Album Pattern Crib Quilt, c. 1850, Maryland, 37 1/4″ x 38 3/4″, maker unknown. From the Collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Sometimes it cannot be better said than by an expert quilt historian.  This is from the museum curatorial notes:

“Our red and green appliqued crib quilt is a rare example of a Maryland Album quilt in miniature. Its four blocks each contain a floral design similar to those found on large Album quilts, and the swag border is also a common finishing element for quilts from this period. The imperfect quality of the applique work throughout the quilt leads us to suspect that it is the work of a child. Stitching down the appliquéd designs so that they remained symmetrical, and planning out the correct dimensions for each swag on the border would have been challenging even for an adult.”  [Peck 2015; adapted from Amelia Peck, “American Quilts & Coverlets in the Metropolitan Museum of Art,” 2007]

It is precisely the imperfections that endear this quilt to me.  I love that the border is not perfect.  It would be too static if it was.  I love that they have still managed to almost achieve balance in the design of the four blocks.  The reality is that the lower left block does feel a bit heavy, but I also see it as “anchoring” the design; my eye is drawn back to it repeatedly.  The delicacy of the designs of the upper left and lower right blocks add to the harmony of the quilt as they provide a visual foil to the other two visually heavier blocks in the composition; they give the eye a place to rest.  Plus I am a sucker for a good tulip design!