The Log Cabin pattern is a great example of shared cultural experiences expressed through symbolism within quilting patterns. There are many pattern variations, each with a different name reflecting the activities of settlers in North America, such as barn raising and single furrow. The regular variation is often interpreted as the square log cabins or shanties settlers built, with their hearths represented by a central red square. This quilt, created in the pattern variation known as barn raising, is made from a variety of materials including silk, cotton, velvet and wool. Consisting of the same basic square pattern with central red square, these blocks are arranged to make a larger alternating light and dark diamond pattern.
The Museum’s collection contains near 200 blankets and quilts representing a variety of patterns, and bedding fashions and fads. Other Log Cabin quilts available through the online collection are: Light and Dark Variation, Fence Rail, Single Furrow, Sunshine and Shadows
