The heyday of Victorian Crazy quilting was circa 1885. However, these quilts were made from 1880 until the late 1890's. Any Crazy quilt containing a date prior to 1879, would most likely indicate a special date from the family's history.
During the height of the Victorian era, homes could not have enough embellishment. Women wholeheartedly threw themselves into decorating every inch of the floors, walls and furniture. The culture of the times was full of symbolism, poetry and romance. Crazy quilting allowed women to display their artistic abilities in needlework, oil painting, and arrangement of embellishments. Silks, silk velvets and chenille, and threads of every hue were used to incorporate names, dates, pictures, and a wide assortment of symbols.
Antique Crazy quilts are judged by design, graphics, level of embellishment and overall condition. We have antique quilts truly astonishing in their level of needlework and graphic impact, and as always, guaranteed to be the very highest quality.

Click on the pictures below to see more views of my Antique Victorian Crazy Quilts. Shading is due to lighting, not representative of the quilt. Please call for the availability or any questions.

Q9287 Wool and Wool Challis Victorian Crazy Quilt
c.1885
74 x 74 inches
Maine
$2,200
Muted colors I find very soothing. We have a Victorian Crazy quilt that
was created from all muted colors: burgundies, blues, greens both pine
and moss, blacks, rusts, bronze, brick color and bordered with a muted
woven wool challie. Some blacks and browns are silk velvet. Created in
the earlier 9 block formation with exceptionally exquisite and
complicated embroidery around each piece and the entire circumference of
the muted burgundy border.
Each block measures 22" X 22", the border is 3-3/4" in width which
includes a 1/2" separately applied binding in taupe. The backing is a
brown plaid cotton flannel just perfect to cuddle under!
A perfect quilt for your bed, comfortable chair or couch ...it is meant
to be used and cherished! A truly fabulous quilt!
Please ask for this quilt to be sent, with free shipping, for your final
approval. Please feel free to ask for more information.

Q9280 Victorian Silk Velvet Crazy Quilt
c.1885
53 x 65 inches
New York
$1,500
A rarity is such an elegant Victorian Crazy Quilt that is constructed
from Silk Velvet. This heavily embellished quilt is actually three
dimensional in many areas.
The center medallion measuring 12" square is embellished with silk
chenille threads, resulting in a three dimensional floral arrangement of
Peonies in bloom, leaves, buds and stems. The background fabric is silk
velvet as is the entire quilt. The borders measure 8" wide which
includes a 1-1/4" silk binding. The four corner blocks measuring 7" X 7"
are silk with exquisite embellishment. One corner block is embellished
with Pansies, one corner block is embellished with daisies constructed from
ribbons, one plain block and the forth block are embellished with a tiny
delicate Marguerite flower, stems and leaves constructed from silk
ribbons and silk thread.
The backing is silk and the quilt is reverse tied. Crazy Quilts are not
quilted.
This is one of the very, very few quilts that I will sell that is not
perfect as you will notice from the price. Once hung these imperfections
are hardly noticed....What does your eye see?

BTG88 Silk Velvet Crazy Quilt
c.1885
59 x 69 inches
New England
$1,900
This mostly silk velvet crazy quilt was created in the 1880s. It was
made from nine 17" square blocks and three 10" X 17" blocks. There is an
outside 4" border of silk velvet with the edge turned over 1/4" with a
hand stitched finishing. There is some wear on the edge of the silk
velvet which makes me think someone used it..., or that it was folded
and somehow became worn on the edge.
The body of the quilt is perfect, with a minimal amount of restoration
done by us. There are six Kate Greenway embroidered pieces, and also a
backwards S and a cross. The Kate Greenways are absolutely adorable.
Most of this crazy quilt is simple, without a lot of embellishment. The
embellishing stitches are of varied colors. The colors of this quilt are
warm and pleasant. Due to the wear on the corners, I am pricing this
quilt at $1900.
What a wonderful piece of textile art for your home. I am happy to send
this quilt, with free shipping, for your in home inspection and approval.

