| Antique Folk Art Quilts |
| Click on the pictures below to see more views of my Antique Folk Art Quilts. Shading is due to lighting, not representative of the quilt. Please call for the availability or any questions. |
| About Antique Folk Art Quilts |
| The American folk art style is present in textiles as well as in home furnishings. Antique folk art quilts are wonderfully graphic, naïve pieces of totally original textile art. Sometimes these antique quilts were created by adapting a known pattern in order to free it from its more rigid structure. Appliqued or pieced folk art quilts have unusual configurations of piecing and/or unusual choices of colors and fabrics. A folk art quilt might be embellished with embroidered drawings or paintings, depicting the life of the quilter, such as children’s handprints, houses, farms, or local plants and animals. An antique folk art quilt was usually made from cotton or wool, but very rarely a silk folk art piece will emerge. In these rare cases, a woman might have worked for an affluent family and been given silk scraps for her own use. True folk art quilts were made to be used, not displayed. Fortunately, many have survived because they were washed infrequently or not at all, and especially not washed in a machine. We are indeed fortunate that the washing machine was not commercially available until the 1950’s, or many of our treasured antique quilts would have been ruined by pragmatic women just trying to do their housework! |
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| Please view the detail photos (click thumbnail above) for more accurate colors. Q8569 Amish Wool Stumpwork Starflowers c.1920, backed c.1950 47 ½ x 62 Lancaster County, Pennsylvania $1,600 A fabulous opportunity to acquire a great piece of Amish folk art! In excellent condition, this quilt was constructed from approximately 8 x 9 inch blocks of suiting wools joined with grey-taupe wool sashing. The sashing measures about 3 inches wide vertically and 1 ½ inches wide horizontally. Bright, thickly tufted stumpwork starflowers are 5 inches across and made from assorted multicolored and variegated yarns. The quilt is surrounded with a 4 ½ inch border of brown wool, and all seams have been herringbone embellished with variegated and solid yarns in variety of colors, and finished with reverse ties of light pink cotton cording. The machine topstitched pillowcase edging has been further embellished with red yarn blanket stitching. The backing is comprised of 9 inch wide black wool bars separated by 3 ½ inch wide bars of three different red cotton prints.  |
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| Please view the detail photos (click thumbnail above) for more accurate colors. Q8563 Wool Victorian Crazy Quilt with Embroidered Animals Dated 1906 43 x 55 possibly New York $4,900 This is a rare and wonderful piece of folk art in its original youth bed size. A wide variety of wool and wool challis fabrics have been assembled into a crazy quilt, with every seam embellished in fancy hand stitching. Absolutely packed with embroidered pictures of birds, butterflies, fruit, flowers, chickens, along with a cow, dog, and a horse. The most historically intriguing animal is the elephant labeled “Jumbo” on its side. Circus showman P.T. Barnum marketed Jumbo heavily in the 1880’s, so it would be a reasonable possibility that this quilt was made by someone who remembered Jumbo or perhaps included the elephant because it was in one of the child’s favorite books. Finished with a ½ inch separately applied black binding embellished with a double herringbone stitch, backed with red flannel, and reverse tied with black yarn. The perfect size for hanging, this quilt retains all of its positive energy! Please ask Betsey for more details. |
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| Please view the detail photos (click thumbnail above) for more accurate colors. CON RJ10 Original Folk Art and Stars with Autograph Book c.1889 72 x 72 Rhinebeck, New York $3,600 This lively, original folk art quilt comes with family provenance. Included with this wonderfully graphic textile is the quilter’s red velvet bound autograph book filled with sentiments from friends, family and teachers! In loved but excellent condition, Turkey red fabric was fashioned into folk art leaves, eight point stars, and a flower blossom stem, and hand appliquéd to a white cotton background. A layered appliquéd star medallion with diamond accents fills the center of the quilt, and a 2 ¾ inch sawtooth border with a 3/8 inch separately applied Turkey red binding finishes the quilt. Interestingly, the top and batting were treadle machine topstitched with pink thread in leaf and doodle motifs before the white cotton backing was added and hand outline quilted with white thread. Professionally hand washed by Betsey. |
