Southern Appalachian Digital Collections

Western Carolina University (20) View all

Weave Pattern: Nine Chariot Wheels

  • wcu_craft_revival-1109.jpg
  • The pattern depicted in this black and white photograph is named Nine Chariot Wheels. The back of this photograph is marked "35 is Irish Chain". Nine Chariot Wheels describes the motifs, a total of nine, that make up the design of rounded wheels alternating with a Table. The Table is a large square or rectangle motif in a pattern; in this example it is divided into four equal parts, often referred to as "windowshades". Coverlet pattern names were never standardized, thus a variation in pattern name is common from state to state and region to region. Frances Goodrich, founder of Allanstand Cottage Industries, collected this photograph. Goodrich's work reviving traditional weaving in the mountains of western North Carolina during the late 1890s and early 1900s led her to collect weaving patterns much in the same way that others of that era were collecting mountain songs. Goodrich kept extensive records of the weave patterns and variations that she came across in her travels. Her research may have provided background for or influenced what was woven and sold through her Allanstand Cottage Industries.