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Early 1990s quilt by Betty Jane McDonald Winner Peak of Lubbock.  Gift of William Alex Winner TTU-H2020-064-001.

Snowflakes and Crochet on Quilts

By Marian Ann J. Montgomery, Ph.D.

Curator of Clothing and Textiles, Museum of Texas Tech University

The falling snow in January reminded me of the snowflake-like look of crocheted doilies and an acquisition to the Museum of Texas Tech University. The quilt, made by Betty Jane McDonald Winner Peak, is arranged in the popular 1990s quilt pattern, Turning Twenty, and embellished with doilies inherited from her grandmother Alpha Marie Nash Craig (b. Nov. 8, 1879, d. August 2, 1970, Mrs. Fred Elias Craig). This is a wonderful example of a quilt that incorporates the handwork of more than one generation in a single piece.

Betty Jane McDonald Winner Peak (b. September 17, 1926, m. Frank E. Winner August 1045, married Alton R. Peak January 1954, d. Nov. 23, 2003) was in her 60s when she made the quilt. The simple block layout and contrasting colors really show off her grandmother’s lovely doilies.

Betty as a toddler and at age 14. (Images Find A Grave)

Betty was born and grew up in Lubbock, Texas. After high school she stayed in Lubbock to attended Texas Tech College. As a college student she was an active member of a woman’s organization that met in the home of Dr. William Curry Holden, the founding director of the Museum of Texas Tech University.

Mrs. Peak included an image of her grandmother who made the doilies on the label of her quilt.

Wanting to be closer to their married daughter Lola, Alpha and Fred Craig (Betty’s grandparents), left their Nebraska farm and moved to Lubbock around 1941. At one point in their marriage, Alpha Craig, wanted a “root cellar” for her canning, but husband Fred, said, “No!” So, while he was out farming, she would sneak down, dig a little, and scatter the dirt among the chickens, until she had dug herself proper root cellar. Sometimes there just is no deterring a determined woman. Alpha Craig crocheted the beautiful doilies that enhance this quilt.

Detail of crochet work by Alpha Marie Nash Craig on the quilt by Betty McDonald Winner Peak, mid 1990s.

Quilt patterns have been seen on the fashion runways since about 2018. Designers are now incorporating crochet work as seen in the recent Spring 2021 Eckhaus Latta runway show.

Crotched ensemble from the Spring 2021 Eckhaus Latta line.