c.1885
68 x 68 inches
Hudson, Massachusetts
SOLD
The patience and creativity that many Victorian women had in the
designing and execution of these artistic masterpieces is truly amazing.
This is the first Victorian crazy quilt I've
seen over 35 years that is in absolutely perfect condition.
Not only is this an exquisite Crazy Quilt but the composition differs from
any I have ever seen. When first looking at this quilt you see several
strips that were individually designed, sewn and embellished. These 9
1/2" strips were sewn together, then the edges were exquisitily
embellished. Upon closer examination, the construction of these strips was more
complicated. Each panel was made from a series of large
dimamonds that are slightly tilted! They are not only so artistically
creative but the embellishments captivate our eyes. In the main body of
the quilt we have some amazing hand embroidery with silk thread and silk
ribbons. The silk pieces are filled with flora and fauna: birds, staffs
of wheat (the symbol of life), butterflies, even including an
embroidered cartoon. Another design element setting this quilt above
others is the outside perimeter of a 5-1/2" ice cream cone border.
Each "cone" is embroidered with an animal or flower, then each of those
pieces are outline embellished. I have seen thes quilts edged with lace
trim...however, in this case, exquisite hand made lace is sewn behind
the ice cream cone border. The effect is captivating. The designer only
allows one to see the lace slightly between the sides of the cones and a
half inch beyond the top of each cone. Here we have a crazy quilt that I
believe one could never get tired of admiring.
All design elements are perfect. The miniature embroidery is outstanding
and the condition is absolutely perfect. Backed with a goldish-brown
cotton, reverse tied with each tie covered with little bows.
This amazing textile comes directly from the family, from Hudson, Mass.
The name of the creator will be given upon sale of this quilt.
This is one of those quilts where I feel a photograph comes nowhere
near doing it justice.
This amazing quilt is ready to be sent with free shipping for your
approval.

CONMP Silk and Silk Velvet Victorian Crazy Quilt
c.1885
60 x 60 inches
New York
$5,200
This very sophisticated Victorian crazy quilt was exquisitely created
using a deep red silk velvet fabric as a rare or totally original design
element. There is a 14-1/2 inch deep red silk velvet sash going
from the top left corner to the bottom right corner. Joining the
goldenrod embellished sash is 7 inches of the same deep red silk velvet
giving us a dramatic border.
Also totally unusual are the two triangular Crazy Quilt sections each
measuring 50 X 36 X 36 inches which were created by the diagonal sash.
These are comprised of 9 inch silk blocks all heavily embellished with oil
paintings, lace, ribbons, gold metallic threads, trims, the initial H,
the crane and more. The crane is the Japanese symbol of long life. There
are ribbons..one is of a thoroughbred with a woman lovingly feeding her
pet while being adoringly watched by her two dogs.
Each silk Crazy Quilt piece has the circumference embellished as well as
so much of the interior. The backing is a burgundy color silk with
colorful pompoms adorning the reverse ties of this quilt. To me this
embellishment shows the pride the artist took in her masterpiece as this
extra was usually not seen by others.
Studying quilts is also a study of sociology. The expensive fabrics
along with an expensive fabric for the backing tells me that this
amazing quilt was created by a member of an affluent family.
This museum quality Victorian Crazy Quilt is ready to be sent, with free
shipping, for your in home approval.

c.1910
76 x 76 inches
New England
SOLD
A folk art wool Crazy Quilt created using sophisticated colors in a manner remnisent of African American quilts.
This quilt was made at the beginning of the 20th century from various men's and women's suiting fabrics, mostly
in today's sought after colors of gray and black. The pieces were joined by hand, the quilt is hand tied and
has a 1" seperately applied binding.
The use of a flannel backing creates an extra cozy quilt. A perfect piece of art for your family room or bedroom
either at home or at your lodge. Wool quilts are aways tied due to the fabric as here tied with red thread.
Due to the overabundance of ties the batting is nice and safe and secure inside. We have actually organically
hand washed this wool quilt. Because the colors are so shade-wise similar, I did not worry about the colors
running as can happen with wool and silk fabrics. Now we have a wonderful folk art crazy quilt ready to be
used as a quilt or as a fabulous piece of folk art for your wall.
Ready to be sent, with free shipping, for your at home approval.

