What first appears to be a simple Baskets quilt is actually quite a complex pattern. Multiple designs are created by tilting and turning the direction of the Baskets. Most striking is the Hole in the Barn Door pattern created by the convergence of the four basket bases. Illustrated in Quilts 2004, a copy of which is included with purchase.
Circa 1880; Pennsylvania origin. Measures 76" x 62"; $1600.
Very well done version of the Irish Chain, one of the earliest patterns. This example was made circa 1890; finely waffle quilted. Has two different red printed fabrics against a solid white ground. Nicely framed by a wide outer border and two narrow inner borders.
Measures 70" x 82"; Bally, Pennsylvania origin. $795.
This is a most unusual Cheater's Cloth fabric done with whimsical detail of the printed embroidery. Three panels are set side by side to effectively create a Straight Furrows arrangement. Unwashed condition. Pennsylvania origin: circa 1880. Measures 79" x 88"; $450.
The Centennial bandanna forms a central medallion for this Log Cabin quilt done in the 1870's. It's always useful to have a date such as on the bandanna in order to verify the age of the fabrics forming the Log Cabin. Slight fraying on the binding and one split in the interior seen on a close-up. Measures 80" x 91"; Pennsylvania origin.
Crisp and freshly laundered Feathered Stars quilt done in rust and green calico. Well pieced and quilted with several traditional Pennsylvania designs. Circa 1870. Measures 85" wide x 82" long.
This comforter is like op art of the 19th century. The contrast of the red on black circles tied with white thread atop the rectangles make the pattern really move. The darks are wool suiting fabrics. Clearly, this was made for warmth as it is quite heavy, but it was done by someone with an artistic eye. Area of light discoloration visible in thumbnail but it does nothing to detract from the overall impact. Circa 1890; Pennsylvania origin. Measures 69" x 71".
Soft colors are beautifully blended in this unusual Snowball quilt. Each circle is surrounded by a quilted wreath. Interesting contrast of the multiple straight borders with the roundness of the circles and wreaths. Pristine condition. Circa 1920; measures 78" x 89".
This is the finest version of this pattern that I've ever seen. It is extremely well quilted in cross hatching with a wreath in the center surrounding a quilted star. Embroidery adds three dimensionality. Lovely, soft colors; pristine condition. Pennsylvania origin; circa 1920. Measures 72 1/2" x 73 1/2".
Embroidered pinwheels of this type are usually seen decorating pillows; rarely are they an entire quilt pattern. This Lancaster County Amish example is very well planned out with diagonal rows of color. Background is men's wool suiting fabrics. Quilted in green thread with zigzag patterning throughout the border. Measures 75" x 78". Lancaster County, Pennsylvania origin; circa 1920.
This is one of the most classic of nineteenth century quilt patterns, beautifully done in rust and green calico. The stars and delicate sawtooth border are very well pieced. Nicely quilted with an unusual undulating pattern in the border. Measures 85" square; circa 1870. Has been professionally washed. Pennsylvania origin.
