Have you ever owned an antique blanket? Antique blankets, like homes, quilts and furniture were made to last. The quality and fibers were usually the very best. People did not buy many, they had a few, and would buy or make the best that they could afford. Most 18th and 19th century blankets in New England were homespun, often taking two years for their creation. We have cotton, linen and wool, or a combination of these fibers. All antique textiles were made with natural fibers, no synthetics. Early New England blankets were made for warmth. These blankets have been organically washed by Betsey and ready for use.
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Antique Blankets
Click on the pictures below to see more views of my Antique Blankets. Shading is due to lighting, not representative of the quilt. Please call for the availability or any questions.
![CONNC3 Signed and Dated Summer/Winter Coverlet](images/full/connc3_full.jpg)
CONNC3 Signed and Dated Summer/Winter Coverlet
Signed and dated 1857
86 x 90 inches
New Hampshire or Massachusetts
$1,600
Perfectly executed on a large loom, this one piece Summer/Winter
coverlet is a signed and dated masterpiece. The name is not that of the
maker, but the name of the person for whom the work was commissioned.
The intricacy of this coverlet is amazing. The outside border that
measures 10" is adorned with woven peacocks with olive branches, trees
and a canopy overhead. Also woven are a pair of much beloved pet dogs.
The entire coverlet is crammed full of vine and flower embellishments.
It appears that this coverlet was hardly used or not used at all.
Coverlets such as this one were how we kept warm on our cold winter
nights in the Northeast. Due to the fact that everything was washed by
hand, and rarely, pieces such as these had a much longer life.
The edges are finished with tiny overcast stitches. Red wool yarn and
lined homespun thread were used in the construction. Itinerant weavers
would spend weeks at the homes of affluent families creating these
masterpieces. We have three that have come from one family. The
provenance will be given upon the purchase.
Now organically hand washed and ready to be sent, with free shipping.
![CONNC4 Overshot Patriotic Coverlet](images/full/connc4_full.jpg)
CONNC4 Overshot Patriotic Coverlet
c.1850
84 x 92 inches
Massachusetts
$1,600
Today Patriotism is so important and always has been, since before we
were able to win our freedom from England. This magnificent
complicated patterned coverlet is a wonderful example of how we
incorporated the love of our country into our treasured textiles. This
coverlet is filled with symbolism...We have our American symbol of
freedom -- the Eagle holding arrows -- all around the coverlet. Incorporated
into this coverlet we have Stags, we have doves for peace, sparrows, vines,
urns with flowers, leaves totally embellished circling the
entire perimiter. We have Pagodas symbolizing China, which we loved
and collected their pottery, dishes and decorative objects.
Woven on a huge loom, this one piece coverlet was woven from red woolen
yarn and natural color Linen fiber. Amazing weaving and indeed an
exquisite attention grabber.
There are a very, very few tiny moth holes which one has to search for.
Now organically hand washed and ready to be sent, with free shipping.
![CONNC1 Indigo Summer/Winter Woven Coverlet](images/full/connc1_full_sold.jpg)
Woven date: 1857
88 x 100 inches
Massachusetts
SOLD
An antique woven summer/winter coverlet of this size will fit today's
queen or king size bed. Woven on a huge loom which has resulted in a
seamless woven coverlet. This artistic masterpiece was created using
natural color heavy linen thread and Indigo dyed woolen yarn. Coming
directly from the family and possibly woven on their property. Itinerant
weavers traveled from home to home, living on their property, weaving
for affluent families. True Indigo dye is one of only two dyes that are
fade resistant.
We have here an outer border on all sides. The Two sides are 4" while
the bottom and top measure 4" for the border. The top and bottom borders
have woven onto the design the date of 1857. Seen in the four corners
are regal peacocks with 19" tails. The inside circular design measures
40" in width. The outer center medallion is 54" while the inner most
center medallion measures 18".
Designs include regal peacocks, water lilies or lotus, vines and an
unusual center medallion. The weaving is overall complicated,
sophisticated and visually exquisite.
![quilt](images/full/b41_full.jpg)
B41 Irish Home Woven Coverlet
c.1850
48 x 71 inches
Homespun in Ireland
$1,600
About 25 years ago I purchased a cradle with this hand woven cotton and
linen coverlet inside..there was also a note..unfortunately now lost,
telling the story of these items. As I remember the story it told that the
hand woven coverlet and the cradle, holding a baby, came over from
Ireland during the time when so many were fleeing the potato famine. The
time would have been the very early 1850's. My shop has always been for
American textiles, mostly quilts. However, I could not resist this
purchase as at that time I was approaching the grandchild era in my life.