UF44 Herringbone Gold Metallic Hand Embellished Table Runner
c.1885
14 x 54+ inches
New York
$750
I can not imagine the hours of work that went in to creating this
magnificent table runner. When one looks closely one can see that the
base pattern used to create this masterpiece was actually pillow ticking
fabric. In previous eras women created their pillows using this fabric.
As it is very substancial and has straight lines, it is a perfect
fabric to embellish. Each 1/4" row is embellished with one of
approximately a dozen different colored embroidery threads.,. Some of
these are actually gold metallic thread. Along each row a strip of
either gold, silver or bronze metallic thread was carefully stitched in
a cross stitch pattern. On each end there was added 7-1/2" of gorgeous
teal in a silk velvet. Finishing off each end are a half dozen silk tassels.
I never cease to be amazed at the creativity of so many women to
embellish their homes with exquisite handmade textiles. What a perfect
basis for a centerpiece on your table throughout the year.
This one of a kind piece, in complete original condition is ready to be
sent for your at-home approval with free shipping.

Dated 1900
62 x 71 (157.5 x 180.3 cm)
PA
SOLD
A fabulous folk art crazy quilt comprised of a combination of wool, wool challis and velvet crazy
pieces with whimsical wool embroidery. A wonderful palette of reds, blues, russet, greens, browns,
and ecru forms the ground of this great folk art piece. The artist used this as a canvas onto which
she embroidered large scale whimsical and traditional designs using a variety of stitch patterns
and colors of wool yarns in bright, warm hues.
Multiple cats along with birds, large bugs and a terrific barn with fence are included with a
sentimental 'Think of Me'. In the center of the quilt is the embroidered date of 1900. The name
of 'Hatt' as well as initials 'G.D.R.' are hand stitched with wool yarn. The backing is a fabulous
and early black, pink and white cotton print - see detail images. Reverse tied with cream wool yarn
this quilt also has a pillowcase edging. Multi-hued wool embellishment stitching provides the perfect
finish for the outside edges.
Charm and a certain 'joie de vivre' combine to make this quilt a great choice as a focal point for
that special room. Folk art whimsy at its best, this is a wonderful and unique quilt that can be
sent to you on approval for private review. Please ask Betsey for more details.

Q9106 Victorian Crazy Quilt
c.1885
30 x 39 inches
Massachusetts
$2,200
This small size masterpiece is a feast for ones eyes. Created for "Mother"....as stitched on this quilt...we have some of the most intricate and unusual embellishments and patterns seen here. The fabrics are a variety of silks ans silk velvets dating from the mid 19th century. We are delighted to see origional pattern designs as well as exquisite ribbon work, silk chenille embroidery, gold metallic thread embroidery, and dozens and dozens of exquisite embroidery outline stitches.

c.1880
59 x 60 inches
New Jersey
SOLD
This original design optical illusion Pineapple Log Cabin, with a crazy quilt border, dates from
c.1880. A Pineapple or Windmill Log Cabin quilt shows motion and this quilt carries it to an
extreme due to the placement of colors. The effect is also due to the huge contrast between
the black and deep red in the center of the spokes and the windmill spokes themselves.
Normally all of the 10 centers of the Log Cabin blocks would be red chimneys. In this case
many of the centers of the pinwheels are actually miniature Crazy Quilts.
The blocks measure 11-3/4 inches square, the border 5-1/4 inches in width. The center chimneys,
which in this case are mostly miniature Crazy Quilts, measure 4 inches square.
The edge is finished with a black silk binding.
This Quilt is in amazing condition and would make one of the most beautiful artistic wall hangings.
Please call or email for more information.

c.1885
84 x 84 inches
New York
SOLD
WOW!...This quilt has to be one of the most graphically exciting wool
and wool challis Crazy Quilts that I have ever had. No matter your color
scheme I believe the rich color would be found on this quilt..Whatever
rich color you surround this quilt with..that color will become the
prominent color on this quilt!
Comprised of 16 ..18" blocks each with a center medallion Ohio Star and
each piece outline embellished with one of dozens of beautiful crazy
quilt stitches. One mark of excellence of a Victorian Crazy quilt is 100
different stitches used on a quilt...this one clearly passes that mark.
The angled piano key border is 6-1/4 " wide with each strip measuring
between 1 " to 1-3/8" in width....Every piece on this perfect condition,
unused quilt is outline embellished. There is a separate applied 3/8"
burgundy binding. The backing is an extraordinary c.1880's burgundy,
black, and yellow on white picotage.
This extraordinary optical illusion piece of textile art is ready to be
sent for your at home approval.

