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.

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

These beautiful fasbrics were inspired by the relief printing technique in printmaking known as “wood cut”. In Europe, Woodcut is the oldest technique used for old master prints, developed somewhere around 1400 when paper techniques were used for printing on cloth.  The process of wood block printing is sometimes considered to be the most artistic and the earliest, simplest and slowest of all printing techniques.

In this process, a design is drawn on or transferred to a wooden block. A separate block is required for each color in the design. Because fine details are so difficult to cut in wood, they tend to wear down quickly or break off in the printing process. The block cutter carves the heavier masses first so that the finer, more delicate work is not damaged during the carving process. Because the printing process is usually done by hand, it yields beautiful, unique and highly artistic results.