| Wool Antique Quilts |
| Click on the pictures below to see more views of my Wool Antique Quilts. Shading is due to lighting, not representative of the quilt. Please call for the availability or any questions. |
| About Wool Antique Quilts |
| Fine wools have been used for hundreds of years both as regulators of temperature and as marks of affluence. Before and after the Revolutionary War, Americans created wool whole cloth quilts from linsey-woolsey fabric. 19th century wools were created from different weaves, textures, and composition of fibers. This variation in texture creates a wonderful dimensional effect when a wool antique quilt is hug as textile art. In addition to being terrific graphic wall art, wool antique quilts are also a perfect way to keep warm on a cold winter’s night in bed or in your favorite chair. Some of these antique wool quilts even have the added benefit of warm and cozy flannel backing! |
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Please view the detail photos (click image above) for more accurate colors. Q8700 Wool Mosaic c.1885 60 x 84 Pennsylvania $4,500 A wonderful example of an early quilt pattern using wool and wool challis fabrics. This quilt is executed in a warm and vibrant color palette in shades of blue, brown, black and green with splashes of red and pink. Each of the hundreds of hexagons measure 1 7/8”. Central to each hexagon pattern is an embroidered three leaf clover. Double borders, one in black and the other in deep olive black wool challis grace the outer edge of the quilt design. The backing is a beautiful black and deep fuchsia check. A very fine black wool challis is used for the applied 3/8” binding. Hand quilting is executed in dark thread in diagonal crosses and outline stitching enhancing the geometric design in this quilt. The creator of this piece had a wonderful sense of design which she employed using vibrant plaids placed strategically, adding interest and spark to her creation. In unused condition, this quilt is a wonderful rendition of the 19th century mosaic pattern and a sophisticated example of antique textile art perfect for a bed or displayed as art on the wall. Remember, our quilts are always sent on approval. |
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Please view the detail photos (click image above) for more accurate colors. Q8521 Wool Challis Folk Art Log Cabin c.1865 50 x 60 upstate New York $2,900 This folky unusual example of a log cabin quilt transcends time and decor, equally appropriate in an early home or a modern one. This wool challis Log Cabin quilt would typically have come from an affluent family. Challis fabric is a combination of silk and wool which then, as today, was very costly. The third quarter of the 19th century was the heyday of wool challis Log Cabin quilts. This wonderful combination of wool challis fabrics dates from circa 1840 through 1860, and contains many of the browns and taupes sought after by today's designers. Each 5 inch square block was foundation pieced by hand, using logs between ½ and ¾ of an inch wide. The red wool center squares, approximately 1 ¼ inches per side, are 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. Our quilts are always sent on approval. |
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Please view the detail photos (click image above) for more accurate colors. Q8563 Wool Victorian Crazy Quilt with Embroidered Animals Dated 1906 43 x 55 possibly New York $3,900 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 image above) for more accurate colors. Q8690 Log Cabin Courthouse Steps c.1875 78 x 96 Lancaster, PA SOLD A stunning Civil War era wool challis Log Cabin quilt arranged in the Courthouse Steps pattern. This antique beauty was created by an expert needlewoman with an artist’s eye for design and the means to indulge her passion for fine fabrics. The use of a color palette very contemporary in feel, combined with a traditional pattern, results in a piece of textile art perfectly suited to either traditional or very modern surroundings. Each 8 inch Log Cabin block is foundation pieced by hand using gorgeous solid and print wool challis fabrics in multiple shades of black and brown, cobalt blue, green, and red. The artist chose a lavender-fuchsia solid wool challis fabric for the ‘chimney’ at the center of each block – a beautiful complement to her various shades of black and brown. An inner one inch rose brown border dissects the outer chocolate brown 5 inch border at each corner forming an interesting frame for the central design. This entirely hand pieced quilt is also finely hand quilted with brown thread. Quilting patterns consist of a one inch herringbone pattern in the borders reinforcing the overall geometric design, with outline stitching used in the inner blocks. An outstanding over dyed green calico fabric was chosen for the whole cloth backing - another indication of the affluence this artist enjoyed as this high quality fabric would normally be saved for use on the front of another quilt. The 3/8 inch hand applied brown binding completes the quilt. A fabulous creation in unused condition, this antique quilt is sublimely elegant with a gorgeous contemporary palette. A wonderful example of mid nineteenth century American textile art. Our quilts are always sent on approval. |
