Historic American
QuiltsHistoric American
Quilts
20th Century Quilts Quilt Tip: Patterns for quilts were popular in the late 19th century but reached their peak in the early 20th century. Original and old stand-by designs, patterns and actual kits with fabric were all available from various publication sources. Locating and identifying these sources has become a challenge for the quilt historian.
690 Delectable Mountains Variation, ca 1940, 76x76, found in Illinois. This is one of the most popular patterns in quilts and requires a great deal of expeertise to get those little triangle points to go where they are supposed to. This pattern has an extra star and mountain motif in the center and is of a lighter yellow than the rest. The quilt is hand-pieced except for the border. There are 6 rows of sawteeth, The quilting is in lines on either side of the motif pieces and in diagonals on the backgrounds and the border at 6 st/in. The backing is a pale yellow and comes around to the front as the binding. There is a pale pink stain in one location on the top. A very bright addition to the right room. $450
686 Amish Trip Around the World, ca 1920, 78x82, found in Kalona, Iowa, initials "JME" in embroidery on back binding. All aspects of the quilt are included to show the degree of fading in the 12-inch rayon crepe border. We don't think it detracts from the quilt, but you may. The colors are those wonderful Amish combinations and the execution is expert as well. The backing is brown plain weave cotton The quilting is in diamonds in the squares and in double fern fronds on the border in 9st/in. It is beautiful. $1250
623 Double Woven Quilt look-alike, probably manufactured, found in Minnesota, age?, 100x100. The pattern is a take-off of Aunt Mary's Double Irish Chain, designed by Clara Stone in 1906. It may have been someone's idea to take the work out of quilt making and send it to the professional looms. Note that there are polka dots on the front brown triangles and pseudo stitched squares on the back triangles. The border is of a lighter brown and too takes after the border on a quilt. It is on three sides. Since this quilt?coverlet is so large it could easily be a spread for a full bed. It is in excellent condition. $750
671 Broken Star, 1930-40, 84 x 92. This 8-pointed star has some unusual colors including brick red and a light Nile green from the depression era. It is all hand-pieced, if you can imagine, and each point is perfect. The border is lined with green diamonds and has 8-point stars at the corners. This is not easy to work out, believe me.There is a lighter green applied binding, white backing. The quilting is fabulous at 6-7 st/in in stitching on either side of the diamonds, wreaths in the set white blocks, two ferns coming down from each corner (second photo), and diamonds in the outer border. The binding is worn, but the rest of the quilt is in excellent condition. If the binding were stabilized, this quilt could easily be used daily on a queen sized bed. $650
681 Broken Star, probably after 1925, 64x80, found in San Francisco or New York, Whoa! This is a very attractive star quilt with all the star points meeting correctly, The bluish-green color , the pink and the yellow at the tips has faded somewhat but the other colors are good and strong. The quilt was machine pieced. There is an inner blue border surrounded by a white 5-inch border on two sides and white 12-inch border on the others. The outer border is composed of blue triangles giving the border a scalloped look. There is s knife edge. The hand quilting is about 5-6 st/in in wreaths in the white squares and in sinuous ferns in white borders and around the main star.The condition is very good, with a slightly heavy batting, and a few little ink stains. This is a great buy for $400.
