The "Star of Bethlehem" or "Lone Star" quilt pattern first appeared around 1830. The pattern remained popular throughout the 19th and into the 20th century. This unusual Star of Bethlehem quilt is composed of over 2500 pieces of wool-1568 in the center star alone-- including nearly 30 varieties of worsted twills, wool blends, and plaids. The backing of this quilt is similar to a fabric used as linings in Civil War uniforms, suggesting that the quilt may date from the third quarter of the 19th century. Wool was widely used for quilts in the 18th century but was rarer during the early and mid-19th century. Following the Civil War inexpensive domestic wool was more available than previously and wool reappeared -usually in Log Cabin and Crazy Quilt patterns. Although synthetic dyes were available after 1856, many of the fabrics in this quilt may have been dyed with natural dyes such as cochineal or madder (red, rose), indigo (blue), logwood or cochineal and indigo (purple), sumac (dark taupe), and weld over indigo (light green). By 1863, natural dyes were available in pre-packaged packets including coloring agents and mordants. Although the invention of the sewing machine may also have predated this bedcover, it is entirely hand sewn and quilted (17 stitches per inch including top and bottom stitches). The donor of the quilt traces its history through several generations of her family, all of whom were Baltimoreans, leading to the possibility that it was made in this area.