Flower Sampler Quilt

This Flower Sampler quilt is an encyclopedia of flower patterns in counted cross-stitch. A plain cream binding matches the cream-colored cotton field of the quilt. The entire quilt is stitched in small diagonal squares, broken only by lines which appear to create blocks of equal distance. 

The so-called blocks each sport a floral design. There are thirty blocks, five across and six down. Traditional applique patterns are rendered here in red, pink and green cross-stitch, as is common with many of the Rankin quilts (e.g., Amish Sampler, Baltimore Bride’s Quilt).  Notable are several different renderings of the Rose of Sharon pattern with a wreath and four flowers. Flower baskets, tulips urns, rose wreaths are also familiar motifs. A square created from four grape leaf-grape vines in the corners is an unusual addition and is repeated four times. 

This quilt was made from a Rainbow Quilt block kit in 1967.   In the early 20th century William Pinch founded the Rainbow Quilt Block Company in Cleveland Ohio.  On his flyers he gave himself the name “Quilt Block Specialist” and “Maker of Pretty Quilts.” The name, Rainbow, came from Pinch’s process of printing the patterns for the cross-stitch keyed to the colors of the thread to be used, red, yellow, green, blue, and purple.  Pinch’s designs were often for children’s quilts featuring teddy bears or kewpie dolls. Blocks were sold separately from the thread and found in many dry goods stores.

The quilt was constructed of strips separately sewn.