655 Texas Star, later than 1930, 78x88. Lone star on cream with triple border and separately applied red binding.Bright solid colors make this a very cheery quilt. The quilting is about 8st/in in 1-in square grids in the background. Quilting is on either side of the diamond seams, and there are chevrons in the border.A special quilting plus is the multiple circles surrounding three leaves or petals in each of the corners. On the top and bottom edges, the three leaf or petal motif runs along the edge. The diamonds are hand pieced. Because of the quilting and motifs this is an exceptional star quilt, and it is in excellent condition as well. $650
679 Irish Chain, 1920 or later, 85x88, Illinois. Queen sized Irish Chain, beautifully hand-pieced. Quilted at 8st/in with large flowers in white areas, grids on background, circles and hearts on the double border. Although only part of the quilt is photographed, you are guaranteed that the rest is in equivalent excellent condition. Bacling is white. A really nice quilt. $475
678 Unique Nine Patch (many other names) found in the novel "Alias Grace", ca1910, 70x82, Kewanee, Il. Hand-pieced with precision, quilted at 9st/in with triple lines and tiny hearts. Notice the hoseshoes in the second photo.Lovely triple sashing and border. Applied binding is straight and red. This is in excellent condition and is a beautiful Midwestern quilt.$525
682, Nine Patch, 1920' and 1970's, 74x83, found in Illinois. This is a very Country quilt, looking great everywhere. Most of the light fabrics are shirtings. The blues vary in intensity and hue. The double border is gray-blue and cheddar. The blue binding goes around to the back. The quilt is hand and machine stitched. The quilting is in diagonals 1 inch apart and at 5-6st/in.$290
649 Stuffed Petal Applique, probably after 1940, 85x108, Peoria, Stark County, Illinois. This beautiful extra large quilt is almost all hand pieced; some of the border lengths are machine stitched. The subtle colors are aquamarine (faded in some areas, light pink and buff. Both sides are sateen, and the backing is buff-colored. The binding is added separately. The block pattern is one of a wreath of stuffed leaves, buds and petals. The background is a square grid on point. There are five borders. Alternate blocks are buff with quilted wreaths. The quilting at 9 st/in is on either side of the seams in the pink and buff grids, giving it some puffiness. The outer two borders are quilted in double diagonal lines. There is a dime-sized brown spot on the top. This unusual quilt is in excellent condition. It is of such quality that I suspect it was hand made and sold commercially. $895
657 Ohio Star Mosaic with Broken Dishes, 1920-30, 92x104 Queen. This very graphic quilt is an eye-opener. Notice that the red and white blocks alternate their colors fitting the broken dishes pattern to act as a sashing. Rectangular set blocks contain quilting of two four-petaled daisies and a central three-lobed Something. There is a 5-in red border with a single quilted cable. Qulting at 7st/in is on either side of the triangles of the blocks and dishes. The quilt has been hand pieced, and pencil marks for the quilting still remain. Excellent condition but slightly soiled from handling. $750
674 20th century, 68x75, Iowa. Very graphic and a bit wacky. I don't know what to call it. The blocks are made of red, white, red, white short strips, and are set at 90 degrees to each other. This is machine pieced and hand quilted at 8-9st/in in diagonals on the two borders. There are also 8-point LeMoyne-like stars and four motifs that you can see best in the second photo.The binding and backing are white. It is in excellent condition. $450
650 Star and 81 patch blocks, 1920-40, 70x92. The oarnge solid and yellow with orange print stars are on backgrounds of white. The backing is white, and the binding is a very 1930's black and orange print. The 4-in border is orange. The quilting at 9 st/in is on either side of the seams, There are pinwheel figures in the white squares in the corners of the star blocks. There are two repairs in black pieces and the black is tending to split a bit. $399
663 8-Point Star with Windmills in centers, 74x90, ca 1930, Fox Valley, Illinois. Bubble gum pink on front and back. The blocks are depression era prints of stars containing windmills. Not everyone would like the mix of red and pink prints, lavender, buff and black, but it is very lively. The quilting is interesting with squares on squares in the pink set blocks and on either side of the seams of the triangles. Machine pieced and hand quilted at 7xt/in. In excellent condition. $390
668 Snowflake Applique, 20th century, Kewanee, Illinois. Polished cotton blue appliques, bordered in blue blanket stitching, have been carefully placed on a white sateen or polished cotton background. Four-pointed stars are arranged in between the motifs and show the unusual machine piecing of the pattern blocks. There is a 6-in border with the four-pointed star and double swags (or half moons?). The plain white binding is applied, the backing is non polished white. Excellent condition. $500
