This family heirloom quilt has some unique embroideries and provides a glimpse into the quiltmaker's personality. (And no, I did not leave my scissors on the quilt by mistake. They are embroidered with a variegated wool thread, giving them a wonderful metallic appearance!)
Here's what the quilt owner told me about the quilt:
I believe it was made by my great-grandmother, Johanna Gerbracht (born: 1865). She was married to Henry Gerbracht (born: 1863). They lived in Chatsworth, IL. The best record I have online says that she married Henry in 1888. That would make the quilt (dated: 1897) around their 10 year anniversary. Online records show that she had three children, one of whom was born in 1898/1897. You would know better than I, but that quilt doesn't scream baby quilt to me. So I'm assuming that she made it for her and her husband.
There are plenty of photos below, and you can see some other views of the quilt and listen to more descriptive information in a short video.