Q8903 Victorian Crazy Quilt
c.1895
64 x 78 inches
Central Pennsylvania
$1,600
If you like red, white and blue...here is an unusual cotton Victorian crazy quilt in an organized format.
The creative quilt artist designed this quilt using a conventional block format with sashing, a rarity for a Victorian Crazy quilt.
Created from 8 inch blocks and joined with 2-1/2 inch sashing, then connected with 2-1/2 inch squares.
The fabrics are a treat to behold...with dazzling 1890's wild designs, bold plaids and very 1880's conversation
prints....the fabrics in this quilt will captivate the viewer.
Completely created by hand..hand pieced and hand quilted in a 2-1/2 inch diagonal grid.
The 1/4 inch binding is turned over from the back to the front.
The backing fabric is a very muted tanish pink and white plaid.
The batting is what I would call thick, thus producing a cuddly and graphically wonderful quilt.
Perfect for warmth and perfect for your wall :-)
Appears to be unused...ready to be sent for your at-home approval.

Q9220 Center Medallion Victorian Crazy Quilt
c.1885
52 x 60 inches
New England
$3,200
This rare and exceptional c.1885 Victorian crazy is filled with much of the symbolism of that era.
A partial list includes Japanese fans, cranes, a symbol of long life, horseshoes for good luck, owls for wisdom,
a staff of wheat for life and a cross for religion. The embroidery and embelishments are outstanding.
They include 3D ribbon work, gold metallic thread embellishment around the border and silk chenille work.
The Victorian era symbols were so important to Victorian women: flora and fauna and the love of animals.
All of these symbols are represented on this quilt. The silk velvet border measures 4” with each corner
having a sophisticated 4” block. These corner blocks are usually seen on Amish Quilts, not Victorian Crazy Quilts.
Most of the ribbons, chenille and threads are silk.
Two sleeves have been hand sewn onto the back short ends making this quilt ready to hang.

Q9053 Victorian Wool Challis Crazy Quilt with over 100 original flora and fauna oil paintings
c. 1890
70 x 82 inches
Cambridge, OH
$3,900
This wool and wool challis crazy quilt is comprised of 42 12”squares. This quilt is one in a million. There are over 100 flora and fauna original oil paintings covering the entire quilt. It’s actually 42 12” square paintings combined to make up one quilt. The embroidery embellishment surrounding the piece is also beautiful. However, the oil paintings superceed the beauty of everything else. Wool challis always was and remains to be a very expensive fabric. It is a combination of wool threads woven with silk threads. It is executed with an artistic and creative vision. The backing is a 19th century pink peony floral on a brown background. Please look at the close-up photos to see some of the amazing paintings.

CONLK6 Signed and Dated Crazy Quilt with Native American Symbols
Dated February 18, 1894
66 x 82 inches
Found in Maine
$1,600
After looking at and researching dozens of Crazy quilts to the best of my ability, I believe that this Maine quilt has definite Native American influence and symbolism. This original piece of art is comprised of 20 blocks, each measuring apx 16” square. A Victorian crazy quilt that is totally unique. There is Native American symbolism thoughout the quilt. This quilt has embroidered names, auld lang syne, staffs of wheat and ears of corn and planted rows in a field. Wonderful colors with wonderful motion and one of a kind. The front fabrics are wool, wool challis, wool silk and heavy cotton. The backing is all wool. This piece would provide great warmth as a quilt on a bed. As a piece of art,on a wall, this quilt would be artistically wonderful and soothing to the eyes. Ready to be sent for your viewing and approval.

