We love scientists, and we ‘specially love ones like Ellen Harding Baker of Ceder Falls, Iowa, who are also creative quilters. There is something wondrous about how creation imparts knowledge, and I like to imagine Ellen thinking about the planets’ composition and stellar travels as she stitched. This “Solar System” quilt was made in 1876. The wool top is embellished with wool-fabric applique, wool braid, and wool and silk embroidery.  A teacher, Ms. Baker used her glorious creation as a visual aid for lectures she gave on astronomy.