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| Please view the detail photos (click thumbnail above) for more accurate colors. Q8521 Folky Wool Challis Log Patch c.1860 50 x 60 upstate New York $2,600 Such a graphically fantastic piece of wall art! This folky, unusual adaption of a Log Cabin transcends all decors; equally as appropriate in an early home or a modern one. The wonderful selection of wool challis fabrics date from circa 1840 through 1860, and contain many of the browns and taupes sought after by today’s designers. Each approximately 5 inch square block was foundation pieced by hand, using logs between ½ and ¾ of an inch wide. The red wool center squares are approximately 1 ¼ inches per side, and always framed with green. The whole quilt is visually unified by the placement of green and red at the center of each block. Originally created as a youth bed quilt, this piece is in unused condition, with a gorgeous black and red cotton backing and a ½ inch separately applied brown chintz binding. Please ask Betsey for more details. |
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| Please view the detail photos (click thumbnail above) for more accurate colors. Q8560 Reversible Amish Folk Art Stumpwork c.1928 51 x 65 Pennsylvania, most likely the Lancaster area SOLD What an opportunity to acquire a one of a kind, major Amish folk art piece! This unusual quilt is totally reversible, having been constructed from 5 ½ x 8 ½ inch wool suiting samples on the front and approximately 3 x 4 ½ inch wool bricks on the back. The suiting samples on the front of the quilt have been embellished with stumpwork concentric circles approximately 3 ¾ inches across, made from brightly colored wool yarn. Amish stumpwork circles are most unusual, as stars are more typically seen in this category. There is no batting in this quilt; the front and back have been tied with yarn and hand backstitched at the outer edge. Pinking shears were used to create a scalloped edge. What an incredible textile, perfect for a stunning piece of wall art! |
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| Please view the detail photos (click thumbnail above) for more accurate colors. Q8499 Stuffed Flower Basket with Stuffed Grapes c.1890 74 x 85 most likely Delaware or Maryland $2,700 A phenomenal folk art interpretation of classic quilting methods, this piece would make fabulously graphic wall art! With the exception of the stems and leaves in the grape vine, this quilt has been entirely hand pieced, appliqued, embellished, and quilted. The Broderie Perse pieces that comprise the center flower basket were appliquéd and then buttonhole embellished with coordinating thread colors. The surrounding leaves and stems have been treadle machine outline stitched, and the grapes tightly hand stuffed and appliqued. The quilt has been hand quilted in ¾ inch cross-hatching and outline quilting. The backing is ecru cotton, and the 3/8 inch binding has been turned over from the back to the front. In used condition and professionally hand washed by Betsey. |
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| Please view the detail photos (click thumbnail above) for more accurate colors. Q8489 Signed and Dated Folk Art Crazy Quilt Dated 1934 80 x 80 Berks County, Pennsylvania $2,600 In unused condition, this lively folk art crazy quilt is a wonderful mix of silk and cotton velvets with a few corduroy fabrics thrown in for fun. Hand embellished with a wide variety of surface stitches in both cotton floss and Pearl cotton in a range of colors, some created by twisting multiple colors of floss together. This quilt holds the history of its origin through the many names chain stitched in cursive and capital block letters, along with the date of 1930. Mrs. Slick, Verna Hoover, Gertie Schnably, Rose Weaver…we can just imagine these friends! The backing is gold drapery fabric, and has been turned over to the front to form a ½ inch binding. Totally hand pieced and embellished, and tied with gold Pearl cotton. |
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| Please view the detail photos (click thumbnail above) for more accurate colors. Q8549 Wool Victorian Embellished Folk Art Crazy Quilt c.1890 66 x 66 unknown, perhaps NH or PA $1,500 A fabulous wool folk art crazy quilt, this one would be perfect for your wall or used as a cozy throw. Both wool and wool challis fabrics have been pieced and hand embellished with a variety of surface stitching completed in various colors of wool yarn. The four corners of the quilt are set off by fan blocks; adding another level of sophistication. This wonderful piece has been finished by stuffing with a wool blanket, backing with a black plaid wool buggy shawl, reverse tying, and pillowcase edging. |