667 Fox and Geese, early 20th century, 64x84, Peoria, Illinois. Solid indigo fabric against white with black 1890's print. Sashing ,4-in wide border, backing and binding are white. This is all hand-pieced. The very interesting quilting is composed of scrolls or double circles both in the border, plain white sets and print triangles. The quilting is about 7st/in and is on either side of the seams in the triangles. This is in excellent condition and very graphic. It would make a good accessory quilt. $350
669 Double Irish Chain, ca 1930, 70x86, found in Missouri. Multi-colored depression era prints in 1-in squares romp across bright yellow sateen sets, backing , and applied binding. There is a double border with single cable quilting at 7 st/in. on the inner side and four-patch prints on point on the outer edge. The other quilting is in squares around the pieces and the setting blocks. The quilt is medium thick and has good solid batting. This is in excellent condition and very striking and cheerful. $575
635 Georgetown Circle, 1910-1930, 69x80. Nile green, yellow and white set on Nile green. The round blocks are nicely machine-pieced. The quilting is in green thread at 5 st/in in contours, radiating lines and fleur de lis in the spaces between the circles. The backing is white and the binding is separate. The quilting is a bit naive, but in excellent condition. The overall appearance is pretty and graphic, and the quilt has a nice silky feel. It would be grand to pull up over a napper. $625
611 Mayday, 20th Century, 82x92, Queen sized. Sixteen plaques of vase and pink and yellow flowers are surrounded by circular chains of ovals. Each of three sides has a vase and sinuous vine border. The fabrics are solids. The backing is white, and the quilt is bound in the same Nile green as the leaves and the stems. The quilting is very regular at 6-7 st/inch in 3/4-inch grids and in arcs and parallel lines in the plaques. There is slight discoloration on one border; the rest is immaculate. This would go very well in today's ever-popular all white rooms. Just the right touch of color. $950
548 "Garden Bouquet" Appliqued and Embroidered Kit Quilt, Paragon #01137, McCall's, 1940-60?, 78x93. This is another quilt with every inch covered in quilting. The quilting is 8-9 st/inch in a diagonal grid background, inner border of hearts and parallel lines, and in grids on the outer border surrounding the sinuous vine . This unused quilt is perfect for a regular-sized bed. $1250
590 Rose Applique Blocks with Sinuous Border, 20th century, 78x94. Solid dark reds and dark greens with black on a pristine white background give this quilt an impressive beauty, a bit different from the other floral appliques of the period. There is a white backing and a knife edge. At least two different hands applied the stitches, so it is likely there were two makers. The quilting is 7-8st/in in contours, curves, chains, sinuous ferns,, and concentric curves following the vine and buds on the border. This is in excellent condition. $950.
574 "Bowknot"Applique, Progress kit quilt #1345, 20th century, 70x88, Pastels on bright white with shades of delphinium blue in the ribbons, The bias binding is light blue, and the backing is white.The quilting is about 6st/in in coils beneath the scalloped border, arches, grids, contours and more in the main body. There are one or two very tiny spots on the top, barely visible. There is slight fading in a lavender fabric, but the quilt is in excellent condition, all fabrics quite firm. This is a great hanger or guest bedroom bed cover. $700
114 Barrister's Block, 1900-30, 72x82, Kansas. The blocks are composed of gray, tan, red and blue shirtings, which look to be about 1900-1920. The alternate blocks are depression-era, one with tiny costumed female figures, one with flowers, and one a brushstroke plaid. The wide binding is pink, and the backing is muslin. The quilting is in concentric circles at about 6st/in. The quilt is in excellent condition except for a couple of the older fabrics that are thinning. Quite an unusual quilt. $550
576 California Rose Applique, 1920-30, probably a kit, 96x94, King Size. The applique stitching in this is incredible. It is so fine you can barely see it. The quilting is about 8st/in in very regular grids, with curves on the two curved corners, and sinuous ferns on the border. This is for the person who likes perfection in execution. The binding is pink bias, and the backing is white. There are very minor small spots on the top, otherwise excellent condition. $775
589 Bear's Paw, 20th century, 80x92, Queen. The fabric and execution on this are excellent. Each point ends where it is supposed to. The bright blue "paws", sashing and border match the backing. The binding is a darker blue and looks as though it may have been added at a later date. The quilting is 5-6st/in in grids all over, and very regular. There are a few small brown spots on the top. This is a wonderful quilt to use on your bed right now. $675
