By the Numbers:

1 Quilting Technique; 3 Fabrics

***Beginner Pattern Forthcoming***

Tiffany Knot : Inspired by History

Curiosity

I always find it fascinating where, when and how artists find inspiration for their works. I’m no different. This particular quilt was inspired by my love of history and appreciation of the artistry of the Tiffany glass ceiling in the Maryland State House.

Being a huge history nerd and from Maryland originally, I love learning about, sharing and visiting historical places in my home state. Several years ago, my mom and I were hanging out around the historic downtown Annapolis and randomly decided to check out the State House. I’d never been inside and it had been a long time for my mom.

Walking the Halls of History

According to Wikipedia, the Maryland State House is the oldest U.S. state capitol in continuous legislative use, dating to 1772. In 1783 and 1784 it served as the first capitol building of the United States Congress.

The Maryland State House is significant due to three major events in American history that occurred here;

  • On December 23, 1783, George Washington formally resigned his military commission, signifying that he believed the power of the military belonged in the hands of the civilian government.

  • On January 17th, 1784, the Treaty of Paris was ratified, ending the Revolutionary War and making Annapolis the first peace-time capitol of the newly formed United States

  • In May of 1784, Thomas Jefferson is appointed as Minister of Planned Potentiary and is sent to France to join John Adam and Ben Franklin as the US’ first foreign ambassador.

Pretty impressive huh? I think so anyway.

Photo curtesy of Martin Falbisoner on Wikipedia.com

Another fun fact, (before we get into the quilting part of things here) is that the dome on the state house is the largest all-wooden dome in the United States and is held together entirely by mortise and tenon joints and elaborate iron strapping.

#nonails

‘New Annex’ and Tiffany & Co.

Between 1902 and 1905, the “new annex” of the Maryland State House was built, expanding the House by adding a grand entrance and larger chambers for both legislative branches of the Maryland State Government.

It was in this ‘new annex’ I found inspiration for the Tiffany Knot mini-quilt. In the ‘new annex’, the House of Delegates chamber is illuminated by the largest Tiffany glass ceiling - yes, THAT Tiffany Co glass - out of five that were commissioned for this ‘new annex’

Photo curtesy of commons.wikimedia.com

Sketch design courtesy of the Maryland State Archives

While each Tiffany skylight is different in its intricate design, I found the ‘knots’ in the skylight of the House of Delegates to be particularly fascinating.  I remember turning to my mom and saying “Those knots would make a really cool quilt.”  

By only using strip piecing techniques, I was able to replicate the ‘Tiffany Knot’ of the stained glass ceiling.

Needless to say, this sketch design was huge in figuring out what quilting technique(s) would work best to try and replicate those knots.

I think I did a pretty good job when you put them side by side!

References:

C-SPAN Cities Tour - Annapolis: Maryland State House

Maryland State House - Wikipedia

58. DETAIL SHOWING EAST QUADRANT OF TIFFANY STAINED GLASS SKYLIGHT AND PLASTER CORNICE SURROUND - Maryland State House, State Circle, Annapolis, Anne Arundel County, MD, Maryland State Archives