U of I Emblem Quilt

This quilt was designed and executed by Stanley Rankin in 1988, signed SJR with that year.  Most of the quilts that Dorothy and Stan created together were from kits or from traditional patterns. Late 20th century quilting brought a strong desire for novelty and creativity also. This University of Illinois quilt makes a bold statement. A checkerboard of 195 quilt squares (13 across, 17 down) in dark blue and cream-colored fabric form the top for the quilt. The backing of the quilt is the plain dark blue fabric.

Highlighted slightly above center is a large square of orange in which is embroidered the great seal of the University of Illinois. The seal reads, University of Illinois, Chartered 1867 and includes the motto Learning and Labor. Also shown are the symbols of the plow, the anvil and the steam engine representing agriculture, industry and engineering. This orange square is set off by three navy borders. The quilt is bound with a fighting Illini ribbon. The border includes a wide navy band and a narrower orange band of fabric. 

Most notable about the quilt stitching: all of the cream-colored squares have the pattern university’s insignia, with U and I overlapping, stitched in.  A sunburst which highlights the great seal and a rope-like pattern in the orange framing elements complete the fine quilted stitches on this work.

U of I Emblem Quilt