co. width is 1 1/2" - 2").
Quilting: large feather wreath in diamond, along with diapering and some scalloping. Green square (corners) has half wreaths infilled with clamshell and diaper patterns. First inner border has clamshell, second inner border has unusual 8-scroll motif and outer border has meandering feather infilled with clamshell (including corners). Green corner blocks of both inner borders have a single pinwheel.
Provenance
Esprit purchased from America Hurrah in July 1985 for $4,500.
See condition report of 7/17/13 by intern Emily Jones. Dark liquid stains, esp. in one outer border and corner block with initials/date. Bleeding likely caused by an attempt to clean corner block stain. Center diamond has a couple lighter stain/soil areas. One outer border has small areas of light staining/bleaching. Binding is faded, soiled with wear.