591 Ocean Waves, 20th century, 70x76. This is all hand-pieced, a chore to get all those little triangles point-to-point. The backing is white and brought to the front as the binding. The quilting is 6-7st/in in diagonals that alternate in the white squares and in contours around the triangles. This is pristine white, but there is some batting shift. An excellent classic and graphic quilt in one of the most desired colors. $495
551 Postage Stamp or Stepping Stones to Grandmother's Garden, 1930-50, 70x86. Beautiful and varied floral vintage fabrics are outline by yellow and mint green blocks. The backing is white and the separate binding is another floral. The quilting is about 7st/in in contours only. Probably unused and very pretty. $450
549 Dresden Plate, ca 1920, 70x86, collection in Cuba City, Wisconsin. Lovely multi and butterscotch on white with blue sashing. Butterscotch and white ice cream cones are the border.The quilting is about 11 st/in and in 1/4-inch grids in the centers of the plates. Echo quilting surrounds them, and single cables are in the sashing. There is some fabric damage in the butterscotch and some has been repaired by the owner. It is a lovely quilt and would coordenate with many color schemes. $425
547 Crown of Thorns, 1920-30, 84x98, QUEEN. This is a wonderful large quilt, just made for the guest bedroom. The colors are varieties of green with gold, red, blue and tan with white sashing. There is a double border of turqoise and lavender with white backing. The binding is a separate aqua print. The quilting is about 9st/in in contours, cable in the sashing and double pentagrams in the border. Zig-zag quilting is in the inner border. This quilt is extremely clean but some of the fabrics are wearing a bit. $350
555 Seven Sisters , 71x84, 1930-50. A much sought-after
pattern. This is made with peachy yellow border and salmon rims
around the stars, on white. The six-pointed stars are made of
solid and print coordinated fabrics. The quilting is 9-10st/in
in elongated floral and leaf in the white blocks, contours on
the stars, and clamshells on the border . There are some very
slight discolorations on the top; the fabric is in perfect condition.
It is hand pieced for the most part. A beautiful quilt
that can be used today. $595
563, "Baltimore Album Type Applique", 75x90, 1930-60. This is a 20th century folk art "album" or sampler quilt. It is a take-off on the Baltimore albums of the mid 1900's, Each block is different with birds, flower pots, etc. and a variety of pseudo objects. There are some very good applique and embroidery works, and the quilting at 8-9 st/in is in diamonds overall. On the pink border twisted fleur de lis, or Welsh tulips, are quilted. This unique work is in excellent condition and will raise a lot of conversation. $590.
448 Paving Stones, 1930-1960, 85x80, Queen. This charming and colorful quilt is made of nine patch blocks and snowballs. It is handpieced and has a red binding 3/8 in wide. The quilting is in diagonal parallel lines 1 in. apart and uses 6 st/in. The quilting is rather irregular. This is in excellent condition, no "buts". $525
111 Greek Cross, 1930-40, 67x80, from Illinois. There are multiple colors in these 30's prints, but the predominant colors are blue and green. The border is blue with red figures, and the binding is white. The quilting is 7st/in in complex circles within the white areas, and outline quilting otherwise. This quilt is in excellent condition and a good one to put on a twin-sized bed and use daily. Don't discount the pattern; it's very attractive when seen first-hand. $450
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516, Grandmother's Flower Garden, 1930's-1950's, 84x92 including scalloped edges on two sides, 77x92 without, West Virginia. This popular pattern was started by Florence Marjorie Knapp Workman. (See quilt # 517) After WWII, it was finished by her and her daughter, Martha. The paths are white; the binding is light yellow; and the backing is mint green. The quilting is about 6st/in "in the ditch" with green thread. The photo on the right is too dark; the colors are bright as in the first photo. This is in excellent unused condition. What luck to have quilts from this strong tradition of family quilters. $600
310 Grandmother's Flower Garden, 77x77, 1930-40.
Greens, blues, lilacs, pinks and more surround the yellow center
of each flower. Around these is a layer of white which contrasts
with a path of tiny dark green diamonds . The pieces are mostly
hand-pieced, with some machine-piecing. Two sides are scalloped,
with dark green half-diamonds on the knife-edges (that
means no binding). The top and bottom edges are straight,. These
may have been finished this way but it is possible that the ends
were cut down to repair worn edges, thus making the quilt square.
There is a lovely gray-green backing that shows the heavy quilting.
