Piecework (or patchwork) quilting lends itself to geometric design. Cut shapes are arranged to create an infinite variety of ingenious visual and textural effects, depending on the type and colour of fabric, and the quilt pattern chosen by the maker. This delicately pieced star quilt is a showcase of hand stitchery. Intricate floral, diamond and medallion designs are sewn over the stars and white “background” of the quilt, making the underside as beautiful as the top. According to family lore, Mary Davis did quilt with others, but often she did not like their stitching, and would pick it out and redo it. So this quilt is likely all her work.