This coverlet measures 48" X 71"...Colors of the threads in this
coverlet are a chocolate brown, muted gold, off white, red and black.
Overall the coverlet is very muted. There are two strips loomed on a 24"
loom and then sewn together to create the 48" width. The design, to me,
seems very complicated and would have been created by a master weaver.
Is it possible that the Mother of this young Mother lovingly wove this
coverlet to keep her grandchild warm for the voyage to America and a new
life?
Happy to answer more questions. This early coverlet can be sent, with
free shipping, for your final approval.
![quilt](images/full/b40_full.jpg)
B40 Rare Unused Early American Homespun Sheet
Pre-1850
67 x 100 inches
New England
$850
Most early New Englanders were self sufficient for numerous reasons.
One was the obvious monetary reason..another was the fierce sense of
independence. People took pride in their work and executed everything to
the best of their ability...aiming for perfection. Whatever they were
working on needed to last for years and may haven taken years to complete.
Here in Early New England we raised flax, which became Linen fiber to
be spun into thread that was then woven into various home linens. This,
what appears to be unused, sheet was woven on a 34 inch loom. Two strips
were sewn together to create this much prized home spun bed linen. In
wills the second most important item, after house and land, were the
families textiles. From start to finish this project could take up to 2
years!...All hand labor!
In today's world we could use this rare hand woven textile either as a
sheet or as a summer blanket. Due to the length of time the
construction took, it is easy to see why textiles were so highly prized.
We are happy to send this textile, with free Fed Ex shipping, for your
approval.
![B23 Home Woven Wool and Cotton Blanket](images/full/b23a_full_sold.jpg)
c.1930
62 x 136 inches
New England
SOLD
During the cold winter months in New England many use woolen blankets
that actually went under and over the person in bed. Wool is so warm and
it holds in the heat. This true red with black stripe blanket, because
of its length can actually be made into 2 blankets, each measuring 62" X
68"...or any length you wish....a longer blanket and a shorter blanket
to be used as a throw. There are a few tiny holes that we will be happy
to weave.
There is something so special about the earlier woolen blankets. I am
happy to send this unusual woolen blanket, with free shipping, for your
approval.
![B35 Hudson's Bay Blanket](images/full/b35_full.jpg)
B35 Hudson Bay Blanket
c.1940s
72 x 86 inches
New England
$550
The true Hudson's Bay Blanket has always been known for its quality and
duribility. This authentic C.1940s blanket is truly iconic. Not only
classy, but true warmth. Today we not only use these hard to find
blankets for beds, but they make wonderful blankets for snuggling under
and reading a good book or watching a great movie during the long
winter's nights.
This blanket just about speaks for itself.
I am happy to send this special blanket, with free shipping for your approval.
![B34 Mariposa Red Woolen Blanket with Thick Black Stripes](images/full/b34_full.jpg)
c.1930
64 x 82 inches
Ohio
$550
Luscious deep red with four thick black stripes woolen blanket. There is
nothing like a woolen blanket for warmth. This blanket feels extra thick
therefore even warmer. Mariposa is a famous factory that created
luxurious woolen blankets for us to enjoy to this day.
There are a very few tiny holes that we will weave if desired at no extra cost.
I am happy to send this blanket, with free shipping, for your approval.
![B33 Summer/Winter Coverlet](images/full/b33_full.jpg)
B33 Summer/Winter Coverlet
c.mid-1800s
80 x 87 inches
Massachusetts
$1,200
Summer winter coverlets were prevalent during the 19th century. However,
there are many that have not remained in good condition, understandably,
because of their use. This summer winter coverlet is large enough to fit
a queen sized bed, measuring 80" X 87". Obviously this one was stored
away for many years, as it shows only light use.
This coverlet is called a summer winter coverlet because the majority of
one side is indigo, other ecru. Therefore one side for the fall and
winter...one side for the spring and light use for the summer.
The coverlet was woven on a 40 inch loom. We have a coverlet with two
full panels creating a coverlet 80" wide and 87" long. The bottom has
4" of hand made fringe which has also survived in wonderful condition.
The coverlet was woven from linen and wool, possibly homespun. The linen
is true color, the wool is indigo dyed.