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| Please view the detail photos (click thumbnail above) for more accurate colors. Q8514 Folk Art Rendition of Prince’s Feather and Rose Buds c.1940 91 x 91 Lititz, Pennsylvania $1,900 What a vibrant quilt! In unused condition, the true red, dark green, and yellow cottons really pop against the bright white background. This folk art quilter adapted the 19th century Prince’s Feather pattern and four block format, and added her own version of rose buds. A combination of piecing and hand appliqué was used for the quilt top, and the entire piece was hand quilted in one inch crosshatching, with the exception of echo quilting in the Prince’s feathers and outlining in the central yellow stars. The same white cotton was used both on the front and the back and a ¼ inch binding was turned from the back to the front. This fabulous folky quilt would be equally wonderful as wall art or on a bed up through a throw size for a king bed. Professionally hand washed by Betsey. |
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| Please view the detail photos (click thumbnail above) for more accurate colors. Q8510 Folk Art Cherry Trees and Birds c.1945 81 x 93 Chester County, Pennsylvania $2,200 What a fabulous quilt made by a very skilled quilter with a sure eye for symmetry! In unused condition, this quilt has been hand appliqued with cherry Trees of Life, stylized potted plants, and birds. The designs have been divided into four quadrants, and bordered by a gracefully meandering cherry vine. High thread count cottons in red, teal-green, light yellow, khaki, and cream were used throughout the quilt, both front and back. Entirely hand quilted using horizontal straight lines spaced one inch apart in the border, and diagonal lines in the body of the quilt. Each appliqué has been echo quilted and highlighted with embroidered details. This quilt has wool batting and a teal green ¼ inch separately applied binding. Professionally hand washed by Betsey, please ask her for more details. |
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Please view the detail photos (click thumbnail above) for more accurate colors. |
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| Please view the detail photos (click thumbnail above) for more accurate colors. Q8299 Folk Art Center Medallion Crazy Quilt c.1920 84 x 88 Pennsylvania $1,400 Fun and folky, this unused cotton center medallion crazy quilt is full of wonderful fabrics in shades of blue, green, yellow, pink, red, and burgundy. Made to be a summer coverlet, this quilt was foundation pieced onto an ecru cotton backing with a combination of hand piecing and hand appliqué. The 3/8 inch separately applied binding is a black and grey leafy calico. The center medallion sunburst has been formed from spokes of solid red and peachy orange alternating with a pink and green bubble print. Betsey believes this quilt could possibly be of African American origin. Professionally hand washed by Betsey and ready for your use! |
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| Please view the detail photos (click thumbnail above) for more accurate colors. Q8179 African American Cotton Crazy Quilt – Memorial Quilt c.1890 70 x 75 Tennessee $2900 In the south, it was customary to remember loved ones by making a memorial quilt. Clothing worn by both the deceased and the family members would be pieced together and quilted, providing comfort to relatives and friends during and after the quilting process. In excellent condition, this quilt contains fabrics mostly from the 1880’s, all carefully hand pieced. Dark navy thread was used to hand quilt the entire piece in an overlapping fan pattern. The backing is a light tan cotton, and the 3/8 inch binding was formed by turning the backing over to the front and topstitching into place. Betsey was able to authenticate this quilt’s origin by family provenance. Professionally hand washed by Betsey. |
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| Please view the detail photos (click thumbnail above) for more accurate colors. Q7015 Grandmother’s Fan/Dresden Plate/Wagonwheel c.1885 78 x 80 New York or New Hampshire $1,900 What a wonderful folk art wool and wool challis quilt! This textile is truly a unique adaptation and combination of patterns. In excellent condition, this quilt was hand pieced and embroidered in wool with fly, feather, herringbone, and blanket stitches, along with various flower bud embellishments. The 3/8 inch binding was created by frugally piecing assorted wool scraps together. A fine polished cotton in a lovely green on green stripe was used for the backing, and the quilt was tied with a reddish brown, tightly twisted wool yarn. |