The hexagons of the flowers are double outline-quilted at 7-8
st/in, some in gray-green thread. A few of the fabrics are
wearing, and these have been stabilized with bridal veiling (invisible
in the third photo). Either side of this quilt would look great
at the foot of a bed or tossed over a chest or chair. $475
490 Martha Washington's Flower Garden, 1920-30, 81x91 (including the triangles on three edges). Sorry about the shadows. This was hand-pieced by Sybil Waterhouse , aunt of the former owner, and was quilted by Amish ladies. In this quilt the top edge is flat (the triangles have been filled in by "half gardens", the green is the path with white bordering the "gardens", and there are several bright red pieces in it. All gardens have yellow centers. The edges have been whip-stitched, and the quilting is about 7 st/in around the hexagons. The backing is purple. This has never been used, but has been washed. Very good condition. $575 .
370 Tulip Applique with Vase Border, 1930-40, 87x94, Queen. Illinois. Pink (slightly salmon-colored) tulips with green leaves and green vases dance around a center of white (very white, unlike the photo). On the inner edge of the wide pink border appear to be vase forms of pink, green and ----orange! It works!. The quilting on this huge work is 8 st/in in swinging diagonals, with corner embellishments. The central white has a beautiful medallion surrounded by perfect wreaths. The background is quilted in diamonds. This is in excellent condition and perfect for a modern large bed. $550
109 Pinwheel Star. 1910-30, 76x76, Missouri. This pattern is pieced with colorful blocks alternating with blocks of blue and red figures on white. The pattern is hand-pieced with a fascinating variety of fabrics with an overall light blue and yellow tone, but also containing lavender and green. This quilt appears to be influenced by the Arts and Crafts movement. The rainbow, or clamshell, quilting is excellent with 8 st/in and rows packed closely together. The batting does not come to the edges of the quilt, making the edge and binding rather floppy. This lightweight quilt is in otherwise excellent condition, and the fabrics are as much fun to explore as those of the 1800's. One of my favorites. $550
508 Applique, 73x76, 20th Century. This quilter made innovative designs for her appliques. I call it Agitated Amoeba, but you can call it whatever you like. Barbara Brackman in "Encyclopedia of Applique", p. 23, discusses unique appliques. This, while being very unusual and quirky, is an excellent quilt in excellent condition. The quilting is 7-8st/in in grids across the white background and in an unusual motif along the scalloped border. What more can I say? $695
418 Tulip Swag Applique, 1920-30, 78x90, Galesburg, Illinois, made by WJ Achepohl. The stylized tulips in three shades of blue swing across the bright white background of this beautiful quilt. The quilting at 8 st/in is contoured around the tulips and fills the white areas with flowers, leaves and diamonds as in the third photo. The binding is blue, backing white. There are some very faint storage stains on the backing; the quilt was obviously stored and not used. Otherwise it is in excellent condition. $995
249 Snowflake Reverse Applique, 1930-40, 72 x 84, Ohio. The white motifs are reverse appliqued, i.e. the pink (a touch of salmon?) is sewn onto the white. The backing and binding are white. The quilting is outstanding at 8-10 PRECISE stitches/inch in ferns, wreaths and flowers. This is in excellent condition, and you will really enjoy the workmanship and the beauty of this quilt. $525
308 Twirling Floral Appliques, PAIR, each 77x92. Rose and cerise red flowers are appliqued in rotating positions across a white, white background. I have seen the pattern elsewhere, so think this was a kit. The appliqued work is expert with very, very tiny stitches. The stems and leaves are mint green. Quilting with red embroidery thread at about 5-6 st/in repeats the florals within cabled wreaths. The quilted flowers run across the border as well, which is finished in a single cable between two straight rows of quilting. These quilts are in excellent condition. They have thin batting and would be quite special covers for a pair of beds in a vacation cabin or house. The pair is $500.
309 Pickle Dish or Indian Wedding Ring, 72x84, 1930-40. This lovely gentle quilt is all hand-pieced with vintage fabrics (pieces 1.5 inches tall) dotted in each ring with red. The spaces between the rings may be faded Nile green in some, with a more stabily dyed fabric in others. Who knows, this could be the very shade you are looking for. Quilting at 7-8st/in is in flowers in the alternate white blocks and ellipses elsewhere. The edges are scalloped and bound in pink; the backing is white. The quilt is very clean, the fabrics are a bit soft. This has just a lovely gentle look and feel and was put together with a good eye for pattern and color. $450
All White Quilts and Coverlets