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Please view the detail photos (click image above) for more accurate colors. Q8680 Wool Log Cabin Barn Raising with Roman Stripe Border c.1890 61 x 70 PA Sold A very sophisticated wool and wool challis quilt created in earth tones with splashes of deep greens and blues. While executed using the Barn Raising pattern, this unique Log Cabin quilt has added elements that place it in a category of its own. Skilled design work added a zigzag Roman Stripe border six inches wide which surrounds three sides of the inner design. The artistic quilter also highlighted each log with embellished stitching on the seams. This accent uses different hues of wool thread for added depth and design. The artist combined her subtle color palette with bright red wool chimneys 1 inch wide for a wonderful visual impact. Each block is approximately 5 ½ inches square, and has been foundation pieced by hand with logs ranging from ½ inch to ¾ inches wide. Completely hand quilted using hand outline stitching in dark thread visible from the back side. The backing is cotton sateen and has a small scale muted olive green and rose floral printed on ecru. This wonderful fabric is turned over to the front and hand stitched down to form the 5/8 inch wide binding. In excellent condition this quilt is a very unique piece of textile art and one of Betsey’s favorite finds for this year. Perfect for an accent on a bed or as a graphic statement on your wall. This textile is ready to be sent to you on approval. |
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Please view the detail photos (click image above) for more accurate colors. Q8679 Wool Log Cabin Barn Raising c.1885 66 x 70 Carlisle, PA $3200 What a fabulous quilt with absolutely stunning graphics! This wool and wool challis Log Cabin in the Barn Raising pattern shows a wonderful use of color and movement. The quilt maker chose a sophisticated color palette of rich blues, taupes, maroons and grays for her creation. She took great care with color placement so the graphics would grab and hold the viewer’s eye. Extraordinary design details such as the 1/2 inch chimneys in bright red wool set against this rich, dense color palette emphasize this artist’s eye for both design and elegance. The wool and challis fabrics comprising this quilt date from 1860 into the 1880’s. Each block is approximately 6 1/2 inches square with all logs approximately 5/8 inch wide. The quilt is foundation pieced by hand and quilted by hand on the diagonal. The quilting is executed with dark thread. The cotton backing is a small brown and white plaid also used for the hand applied 3/8 inch binding. In excellent condition- with a few original moth holes which we call character - this quilt is sublimely elegant and a fine example of extraordinary graphic art. Remember, we are happy to send this quilt on approval! |
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Please view the detail photos (click image above) for more accurate colors. Q8706 Wool 9 Patch Broken Dishes c.1865 68 x 79 Ohio $4700 A wonderful example of an early quilt pattern created from pieces of wool and homespun wool. It is executed in a warm and vibrant color palette of deep blue, brown and deep green with splashes of red and paprika. Each 9 patch block measures 8 x 8 inches with 2 inch bar sashing in alternating solid colors of chocolate brown, dark brown, olive green and blackish-blue wools. Central to each 9 patch block is one square pieced in the broken dishes pattern from contrasting tones and bright colors. This play on colors adds a surprising bit of movement and interest for the eye. The backing is an early pale green, rust and beige cotton flannel plaid. A very fine black wool challis is used for the applied 3/8” binding. Hand quilting is executed in dark thread in cross hatch, diagonal crosses and outline stitching enhancing the geometric design in this quilt. This is a beautiful quilt created from a multitude of early wools in solids, stripes, hounds tooth check and plaids in rich, deep earth tones. In excellent condition, with a few “original moth holes“, this quilt is a truly warm, cozy and sophisticated example of antique textile art that would be perfect for a bed or as a statement on your wall. Our quilts are always sent for your approval. |
