In the 1880s 'crazy' patchwork became immensely fashionable. It took its name from the seemingly random placement of brightly coloured velvets, satins, twills and other fabrics used in the design. Many makers exploited the vivid and eye catching colours that flooded the market with the introduction of chemical dyes. Crazy patchwork was employed for numerous household articles including quilts, cushions, piano covers, table covers and sofa pillows and for small articles such as theatre and work bags. Magazines such as Weldon's Practical Guide to Needlework and The Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine (edited by the husband of the noted cookery writer Mrs Beeton) illustrated examples of what was alternatively termed 'Japanese' or 'kaleidoscope 'patchwork. Embellishment, applique and embroidery were all promoted as the height of taste and fashion, contributing to an opulent and luxurious interior. The embroidery on this crazy patchwork table cover is extremely fine and suggests it was made by a professional, possibly working in the fashion industry. The exquisite shading of the varieties of flora and fauna showcase the maker's skills and possibly her love of the natural world. In addition to the tiger lily, calla lily, thistle, pansy, poppy, passion flower and ferns are motifs traditionally found in crazy patchwork including the peacock feather, japanese fan, spider's web and tennis racket. It is believed that the patchwork was made by Elsie Lydia Mayers who stitched her initials and the date of 1893 on the patchwork. The fulled wool ground in a variety of colours also suggests access to military or suiting fabrics.