Necktie quilt by Allie Crumble, 1982
(1996.118.16)

Drawing from appliqué quilt traditions, Allie Crumble offers a portrait of her African-American church community. Her pieced quilt consists of thirty-six large squares, each appliquéd with portions of actual ties owned by the male members of Milwaukee's Metropolitan Baptist Church. The name of each necktie's owner is embroidered next to it, beginning with the clergymen and deacons at the top and continuing with the brothers of the congregation. This object is a variation of a traditional album or friendship quilt.