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Please view the detail photos (click image above) for more accurate colors. Q8710 Amish Wool 16 Patch c.1928 76 x 78 Lancaster County, PA $2500 This wool Amish quilt, created mostly from Amish children’s clothing, has wonderful graphics and exquisite detail! Sixteen patch blocks are each created in a variety of solid color wool fabrics and measure 10 ½” square. Blue 4” sashing and a 2 ½” border in the same fabric complement the variety of hues. Embellishment stitching around each element in the quilt adds the perfect detail and accents the checkerboard pattern. Amish quilts are known for their solid colors, strong graphics, geometric designs and exquisite quilting. The fabrics used are the same as for sewing their clothing. The backing might be the only exception, when fabric given as a gift specifically for use on a quilt may be in a bright floral or pattern. Such is the case with this quilt –a lovely pink, blue and cream large scale floral cotton print is used on the back. The backing folds over to the front and is hand stitched down to form the 3/8” binding. Lovely hand quilting using dark thread is used throughout, with 1 ¼” diagonal cross hatch stitching in the sashing, herringbone stitching in the border and diagonal crosses in the 16 patch blocks. This is a beautiful and vibrant quilt perfect for either a bed or used as art on the wall. It really must be seen in person to appreciate – remember, all our quilts can be sent on approval! |
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Please view the detail photos (click image above) for more accurate colors. Q8505 Wool Challis Log Cabin Straight Furrows c.1890 78 x 80 Lancaster County, Pennsylvania $3800 What a fabulous quilt! In mint condition, with absolutely stunning graphics, this Straight Furrows quilt has been foundation pieced by hand using wool challis fabrics in the much sought after colors of taupe and grape. The black challis wools in this quilt are most likely from shawls. The 10½ inch border has been formed by diagonally piecing 1 inch wide logs set in to form chevrons. The binding is ½ inch red plaid challis, and the backing is a primarily brown plaid with red and taupe accents. This quilt was reverse tied at the intersection of each block without batting, as was the norm for most foundation pieced wool quilts of this time. A truly beautiful quilt with the ability to transcend all decors, from an antique colonial to a modern glass home! |
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Please view the detail photos (click image above) for more accurate colors. Q8619 Multiple Stars of Bethlehem w/Diamond in a Square Reversible to c.1780 Wholecloth Linsey-Woolsey Back c.1780; Front c.1835 74 x 74 NY $4500 This is a terrific find for Betsey’s clients! A stunning and very graphic red and black wool Star of Bethlehem that is unusual as well as beautiful in its own right. In addition to that, however, this quilt is reversible to a wholecloth Linsey-Woolsey dyed with purple dye c.1780! The c.1835 front is comprised of nine approximately 20 x 20 inch star blocks that are joined by 3 inch wide diamond in a square borders with a ½ inch black applied binding. Quilting is done entirely with linen thread in echo, outline and crosshatch stitches which are showcased beautifully on the reverse Linsey side of the quilt. Unique and lovely! On the woolen side we have professionally restored, with same date or older fabrics, later restoration work. Please ask Betsey for more details. Graphically stunning and very dramatic in both design and color palette, this antique work of textile art was an exciting find for Betsey that she is happy to be able to offer her clients. Professionally hand washed by Betsey. |
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Please view the detail photos (click image above) for more accurate colors. Q8237 Wool & Wool Challis Log Cabin Barn Raising with Borders c.1865 66 x 66 PA $2,800 Log Cabins are traditionally both pleasingly graphic and sophisticated. Here is a fabulous antique quilt full of high energy as well! This quilter took the classic Barn Raising pattern and raised it to another level with the clever arrangement of fabric color and pattern and the addition of multiple borders. Constructed in wool and wool challis in a multitude of hues in solids, plaids and prints the artist has successfully used numerous design elements to create a lively yet cohesive whole. As the first focal point of this piece the center four log cabins