And so to Bed

The Daughters of the American Revolution Museum is one of those truly magical places for fans of the textile arts. Located steps away from the White House, the museum is one of the best places in the DC area to see an amazing representations of textile history in the US.

Their current exhibition “And So To Bed” is once again taking advantage of their amazing collection. The exhibit features innovations and stylistic changes in the American bedroom from 1750s to the 1920s. Bedroom scenes are complete with the wonderful melding of textiles and furniture. And, examples of bedclothes are seen throughout the exhibit.

The show represents uses of embroidery, weaving, knitting, printed textiles, quilting, cording, and stamped designs. One of the most amazing pieces in the show is a bedspread from the 1750’s made with indigo resist printed cotton. The historic piece is perfectly complimented by reproduction bed hangings. Other not to be missed pieces are a woman bed jacket from the 1860’s made of paisley fabric, and two representations of men’s banyan (men’s bed jacket). And of course, not to be over looked, a hand knitted pair of men’s slippers worn by Thomas Jefferson.

For more information on this exhibit visit the DAR Museum's Exhibit Page.

Hidden Treasure’s at the DAR

If you’ve never ventured into the DAR museum then you have been missing one of D.C.’s greatest secrets. The majority of the museum is filled with 32 period rooms. Each room is sponsored by a different state and represents a piece of the states history. For textile lovers, these are small havens of the grandeur that textiles have played in the America home. My personal favorite is the recently renovated Illinois room, featuring a bedroom filled top to bottom with textiles.