Pakistani Ralli or Patchwork Quilt

A soft diamond of grays, tans and white, ringed by squares.

Cotton scraps from Pakistan, sewn in the mid to late 20th century, became this ralli, or patchwork quilt. Quilts like this are often made from recycled cloth, layered and stitched through for warmth. Rows of tiny squares in gray, brown and white grow outward from the center in concentric steps, with a dark edge on either side. A thin, darker outline traces the inner edge, a neat finishing touch.

About 86 by 54 inches. The mood is calm; the effort was not.