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| Please view the detail photos (click thumbnail above) for more accurate colors. Q8475 Reversible Wool/Wool Challis Folk Art Quilt with Horses 1890 87 x 88 Dauphin County, Pennsylvania $4,200 This amazing quilt was made by a very creative, affluent quilter who used a wide variety of wools and wool challis, along with a large assortment of wool and Pearl cotton threads to complete her work. In unused condition, the front of the quilt has been constructed in large scale crazy quilt style, with 3 large horses, birds, rabbits, dogs, fish, butterflies, groundhog, apples, and flower embellishments completed in a very folk art outline stitch. All the pieces have been surface embroidered in various colored herringbone stitching. The reverse side is very structured, with a 12 inch double border of dark pine green wool and black wool crepe. The rectangular blocks are suiting wool embroidered with identical floral motifs in pink and green, and the outlines fly stitched in pink pearl cotton. The quilter saved a bit of piecing time by bisecting the rectangles with fly stitching; thus giving the impression of pieced squares. The binding is 1 1/8 inch black wool challis, and the entire quilt tied with rose wool yarn tufted on the crazy quilt side. Entirely hand pieced and embroidered. Totally unique Art !! |
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| Please view the detail photos (click thumbnail above) for more accurate colors. Q8442 Folk Art Hexagon Pinwheel Date- c.1920 Size- 59 x 72 Location- unknown $2,400 A wide assortment of wools, wool challis, and flannels from the late 1800’s through the early 1900’s make up the folky hexagon pinwheels of this quilt. Much of the black challis background has oxidized to that lovely deep black/green typical of 19th century black challis fabric. Each piece has been embellished with herringbone stitching in various colors of wool. The wholecloth backing is a geometric print from the 1920’s. Such a great piece of art for the wall! Please ask Betsey for more details. |
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| Please view the detail photos (click thumbnail above) for more accurate colors. Q8430 Folk Art Applique Version of Whig's Defeat c.1860 67 x 73 (great size for wall hanging, twin bed) New England, probably Massachusetts $1,650 This fun and funky appliqued version of a Whig's Defeat is just the right size for a wonderful wall hanging or a twin bed. Turkey red and overdyed green solid cottons have been hand appliqued onto white cotton blocks approximately 12 1/2 inches square and set on point. The white joining blocks have been hand quilted with a folk art leaf/feather motif, and the appliqued blocks with straight line quilting set 1/2 inch apart. The backing is white linen, and the separately applied 1/4 inch binding is white cotton. Professionally hand washed by Betsey; please ask for more details. |
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| Please view the detail photos (click thumbnail above) for more accurate colors. Q8406 Unique Folk Art Prince's Feather c.1850 82 x 84 Lancaster County, Pennsylvania $3,400 What a fabulously festive summer weight quilt in madder dyed red, cheddar, and confederate blue! Four blocks of Prince's Feather applique reminds Betsey of a court jester's hat, and the border swags a circus tent. Confederate blue maple leaves have been scattered across the body of the quilt, and groups of four leaves anchor each corner. All hand appliqued and double line quilted with tiny stitches, with binding applied by treadle sewing machine. This would have been a subtle method of announcing wealth in the days before the sewing machine was readily available to the general public. Professionally hand washed by Betsey. |
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| Please view the detail photos (click thumbnail above) for more accurate colors. CON P&TS African American Stained Glass Five Point Star c. 1930 68 x 73 Texas $5,400 Wow! What a fabulous piece of African American history! The original quiltmaker's name has been lost to the passage of time, but Betsey guarantees the authenticity of this textile. The colors and graphics on this quilt transcend cultural boundaries, due to the great 1930's palette of solid feedsack fabrics and boldly asymmetrical star. All of the pieces have been outlined in a running backstitch, using thread colors to match each piece. The quilt is reverse tied with a pillowcase edging and a solid peach feedsack backing. This spectacular piece of African American art is waiting to become the focal point of any room in your home! Professionally hand washed by Betsey. |
