I love very early antique quilts and fabrics especially 1820's to 1860's. And my favorite fabrics are pillar print chintz fabrics like this charmer featuring birds and flowers atop a pillar or column. Pillar prints were only popular for a short period of time and printed mainly between 1800-1830. They were only printed by English printers. They are seen in American whole cloth and pieced quilts between 1820-60.
This piece is about 10 x 13 inches, large enough to experience and study the fabric but much more economical than purchasing a whole quilt. Check with antique dealers to see if they have yardage - it is a great way to own a piece of history at an affordable price. Circa 1825-35.
And here is another glorious pillar print with fabulous baskets of flowers and fruit. So glad the auction house showed the backing fabric on this quilt, it was definitely why I wanted this quilt. Though the front is very nice too with tiny double nine patches (individual 9 patches are only 3 inches). Circa 1835 or 1840.
This gorgeous egg glazed chintz was part of a bedset/bed curtains (drapes around the canopy bed). It is from about 1830- 40 and the edges are finished with hand loomed tape that is often called "Trenton Tape" as it was very popular in Trenton and other parts of New Jersey.
Here is a simpler pillar print with flowers and grapes that is perfectly showcased in a whole cloth quilt. Circa 1830.
What I did on my summer vacation...
-
Early summer was great with lots of family fun and plenty of quilting time
in between. Then, just after my last post in August, my Myasthenia Gravis
kic...
12 hours ago