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This classic nineteenth century calico baby quilt is made of 1.5 x 2 inch triangles that are pieced together by hand to form a pattern known as Ocean Waves. The pieces are made of typical mid-nineteenth century calicoes, including madder reds and browns, over-dyed greens, double pinks, and shirtings. It was hand-quilted in a diamond pattern to a cotton backing. The batting is a thin, tan cotton, and the binding is a cadet-blue wool twill, cut on the bias.

The quilt was made by Nellie Gunderson Lang, a Norwegian immigrant, who came to Iowa during the Civil War period from Hardanger. She made the quilt for her son Samuel the year he was born.