are executed in a very deliberate palette of red and white. Center red chimneys unify the remaining log cabins, set in the barn raising pattern, with their extraordinary variety of colors and fabric designs. An outer frame consisting of a 3 inch bars border flanked by an interior 2 inch border of tan and red and an outside 1 ½ inch border in a warm brown brings the last unexpected and totally unique design element to this work of art. These elements combined bring a sense of energy and vitality, very carefully restrained – possibly a reflection of the artist in her time? The backing is an 1870’s fabric in brown and red with reverse ties throughout and an applied binding in ¼ inch black wool challis. Warm, graphic and vibrant this piece of textile art in excellent condition is the perfect size for a magnificent wall display or would work equally well as a bed covering. Please ask Betsey for more details. |
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Please view the detail photos (click image above) for more accurate colors. Q6468 Funky Log Cabin Courthouse Steps c.1850 72 x 80 Found in PA, made in New England $2,400 A very funky piece of textile art in excellent condition, this log cabin quilt arranged in the classic Courthouse Steps pattern has a personality all its own. Made from wool and silk challis, this hand made antique quilt’s striking colors make it unusual, its surprising bits of plaid, striped and floral fabric just add to its uniqueness. Each 11 x 11 ½ inch block is made up of 1 – 1 ¼ inch width logs with varying hues used for the chimneys – including fuschia! Foundation pieced and hand quilted along each seam. The ½ inch binding on two sides is an applied burgundy wool challis, and the wholecloth c.1860 cotton backing is a brown, burgundy and ecru small scale squares and dots pattern which folds over to the front on opposite sides to form the other two bindings. There are a few “original” moth holes - ask Betsey for more details on this one. |
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Please view the detail photos (click image above) for more accurate colors. Q7000 Grandmother’s Fan Bassinet Quilt c.1880 42 x 64 PA $1,400 In excellent condition and in its original child’s size, this soft wool challis quilt is both snuggly warm and graphically wonderful - perfect for use as a sophisticated crib quilt or as wall art. Arranged as a 4 x 7 array of fans this wool challis quilt has a 4 inch solid black green border and 28 fans made up of alternating red and green blades and finished with grayish brown fan handles. A small and very even outline track stitch is used as the embroidery embellishment throughout. The backing is a solid red challis with a 3/8 inch applied black green binding the same fabric as the border. A beautiful, warm and sophisticated piece for your child’s room…or for any room in your home. |
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Please view the detail photos (click image above) for more accurate colors. Q8603 Wool Bricks Quilted in Log Cabin Barn Raising Pattern c.1895 61 x 75 Lancaster, Pennsylvania $1,900 The dual color quilting in a Log Cabin Barn Raising formation over the Wool Bricks pattern places this wonderful piece in the out-of-the-ordinary category. Using both red pearl cotton and white quilting threads the lines are parallel to each other and approximately 1 1/2 inches apart with just the red going through to the backing. The hand pieced and quilted Wool Bricks pattern is made up of wool suiting rectangles measuring approximately 2 ¾ x 4 ½ inches in shades of navy, deep green, browns, blue, grey and tan. The quilting with its 3-D, almost pulsating, effect has created an extremely unusual textile that transcends decors and is at home in either a glass and chrome home or an early American colonial. Red cotton backing is turned from back to front to form the ½ inch binding. In unused condition this quilt is ready to use. |
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Please view the detail photos (click image above) for more accurate colors. Q8593 Folk Embroidered Floral Wool Bricks Quilt c.1890 60 x 66 Lehigh, Pennsylvania $2,800 What a fun piece of wool folk art for your wall or as an accent piece in any room! In excellent condition, 4 ½ x 3 ¼ inch blocks of various suiting wools were joined together and embellished with wool yarn herringbone and fly stitching along each seam. A garden of folky and colorful wool yarn flowers was added, then layered with a wool blanket and backed with pieced grey plaid flannel. So cozy and inviting; just right for a good book and a cold winter’s night! This quilt is reverse tied and bound with a 5/8 inch black wool challis binding. Please ask Betsey for more details. |
