Although the 1930s was the era of the Great Depression, women’smagazines were full of optimism. Cheery fabrics and colors could be found on new quilt patterns in an attempt to keep creativity alive as homemakers struggled to sew practical items for their families Although quilters were still interested in creating quilts that reminded them of their heritage, they wanted them in happy pastels and lighter colors.

Newspapers also picked up on the surge in quilting and began to feature quilt patterns, as did catalog companies. At the Chicago World’s Fair in 1933, Sears included an exhibit of the winning quilts from their national competition, which had reached women all around the country and netted a response of 24,000 entries.

Read more about this collection and view gallery

Toybox III - Miniatures c. 1930 by Sara Morgan

You’ll love this adorable collection of unusual and hard-to-find juvenile and toy motifs! Filled with kitty cats, playful children, dogs, ducks, bunnies and more, these tiny prints are sure to delight quilters and kids of all ages.

Pink Fusion, c. 1930 by Sara Morgan

Often referred to as the “Renaissance of Quilting, the 1930s brought a great quilt revival, a result of the hard times of The Great Depression. All across America, activities devoted to the home arts became popular. Quilting groups, shows and newspaper gained popularity, bringing women from California to New England together around their quilting frames. Eleanor Roosevelt's campaign for American Arts and Crafts further helped propel quilting to the forefront of activity. Although times were tough for Americans, quilts of this era were usually bright and cheerful.

Read more about this collection and view gallery

Certain colors, certain prints, certain styles...together, they give us what is known as fashion. These trends in fashion make it possible to date not only the clothing that was worn, but also quilts that were made from fabrics that were popular at a given time. Each decade or, at least, each quarter-century can be identified by specific fabrics that were in demand by fashion-conscious ladies.

My collection of antique quilts dates, primarily, from the early 1800's and, as such, I am used to seeing a particular palette. Every now and again, I find examples of colors or prints that do not seem to fit the typical mold. Although accurate to the time period, they are not seen as frequently as the more familiar color schemes. Such is the case with this collection.

Read more about this collection and view gallery

Lincoln Era, 1860-1865

This Rare Estate Collection comes from fabrics found in antique clothing from General Stores in New York City, Philadelphia, Charleston and Richmond.

The General Store was quite popular in rural areas around the country, especially during the mid-to-late 1800s. Folks depended on their local mercantile, not just for the necessities such as coffee, spices, baking powder, flour, sugar, eggs, milk, butter, fruits and vegetables, honey and molasses, cigars and tobacco, but also for a host of other “essential” items.  Store owners tried to anticipate the needs of their customers and often extented credit or bartered for their goods.

Read more about this collection and view gallery

Vintage textile enthusiasts and collectors will find this group very exciting!

Fabrics from the Boussac of France mill are very rare and unique finds - Blue Hill Fabrics has been lucky enough, through their association with Sara Morgan, to present this beautiful collection of exclusive designs and motifs from that famous mill. . These treasures are just a sampling from the most incredible collection of mill samples from from the Boussac of France mill book.

The delicate background netting, the interesting color combinations and the wonderful handwriting motifs are straight out of mid 1800s textile history. Delicate flowers and intricate designs are just part of the appeal - once you see the collection, you’ll understand why it so special

French Miniatures, 1800-1850 by Sara Morgan

These rare minis come from a special Estate Collection that Sara was lucky enough to view during one of her European excursions. Seeing how special these prints are, Sara knew that she just had to add them to her own collection. The adorable motifs give a glimpse into the history of how textiles ware produced in the first half of the 19th Century.

Prior to 1815, a wood block would have had pins placed in it to create the picotage background in the circular design seen in these lovely delicate prints. The Serpentine print, picotage florals, simple plaid and stripe intertwined with tiny flowers are complimented by the filler prints whichare allover small designs that can read as a solid from a distance, but add texture when viewed close. These would have been roller printed most likely, as they are so tiny.