1897 Vintage Redwork Quilt?

A few weeks ago I purchased this vintage redwork quilt, marketed as a "cutter." Much to my surprise (and delight) the quilt is in fabulous condition (only a few superficial tears and a slightly shredded border). It also embodied as "1897" and I assume this is the year the quilt was made. This one will stay in my collection!
The quilt features redwork squares set on point, with a variety of blocks--from the typical flora and fauna to script, and even some whimsical (a boy riding a pig!).
Redwork quilts were popular between the 1850s and early 1900s, due to the development of the commercially available colorfast red dye (also known as turkey red). The stitching patterns cost one penny, and sometimes these quilts were referred to as Penny Quilts.
No matter the name, this one's a keeper!

[@lynnfranzoni993]

I noticed there was a monogram with the letter "M" circled.....wonder if this is a hint to the name of the quilter?

[@m.a.b.e.l]

Yes, I noticed the M too--I thought maybe the quilter or the recipient.

[@greenquiltsgalore1326]

I'm so glad to see you'll be preserving this beautiful work! Thanks for sharing it!

[@m.a.b.e.l]

You're welcome! I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@nocomment4642]

How beautiful ! and I love the information you give. So interesting !

[@m.a.b.e.l]

I love learning more about the different quilt styles, and am so happy when others also are interested!

[@pamfrank3962]

This quilt is gorgeous ❤ no way should it be cut. Exquisite ❤

[@m.a.b.e.l]

Agreed! It's so special!

[@elsapoblacion9186]

Do you have vintage applique of chicken and chicken coop?
Thank you

[@m.a.b.e.l]

I don't, but I'll stay on the look out!

[@hkreca622]

A beautiful piece.

[@m.a.b.e.l]

I absolutely love it, too!

[@kueichenglee7583]

Thank You

[@ruthsewell1618]

Really beautiful quilt. I am wondering what batting has been used and what the back looks like? Ruth in the UK.

[@m.a.b.e.l]

I'm not sure there's even a batting--it's super thin, and the backing is the same fabric as the front.

[@annettegraff8323]

The quilt is beautiful! It probably was meant to be a summer spread. The backing is just to protect the reverse of embroidery stitches and tidy it up ! Be very careful if it needs cleaning. I have had some fading of blue work when left a bit too long in an antique fabric wash. The red thread may bleed so use a color catcher with synthrapol .That will release extra dye without staining the white.Dont allow direct sunlight on it ! Its a treasure!

[@m.a.b.e.l]

Dye catchers are def a life-saver!! Thanks for the tip abt synthrapol

[@emilypegues4610]

SO glad you snapped this up and that it will not be cut up, it's far too precious! Thanks for sharing it. I'd love to see a pattern for some of the motifs (like the wonderful boy riding a pig!).

[@m.a.b.e.l]

From what I've read, the patterns were sold for a penny (back in the day), so sometimes these quilts were called Penny Quilts. Which I think is such a GREAT name!