Shell Quilts

A beautiful and rare antique American Mennonite quilt, country of origin: America, circa 1860. Size: 5 ft 3 in x 5 ft 6 in (1.6 m x 1.68 m) This rare, Mennonite antique America quilt from the 1860’s is a real treasure, as there are few that have survived. The Mennonites are a branch of the Amish community that broke off in the 1860’s over disagreements with the Old Order Amish. The Amish are a group of Pennsylvania Dutch immigrants to America who are known for adherence to strict religious beliefs and conservative views. Their women are notably known for their skill in quilt making. This brightly colored quilt is in what is known as the log cabin pattern. The squares are made from strips of fabric stacked in a way similar to the stacking of logs used to make a log home. This particular arrangement of colors is known as “streak of lightening” and is a popular Mennonite design. This pattern alternates light and dark diagonal rows of color. The border creates a whimsical frame to the pattern. These magnificent antique American quilts were often made from scraps or clothing that had worn out its usefulness. The Mennonites were known for their thriftiness and traditions that emphasized gratitude for the gifts one had been given. These designs were not haphazard and required tremendous amounts of planning and thought. The scraps would be collected and then the colors would be arranged. Finally, the pieces would be cut and stitched together with precision to make a top. Next a fluffy, warm stuffing would be sandwiched between a backing and the top. This would be hand stitched to accentuate the design and to keep the stuffing from shifting during use. This antique Mennonite quilt...

Exceptional African American pine burr quilt. All hand quilted and pieced. Found in Selma, Alabama. Fantastic color placement and design. These quilts ...

For this woven blanket We work closely with a 300 year old mill in Sudbury, Essex, UK. We have the utmost respect for their approach to making fabrics, their knowledge and experience...

Early 20thc Log cabin quilt with a wonderful faded/muted color pallet. The variation in color change and color choice in this log cabin is amazing, vibrant yet subtle colors that pop...

Although we think of the year 1776 as the time of the birth of the United States, it was actually not until 1777 that the Articles of Confederation were adopted by the Continental Co...

This fine 19thc flying geese crib quilt is professionally hand sewn on white linen & mounted and wired to hand on your wall or gallery.This crib quilt was found in Pennsylvania and ...

This fine mini pieced birds in flight quilt was found in Lancaster County,Pennsylvania.The condition is mint and probably never used.This early 19thc quilt is quite amazing made up o...

19Thc Eight point star quilt in blue & white with a swag border in pristine condition.Note the flying geese borders surround the stars.This quilt was found in Virginia and we believe...

A large Amish quilt of center diamond pattern made from a blush rose red and pine green chambray cotton and wool blend. The center diamond in the square pattern is supplemented with ...

Dazzling is the best way to describe this large size Starburst quilt. The multiple rows repeat the same colors making for a very cohesive pattern. A printed paisley border blends per...

A finely crafted and vibrantly hued striped hand loomed wool serape from Saltillo, Mexico.

Vintage Rajasthani Patchwork Tapestry, handcrafted, of several small irregular embroidered “patches” heavily embroidered with gold and silver paper-wrapped threads couched down in a multitude of colors, some with reflective mirror...