One of the great American folk art crafts is the creation of quilts. Often made by women and children, they were emblems of a family's past, a communities history or an interest that was loved by the maker. Other times, they would consist of ornate artistic patterns worthy of display in any museum. Quilts would be passed down through the generations and they are always one-of-a-kind. I have seen many quilts on shows like the Antique Roadshow that were dated to as far back as the revolution. Over the years they have become very collectible.
Thanks to
The Sport Collectors Daily we find out about a collection of quilts made by an avid Baseball fan named Clara Schmitt Rothmeier that will be auctioned later this month. Go to the
auction information page for more information.
Clara was an accomplished baseball player as well as a quiltmaker. Her father played minor league ball in the Pittsburgh organization, and her five brothers and four sisters had all played on traveling baseball and softball teams from Springfield, Illinois. While on the road, she started sewing to keep busy. Her "My Favorite Baseball Stars" quilt took more than 10 years to complete, has 340 actual autographs, and was exhibited in the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York in 1959-1960.
Last year on June 16, 2009 she passed away at the age of 78. You can know check out her work and possibly take one home in their upcoming estate auction on February 20, 2010. Below is her 1955 Brooklyn Dodgers quilt she made after they beat the Yankees in the World Series. There are 32 hand drawn portraits. It measures 79" x 90" and was once on tour with the "Grand Slam: A Century of Baseball Quilts" traveling museum. You may have seen this in 1998 when it came through Southern California.
A Close up.
Below is a great photo from the 1960's of Clara in front of some of her quilts.
Hat Tip: Memories of Kevin Malone:
A Close up.
Below is a great photo from the 1960's of Clara in front of some of her quilts.