This is both the earliest and largest Tumbling Blocks quilt that I have seen. It measures an enormous 102" x 116"; generous for a king size bed or a fabulous wall hanging for a loft space. This pattern is always dramatic but the scale of this makes it unusually so. Well quilted; hand loomed Trenton tape binding. Front is in excellent condition. There is one dark spot about the size of a dime that is visible in first thumbnail close-up. Staining on the back does not come through to the ...click for details
Cross Roads ( aka Old Italian Block) pattern quilt done with a nice selection of late 19th century calico fabrics. Solid white contrasting with the printed calicoes gives dramatic diagonal movement. Damage to one purple triangle; the rest of the quilt is in excellent condition. Measures 64" x 73".
Unusual design and fabrics make this Double T quilt truly exceptional. The primary Double T pattern is combined with a chain to give lots of diagonal movement. Paisley border combined with contrasting corner blocks complete the overall bold image. Deep, rich fabrics. Unwashed condition; what appears to be a white spot on the bottom paisley border is actually a remnant of the original bolt of fabric, proof positive that the quilt has never been laundered. Some water stains on back but front is cl ...click for details
One of the finest examples of a nineteenth century Log Cabin quilt. Red centers jump out from the printed fabrics. Well crafted and exquisitely designed. Consistent use of solid brown; maroon and paisley strips in the center of each diamond contributes to the unity of this fabulous quilt. The same fabrics form a square around the center black diamond. A variety of solid black fabrics adds to the depth of the entire piece. Border quilted with chevrons. Pristine condition. Light wool fabrics; circ ...click for details
There's method to this madness. What at first appears to be a jumble is actually an orderly arrangement of Nine Patch and Hourglass quilt blocks arranged in rows. While different in size, nearly each block is framed by log cabin strips. Three borders are the same triangles; the fourth is diagonal strips. Excellent, probably unwashed condition. Light smudging on one block. Soft calico prints are beautifully combined to create a twinkly palette of light and dark. Back is pieced bars that inc ...click for details
Amish quilt in an original interpretation of Chinese Coins and Bars patterns. Very arty; looks equally interesting shown either vertically or horizontally. Irregular pieces, none of which are repeated, give each rectangular block the look of a fabric collage. Done mostly in wools with a cotton flannel backing. Excellent condition. Measures 68" x 86". Maryland origin; circa 1920.
Elegant Crazy Doll Quilt that is much dressier than doll quilts usually are. Handmade lace is an exceptional border for the piece. Embroidery includes nearly every motif typical of Victorian crazy quilts - flowers, fans and butterflies. Better than usual are the chickens, horse and man. Excellent condition. Maryland origin; circa 1890. Professionally framed; measures 23" x 28".
Pristine condition Economy Patch Crib Quilt. Diagonal grid gives the piece a lots of movement. Because it is square in size, It would be especially effective if displayed on point. Nice variety of fabrics with an especially unusual one used for the border. Measures 41" square; circa 1890. Pennsylvania origin.
Cross Roads Crib Quilt done with unusual prints in a very sophisticated color palette. Each of the light color fabrics depicts nail heads in red and black. Symmetrically arranged to create the appearance of a grid in the center that seems to be underneath the criss cross of each block. Unwashed condition confirmed on the back by remnants of the paper label from the fabric bolt. Has several light smudges. Measures 42" square; Pennsylvania origin. Circa 1890.
Vibrant and dramatic Trip Around the World quilt framed by a zig zag border that repeats the dark and light of the quilt. Nothing subtle about this; it is totally "in your face". Unwashed condition; one small, light spot on a red block. Measures 83" x 86"; circa 1890. Pennsylvania origin - where else could a quilt like this come from?
