Residence, 101 Augusta Street

#143 Crazy Tie Quilt

Quilter Mildred Spearman

Sponsor Mildred and Jim Spearman

The 1921 Sears Roebuck craftsman style cottage is owned by Mildred and Jim Spearman. The original quilt was made by Mrs. Mildred Spearman in the late 1970’s from her husband's colorful silk neck ties. Tie styles changed in the 1970’s to a more narrow tie, so just as her grandmother, Questria Claudia Purvis Bane of Mullins, SC, had done many years before, Mildred reused the fabric to make a quilt top. Jim, a Westminster native, played as a child under his grandmother’s quilting frame. She was Sarah Judson Buchanan Jones of Westminster. This quilt block was sponsored by the Spearman's and is in honor of both their maternal grandmothers.

Crazy Quilt, a style made popular following the 1876 Philadelphia Exposition Centennial. Inspired by the Japanese Pavilion’s crazed ceramics and asymmetrical art, American ladies quickly adapted the shapes into their sewing by designing quilt patterns using lavish, velvet, brocade and silk fabrics embellished with fancy embroidery stitches. Ladies' magazines made this style quite the Victorian rage, lasting until about 1910 and are still in vogue.