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Please view the detail photos (click image above) for more accurate colors. Q8572 Wool Embroidered Signature Folk Art Quilt Dated 1926 72 x 82 Pennsylvania $4,200 This absolutely spectacular wool quilt invites close inspection of the wide variety of plants and animals skillfully embroidered in colorful pearl cotton. Cut from men’s suiting wool, the interior blocks measure approximately 7 x 12 inches, and the border blocks are 4 x 8 inches. All the seams were embellished with fancy stitching, and the quilt was finished with a pillowcase edging and a circa 1915 wholecloth cotton striped backing in browns and golds. This particular quilt offers multiple clues to its origin, but no clear answers. Many of the blocks were cut with pinking shears; taken perhaps from a suiting sample book? Perhaps the quilter had access to a tailor’s remnants? Dated 1926, twelve triple initials have been included, all skillfully stitched in equal size, with nine of them ending in the letter “L”. Was this quilt made by one person who chose to include initials of loved ones, or was it perhaps a more collaborative family effort? Unusual animals such as an elk, a great horned owl, an elephant, and a labeled ibex were included among the more commonly seen domestic animals and plants. The skill and care taken in the creation of this warm, lively, and instructional piece raises the possibility that it may have been made for a special child, or perhaps as a parting gift. While we may never know the actual history of this quilt, we can certainly recognize its value as a superior folk art piece! Please ask Betsey for more information |
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Please view the detail photos (click image above) for more accurate colors. Q8442 Folk Art Hexagon Pinwheel c.1920 59 x 72 unknown location $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 image above) for more accurate colors. Q6845 Log Cabin Courthouse Steps c.1890 72 x 72 Pennsylvania $950 Wonderful turn of the century wools and wool challies in a wide variety of solids, stripes and plaids make this quilt special. Foundation pieced by hand, with a 1/4 inch black binding, this quilt has colors to match any décor; from deep blues, greens, and burgundy to pinks, tans, and reds. The beautiful floral backing is a cotton sateen in soft shades of green, pink, cream, and lavender. In unused condition (with a few original moth holes) and ready for your enjoyment! |
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Please view the detail photos (click image above) for more accurate colors. Q8366 Log Cabin Straight Furrows Original Crib Quilt c. 1870 30 x 36 upstate NY $1,800 This fantastic little quilt has a wide assortment of wool challies from the 1840’s to the 1860’s in plaids, prints and solids, arranged in a bold Straight Furrows pattern. It is bound with beige wool challie, and backed with a small scale 1870's geometric print in rich chocolate brown. Just the right size for hanging or displaying as a crib quilt, please ask Betsey for further information. |
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Please view the detail photos (click image above) for more accurate colors. Q6883 Miniature Sunshine and Shadows Log Cabin c.1865 72 x 82 Adams County, Pennsylvania $3,600 This quilt is comprised of wool challis dating from c.1840-1860. The logs measure 3/8” and the unusually colored chimneys are lavender or a red and white candy stripe. It has an 8” wool plaid border and a brown striped flannel backing that is turned over to form the binding. The combination of fabrics and the border make this piece feel terrifically folky! |
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Please view the detail photos (click image above) for more accurate colors. Q6842 Log Cabin—Barn Raising c.1865 74 x 84 PA $2200 This wonderful Log Cabin Quilt is all hand pieced and hand quilted. It is comprised of phenomenal wools and wool challis, including a very early turkey red wool challis. The quilt has a double border and a fabulous olive green dot and floral backing. While the quilt dates to c.1865, the fabrics in it date from 1840-1865. There is minimal quilting on this piece, but usually log cabin quilts are not quilted at all. This is a terrific artistic piece, and will be absolutely wonderful as a hanging piece of artwork. There are a few original moth holes in various places on this piece, but they are very minor. Please view the detail photos (click thumbnail above) for more accurate colors. |
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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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