Dated 1904
60 x 78 inches
West Virginia
SOLD
I will classify this original folk art Crazy Quilt as “off the charts”! It’s spectacular! This quilt is truly a piece of art. Comprised of 12 20” square blocks, using fabrics that are mostly 1890’s wool and wool challis. The backing is 1880’s - 90’s flannel thus creating not only a warm, but a very cozy quilt. Much of the embellishment on this quilt is three dimensional. There are a lot of unanswered questions on this piece. I have a feeling it was made by Grandma, whose initials may have been V.B.M. Many of the blocks are initialed. Does this mean that many people made a block or were the blocks made in their honor? There is a similar style so I believe it was made by one person, however that is up for discussion. One block has 5 sets of initials all ending in M. Could this be Gandma's children or grandchildren? This major piece of textile folk art can be hung in either direction. If you want to rotate it, you’ll see a totally different piece of art work. This is such a happy quilt. I think the creator must have adored her family. Ready to be sent for your approval at home.

QT820 Foundation Pieced Crazy Quilt Top
c. 1935
76 x 78 inches
New England
$525
Happy, happy, happy :-). This is the best way I can describe this quilt top. As a result of the foundation pieceing, this quilt top doesn’t need to be quilted, only tied. The basic block is a 7” crazy quilt diamond. Then 11 plus diamonds are put together to create a strip 75” long. The next step was 14 of these strips sewn together to created this top. The foundation piecing was done by hand. The blocks and strips were then sewn by machine giving you a sturdy piece to work with. No matter what your depression era color scheme is, those colors are going to be on this quilt top. All of the fabrics on this quilt top are unused. It appears that these were scraps left over from whatever this seamstress was making. The two end rows are solid pieces of fabric instead of being pieced in a crazy quilt manner. This creates two borders for the quilt top. This top can be used in any direction. The photo shows the direction that looks (to my eye) the best when hanging. In unused ...unwashed condition...to be sent for your approval..

Q9083 Strip Pieced Cotton Crazy Quilt
c.1928
64 x 74 inches
Pennsylvania
$800
This Strip Pieced Cotton Crazy Quilt was executed in a formation of fifty six 9-inch blocks, pieced by hand and tied. The quilt was tied to secure the thick cotton batting inside, as this was made for warmth.
Very happy daisy floral whole cloth backing in blue, white, red and pink. The quilt is reversible because of the whole cloth backing. Hand stitched 1-1/4 inch turned over binding from back to front.
Professionally hand washed by Betsey and ready to use.

CONMG7 Cotton Velvet Crazy Quilt
c.1910 front, later back
54 x 62 inches
New Jersey
$850
The addition of bright and lively colors is not common in the world of Victorian crazy quilts. There are 56 blocks with apx 7 1/2” sides. The fabrics used are cotton velvets, cotton corduroys and a very few pieces of silk velvet dispersed throughout the quilt. The mustard gold backing was added later and turned over as a binding. The top stitching embellishment has been executed with various colors of cotton floss. The stitching is simple but adds a graphic touch to this unused quilt. This piece can either be used or hung on the wall as vibrant art.

AMC3 Victorian Crazy Quilt
c.1885
56 x 66 inches
New England
$3,800
Silks and silk velvets were the fabrics of well to do families prior to the 1890’s. This Victorian crazy quilt, having been made in the 1880’s is comprised of wonderfully made silks and silk velvets. The mark of excellence for a v c q is 100 different stitches
This quilt not only reaches this, but surpasses the level of embellishment. These quilts were created using the block formation. Created with apx 10 1/2” blocks, the edge of each block being embellished with various stitches. My feeling is that this quilt was made near the ocean as it was embellished with anchors and fish. Other Victorian symbols used include Japanese fans, as a symbol of the origin of these quilts, owls for their wisdom and of course beautifully painted oil and adorned flowers. The silk velvet border appears to have been used prior to the edging of this quilt. Because of its size, this is a wonderful quilt to hang in the home.