In those days we obviously had no central heating, and bed linens of
any kind were the second most important item in a person's estate (after
land). Many of these coverlets were woven by itinerant weavers who
traveled from home to home. Others may have been created by servants. In
New England, the servants of larger homes lived on the third floor,
which would have also housed the looms.
There are hundreds of different patterns of coverlets. The closest
pattern we can find to this coverlet is called Catalpa Flowers.
Please email or call for us to send it, with free shipping, for your
viewing and approval.
![conch1a Quilt](images/full/conch1a_full.jpg)
CONCH1A Rose Pink Overshot Coverlet
c.4th quarter 19th century
64 x 88 inches
New York
$900
Not so many years ago there was a wonderful textile museum in Lowell Massachusetts that unfortunately
has closed due to lack of funding. It was at this museum that I was able to see a loom large enough
to create a coverlet of this width.
This seamless coverlet measures 64" in width. The rare rose/pink coverlet appears to be almost unused
and now organically hand washed by us.
Completely created from wool, this cover would provide amazing warmth in winter or any other time of
the year. The pattern is similar to indigo and white coverlets; however, I have never seen an antique
coverlet in this color. The border is absolutely wonderful, and also different from any I've ever seen.
The family's home was Manhattan (name provided upon sale), and as an affluent 19th century family,
chances are this is a commodity they would have purchased from a fashionable store in that city.
We are happy to send this coverlet, without shipping charge, for your in-home approval.
![B32 Summer/Winter Indigo and Ecru Overshot Coverlet](images/full/b32_full.jpg)
B32 Summer/Winter Indigo and Ecru Overshot Coverlet
c.1850
70 x 82 inches
Vermont
$1,400
Woven on a 36" loom using Indigo dyed wool and ecru multi-strand
cotton. During the early to mid 19th century many rural families raised
their own sheep and carded then dyed this wool to loom.
This coverlet is comprised of 2 strips created on a 36" loom and then
sewn together to make an 82" length.
This coverlet feels so substantial yet cozy and comforting at any time
of the year. In the summer one would use the light side of the coverlet
while in the winter one would use the dark or Indigo side. The summer
would be the time to use this coverlet by itself and in the winter over
other blankets for warmth and visual appeal. In today's world, with a
climatically controlled environment, this coverlet lends an artistic and
colorful design element to one's home.
There is one original small hole weaves and one 2" sewn tear at the bottom.
Now organically hand washed and ready to be sent for your at home approval.
![B31 Folksy Western Motif Bates Bedspread](images/full/b31_full.jpg)
B31 Folksy Western Motif Bates Bedspread
c.1955
75 x 92 inches
Maine
$375
Red, white, and blue are the colors used in the construction of
this pleasingly graphic western motif spread. A few of the machine woven
designs seen here are the rising sun, flying birds and numerous cattle
brands. Each ranch has their own individulisic design for a branding
iron. When cattle roamed the open range the brand was the only way to
tell which cattle belonged to whom.
This spread can be used for its original intent as a bed spread or for
delightful pillows...or both with a twin bed. Another idea is this
artistic spread folded over a bar would make a fun piece of art on your
wall either full size or folded in halves, thirds or quarters.
This lower price reflects some shading on the spread.
Organically hand washed and ready to be sent for your at home approval.
![B22 Homespun Woolen Blanket](images/full/b22_full.jpg)
B22 Homespun Woolen Blanket
c.1920s
60 x 82 inches
Maine Monastery
$450
Finding a homespun woolen blanket is almost impossible today. This
blanket, along with others that I was lucky enough to buy many years
ago, was woven at a Maine Monastery where the process started with
raising the sheep.
The entire process usually took two years to complete. There is not a
blanket that is warmer than a homespun woolen one. This blanket is a
natural shade of "white" with Kelly Green striping and edging. The loom
created 30 inch wide panels...hand sewing two together created a 60"
wide blanket.
Organically hand washed and ready for your approval. Sent at no charge
to your home.
![B30 All Wool Stadium Blanket](images/full/b30_full.jpg)
B30 All Wool Stadium Blanket
c.1950s
60 x 72 inches
New England
$350
What fun to have an original 1950s woolen stadium blanket for use in
your family room in front of the big screen! You can watch your favorite
football and pretend you are back in the 1950s. In red white and blue
with a splash of dark green, this wonderful really really warm blanket
appears to have never been used. I do find a very, very few original
moth holes...the moths are long gone!
We are happy to send this sentimental blanket to you on approval.