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| Please view the detail photos (click thumbnail above) for more accurate colors. Q8375 Center Medallion Wool Tumbling Blocks c. 1890 76 x 82 Washington, PA area $4,800 This gorgeous wool quilt is a major piece of textile art. In warm, rich shades of reds, blues, taupes, and browns, this quilt is unique in its adaptation of a Tumbling Blocks pattern and in the wide variety of Victorian embellishments completed entirely in wool. The Tumbling Blocks have been constructed from solid and plaid wool suitings, and outlined with a myriad of different surface Victorian stitches and embroidery. Fabulous wool stumpwork roses highlight a center of hexagonal blocks to create a wonderful center medallion. The quilt has been minimally reversed tied, and has a deep brown wholecloth cotton backing. |
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| Please view the detail photos (click thumbnail above) for more accurate colors. Q8314 African American “Bull’s Eye” c.1917 apx. 60”x80” Mississippi $4900 This quilt is an amazing piece of African-American art. It is comprised of just a few fabrics in solids: red, white, blue and khaki (originally red). This khaki is a WWI red aniline dye that did not hold its color. The backing of the quilt is of home-dyed feedsack fabric and is turned to the front to form the binding. The blocks in this piece measure 15 inches, and the sashing varies but measures approximately four inches wide. The quilt is pieced both by hand and machine, but is hand quilted with outline, triple line, and cross-hatch quilting. This quilt is full of symbolism. Circles in African-American folk art bring to mind the cycling of life as suggested by the Kongo cosmogram. Additionally, red, white and blue are all considered to be protective colors, as well as providing the strong contrast of colors typical of many African-American quilts. This wonderfully graphic piece of art is an excellent example of the African-American aesthetic. In used condition and professionally hand washed by Betsey. |
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| Please view the detail photos (click thumbnail above) for more accurate colors. Q8254 Funky Original Applique with Flying Geese Border c.1850 69 x 81 York County, Pennsylvania SOLD Red & White Flying Geese join with cheddar and overdyed green calico joining blocks to surround original applique and reverse applique pieces in red and overdyed green calico. All hand pieced, appliqued and quilted, this quilt is a unique and skillfully made piece of art. The border has been diagonally quilted, the sashing outline quilted, and the applique echo quilted 3/8 of an inch apart; very reminiscent of Hawaiian quilting. The combination of precisely pieced sashing and joining blocks with the completely original folk art applique gives this quilt quite a sophisticated folk art feel. Professionally hand washed by Betsey and ready for your holiday season! |
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| Please view the detail photos (click thumbnail above) for more accurate colors. Q8271 Folk Art Rose Wreath with Vine Border c.1865 Apx. 82”x 82” Lancaster County, Pennsylvania $6,400 This piece has great graphics! Initialed “EH”, the quilt is hand appliquéd and hand quilted in cross hatch, outline and diagonal quilting. The quilt is constructed in a four-block formation with a 12” border. It is comprised of solid fabrics: turkey red, confederate blue, and overdyed green on a cheddar ground. The backing of this piece is an incredible madder-dyed red and brown on beige print that dates to the c.mid-19th century. The quilt has a separate turkey red binding. In unused condition and professionally hand washed by Betsey. |
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| Please view the detail photos (click thumbnail above) for more accurate colors. Q6930 Original folk Art Embroidered Wool Quilt by Lydia Keiper c.1900 72”x84” Ephrata, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania $2600 This quilt is almost mystical in its appearance, with its huge, embroidered center medallion and ties that, from a distance, seem like stars in the firmament. It is comprised of wool fabrics in navy blue with a burgundy border. The hand embroidery is all original work by the maker, Lydia Keiper. The quilt has a blue backing and is tied rather than quilted. It has a pillowcased edge that is finished with a buttonhole stitch. In excellent condition. |
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Rocky Mountain Quilts
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Payment Methods: Rocky Mountain Quilts gladly accepts cash, checks, Visa, Master Card and American Express. Bank wire transfers are an easy method of payment for both domestic and international sales. If you are traveling, we will be happy to ship your purchases via UPS or FedEx at your convenience. |
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Contact Us |
| Telephone - for orders or questions - 1-800-762-5940 or 1-207-363-6800 Email - betsey@rockymountainquilts.com Shipping UPS/FedEx address - 130 York Street York Village, Maine 03909 |
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