Q9070 Silk Velvet Blazing Star
c.1885
15 x 31 inches
New Englaand
This wall hanging was created in New England as an ornamental piece for the home and comes complete with the original diminutive hanging hardware. A radiating center star is very difficult to piece. We know a few things about the woman who made this piece. She was affluent, very talented and had a tremendous amount of patience. All hand pieced and hand embellished, this exquisite little quilt can be hung (in either direction) or be placed on a tabletop. All original and in perfect
condition.

c. 1885
Lancaster County, PA
SOLD
One can see by the shape of this Victorian crazy quilt fragment that it is that of a violin. An Amish woman created this as a present for a violinist to put inside his violin carrying case to carefully protect the violin from any damage. The imprint of the violin can be seen in the silk velvet backing. Obviously a present for some special person, a piece such as this would never have been an embellishment in an Amish home.

Q8102 Miniature Silk Victorian Crazy Quilt
c.1885
24 x 24 inches
Massachusetts
$950
All silk and silk velvet, this exquisite work includes ribbon work, embroidery, silk chenille and hand paintings. The 2.5" attached hand crocheted lace border can be removed if you choose to do so. This is a complete original miniature quilt, not a fragment.

c. 1880
20 x 30 inches
New England
SOLD
Created in individual squares, then sewn together. Original configuration. Great array of 19th century calicoes.

Q8797 Silk Crazy Quilt with Brick Border
c.1885
60 x 76 (152.4 x 193 cm)
NY
$2,900
A fabulous concoction in jewel toned silks, this antique Crazy Quilt shimmers beautifully in the light. A myriad of silks, mostly solids with some intriguing stripes added for special interest, vary in size from 2 inches to 12 in a variety of geometric shapes. The viewer’s eye is truly focused on the gorgeous array of color and form due to the use of herringbone seam embellishment only. The expanse of solid and striped silks becomes, like pieces in a stained glass window, the focal point of this lovely work of art.
Surrounding the inner design is a 1 1/2 inch wide brick border comprised of various silks used in the interior design forming a lovely frame. The inner seam is embellished with embroidered silk stars. A 1/4 inch hand applied wine silk binding finishes the edge. The backing on this quilt is a medium blue cotton twill.
A lovely silk Crazy Quilt in a perfect size for a wall hanging in that special room. Please ask Betsey for more details and to see this quilt on approval in your home.

Q8771 Victorian Silk Crazy Quilt with Burgundy Velvet Border
c.1885
63 x 64 (160 x 162.6 cm)
PA
$1,500
A lovely example of the Victorian Silk Crazy Quilt whose design is reminiscent of a stained glass window. Each block, or window pane, measures approximately 9 ¼” x 9 ¼” and is filled with solid and patterned silks and silk velvets in clear, bright colors. Finely executed embellishment stitching in various hues of silk floss cover every seam in every possible variation of stitch design. Interior embellishment designs include rings, floral patterns, chains, fruits, and the initial “L” - we presume for the maker.
This lovely quilt is designed in a 6 x 6 array of window panes which gives a nice sense of order within the crazy cutting of the silks. Framing the interior design is a lush, burgundy silk velvet border 3 ½” wide. The backing is a stunning quilted burgundy silk which is pillowcase edged by hand to the front design for an elegant finish. A beautiful, silk velvet creation that would be gorgeous as artwork on a wall or as an accent piece in any room. Remember, our quilts are always sent on approval.

Q8759 Victorian Silk Velvet Crazy Quilt
c.1885
74 x 74 (188 x 188 cm)
Chester County, PA
$2,900
A gorgeous silk velvet crazy quilt in excellent condition! Both soft and warm, with an amazingly sophisticated feel, this Victorian quilt has a wonderful mix of jewel toned silk velvets which are completely hand embellished in a variation of the double coral stitch using silk floss, and top tied with multi colored silk and cotton flosses. Four main blocks filled with pieces ranging from a tiny ½ x 1 to 13 x 3 inches fill the center of the quilt. Surrounding this is a crazy pieced border approximately 7 inches wide.
The backing is a cozy flannel windowpane plaid in brown, green, blue and yellow. The applied 3/8” binding is a soft blue with red stripes cotton flannel. This beautiful and very elegant piece of textile art would add a touch of warmth and vitality to any room in your home. Remember, our quilts are always sent on approval. This quilt already has sleeves sewn on the back in case you would like to hang it as art on a wall.
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