![B27 The Wonderful Red, White and Blue Blanket](images/full/b27_full.jpg)
B27 The Wonderful Red, White and Blue Blanket
c.1880
69 x 78 inches
New England
$900
A graphically pleasing plaid home woven woolen blanket...perfect to use any time of the year when one needs some warmth.
Can you imagine how long it took to weave this wonderful blanket...Woven on a 26-1/2" loom from red, white and blue woolen yarn.
The finished product was then sewn together in three strips.
After the Civil War more people started purchasing wool than going through the entire time consuming process to create the
finished product...The industrial era was beginning. I believe this yarn was purchased..therefore this blanket is called
home woven and not homespun.
The three strips are sewn together so perfectly that this blanket is reversible. A piece of textile art to use on your
bed or a wonderful throw for one's couch or chair.
We are happy to send for your at home approval. Shipping is always free in the continental USA...internationally there is a shipping fee.
![B4 Bunk bed Spread with Pillow Tuck](images/full/b4_full.jpg)
B4 Bunk bed Spread with Pillow Tuck
c.1950
38 x 88 inches
Massachusetts
$175
This cotton spread appears to be hardly used, is now organically washed by Betsey and ready for your home. To me, this would make a fabulous summer table cloth.
![B5 Woolen Blanket](images/full/b5_full.jpg)
c.1930 (nineteen thirties)
77 x 80 inches
Pennsylvania
$225
This rich deep shade of reddish brown blanket is patterned with black herringbone cross-hatching squares. Its original purpose was to fit a double size bed, it could also fit a twin or double or be used as wonderful throw for a queen. Hardly used but does have a few original moth holes. Betsey has organically hand washed this, and it’s ready for your home.
![B8 Homespun Black and White Check Blanket w/ Embroidered Name](images/full/b8_full.jpg)
B8 Homespun Black and White Check Blanket w/ Embroidered Name
Late 19th century
54 x 106 inches
Maine
$275
This homespun black and white check blanket has been created from two hand woven 27” strips. There is some wonderful character to this piece, including a 4” square patch. The hand embroidered name, Christopher Riheuby Stuart, was probably added later. Many of the Stuarts from Maine are descendants of Mary Queen of Scot.
![B9 Baby Blanket](images/full/b9_full.jpg)
B9 Baby Blanket
c.1940s
35 x 48 inches
Massachusetts
$150
This premiere woven baby blanket is a thick, luscious cotton with a 1 1/2 inch silk binding. It’s reversible and warm and cuddly to use in the baby carriage for a ride in the winter.
![B11 Early 20th Century Wool Blanket](images/full/b11_full.jpg)
B11 Early 20th Century Wool Blanket
c.1900
56 x 101 inches
Massachusetts
$165
Originally made for a double size bed, this could also be used for a twin or full size bed or as a throw on any bed or sofa. This unused blanket has been organically washed and is ready to be taken home.
![B17 Lavender and White Cotton Plaid Blanket](images/full/b17_full.jpg)
c.1925
75 x 76 inches
Maine
$75
This blanket has been used. It’s been organically washed by Betsey. It was $150 but now is $75 due to wear.
![B20 Broderie Perse Summer Spread](images/full/b20_full.jpg)
B20 Broderie Perse Summer Spread
Dated 1934
88 x 107 inches
Origin unknown
$475
This mint condition Broderie Perse Summer Spread must have been too special to use. Each piece is meticulously outlined with minuscule buttonhole stitches. All of the seams are covered with yellow and green Victorian embroidery stitching. The entire piece is reminiscent of a combination of 18th, late 18th and early 19th century sewing styles making this absolutely one of a kind. Hand washed and ready to use. This will fit a double or queen size bed.
![B21 Homespun Off White Wool Blanket](images/full/b21_full.jpg)
B21 Homespun Off White Wool Blanket
c.1930
62 x 76 inches
Maine
Was $195, now $150 due to fading
This blanket is two strips of the full width of the loom. The top and bottom are finished with a green woolen yarn in a buttonhole stitch. There is nothing warmer in the winter than a woolen blanket.
Some fading in one corner making it a little more white than the rest.
Rocky Mountain Quilts Shop Hours
Shop Open Year Round
Hours: Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat 10-4
Other times: Call for Appointment or take a chance and call from the driveway 207-363-6800.
Hours: Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat 10-4
Other times: Call for Appointment or take a chance and call from the driveway 207-363-6800.
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Contact Us
Telephone - for orders or questions -
1-207-363-6800
Email - betsey@rmquilts.com
Shipping FedEx address -
130 York Street
York, Maine 03909