The Triangle Collection, 1820-1830

It is probable that the quilt which provided the inspiration for this collection came from the New England or Mid-Atlantic states. Most of the fabrics are from c. 1830, but the pink print, as well as the background print could easily be as early as c. 1820.

The large scale triangle pattern was really quite common - the design itself has been used for thousands of years in everything from textiles to tile floors. Fabric was so expensive during this time period that not a thread was wasted. A square could be cut in half and there would be no scraps. The original quilt is quite large, which is very typical of this time period. "Best" beds were large and often nearly square in the early 1800s.

Yorktown, c. 1850

Situated along the York River in southeastern Virginia, Yorktown was founded in 1691 as a port for shipping tobacco to Europe. By the mid 1700s, the town reached its height of success with a population of almost 2000 people and a few hundred buildings – Yorktown had emerged as a major Virginia port and economic center. A well-developed waterfront boasted wharves, docks, storehouses and businesses, and on the bluff above, stately homes lined Main Street, with taverns and other shops scattered throughout the town.

As the American Revolution began its seventh year when (in 1781), British general Lord Charles Cornwallis brought his army to Yorktown to establish a naval base. In the siege by American and French forces that followed, much of the town was destroyed. By the end of the Revolution, less than 70 buildings remained in Yorktown and the 1790 census recorded only 661 people in town.  

Toybox IV, c 1930

Although we tend to identify these fabrics as '30s prints, in truth they were used for sewing well before the depression and for several years after.

Toybox motifs are actually a type of Feedsack print and feedsacks gained their popularity as far back as the late 19th century, when cotton sacks began to replace barrel containers for farm and food products. As the price of cotton began to drop, women began to use the bags for quilts, clothing and other household needs.

By the 1930s, manufacturers had realized the popularity of the prints and became competitive to produce the most attractive, desirable motifs. This became instrumental in how women shopped for their flour, grain, sugar, rice - even feed for their farm animals!

Antique Vintage Shirtings, 1880-1910

As a result of the introduction of the Transcontinental Railroad and the elimination of import taxes in 1870, silk became affordable for more people, and cotton calico - a luxury only half a century earlier - was relegated to everyday and utility wear. Manufacturers gradually abandoned the complex madder dye process of earlier decades in favor of new synthetic dyes. They simplified prints to use only one or two colors, and limited colors to red, yellow, indigo and "cadet" blue (a lighter shade), pink (a synthetic imitation of madder pink), a shade of burgundy (also synthetic) known as "claret," and with the introduction of Vidal black dye in 1892, black, which previously had been limited to an accent color.

There is a Native American legend that says, " If you have a secret wish, capture a butterfly and whisper your wish to it. Since butterflies cannot speak, your secret is ever safe in their keeping. Release the butterfly, and it will carry your wish to the Great Spirit, who alone knows the thoughts of butterflies. By setting the butterfly free, you are helping to restore the balance of nature, and your wish will surely be granted."

The butterfly has long been a symbol of transformation, of growth, of freedom. Paula captures its soulful spirit with her Papillon collection, featuring a beautiful and colorful focal print of butterflies in flight surrounded by detailed coordinates with a European flair. Subtle yet strong, these fabrics are a wonderful expression of the inner beauty found in us all - create a powerful message all your own for your next project.

The symbolism of the rooster is as vibrant and diverse as its plumage! Normally associated with strength and confidence, the rooster is also a symbol of honesty, courage and watchfulness.

The ancient Greeks believed the Rooster rose to attention and saluted the sun every morning with a loud, hearty crow to symbolize victory over the nighttime. They were considered sacred to many of the gods.

In Japan, roosters are also sacred and run free in Shinto temples, calling followers to prayer with their crows at dawn.

In the Chinese zodiac, the rooster is a symbol of honesty and fortitude, both physical and mental. It signifies fortune, luck, fidelity and protection.

The trend of this season is Birds, Birds, Birds!

Everywhere you look, you'll find our fine feathered friends on dishware, blouses, skirts, slacks, scarves, pillows - and this is your chance to be part of the boom.

Paula's Feathered Nest collection puts the emphasis on delicate finches with French-inspired coordinates - just perfect for adding a sophisticated elegance around your home. Start with a simple project and you'll see the possibilities are endless.

The Farm House Collection, 1830-1860

The colorful calicos are truly a special find from Sara Morgan!

The early calicos were printed by hand using wood blocks and later replaced in the 1750s by engraved copper plates. The copper plates had the advantage of taking more detail than the wood blocks, but still had to be operated by hand. By the end of the 18th century copper plates were replaced in turn by copper cylinders which enabled entire lengths of cloth to be printed much faster.

These combinations of rich reds, poison greens and bright yellows make for a bright and bold collection of motifs that are just delightful for planning your next project.

American Coverlet, 1840-1860

Coverlets are woven bedcovers, used, like quilts, as the topmost covering on a bed. Woven coverlets were popular in many states during the early-to-mid 1800s. The weaver worked on a loom to construct the textile itself “from scratch” one row at a time, often from handspun and hand dyed yarns; and the pattern was woven in as part of the process.