Nine Patch and Hourglass Quilt: Circa 1880; Pennsylvania

There's method to this madness. What at first appears to be a jumble is actually an orderly arrangement of Nine Patch and Hourglass quilt blocks arranged in rows. While different in size, nearly each block is framed by log cabin strips. Three borders are the same triangles; the fourth is diagonal strips. Excellent, probably unwashed condition. Light smudging on one block. Soft calico prints are beautifully combined to create a twinkly palette of light and dark. Back is pieced bars that includes a fabric of black cherries. As if piecing Nine Patches was not sufficient, the maker included a cheater's cloth of printed Nine Patch. Measures 62" x 74". Pennsylvania origin; circa 1880.