Custom Quilts
Amish Designs
Of all the various themes and motifs to choose from, Amish designs remain without question, the jewel in the crown of quilting. Their utter joy of expression, exemplified by the use of solid-colored fabrics, and the art of dense and highly intricate hand-stitching, knows no equal. B right and bold, yet soothing to the soul, Amish Quilts have a distinct place wherever there is a call for warmth, color, and comfort - be it in home or office!
Amish Rose
You've heard of Irish Rose, well this quilt is an interesting combination of modern and traditional design, done in a pattern known as Amish Rose. Sweet in its simplicity, and compact in size; the tapestry measures 40" x 40". It is machine-pieced, with a top that is entirely hand-quilted.
The central focal point is an arrangement of 144 triangles of varying hues and shades, fitted together in a configuration which is both intriguing, and pleasing to the eye. There is no sense of busy-ness in spite of the wide palette of colors; rather an aura of calm and peace prevails. This serenity is what Amish quilting is all about.
The sole use of solid fabrics is what sets Amish design apart from all others. It provides the perfect showcase for the intricate and detailed hand-sewing so typical of Amish quilting.
Four roses, each with a corresponding leaf design, occupy the corners. They complement the centerpiece, by offering it definition and placement. A close-up shows the density of the quilting design. No space, however small, is without some form of stitching.
This particular example is known as 'echo-quilting', whereby the hand-stitching continually 'echoes' the shape of the fabric rose and leaf .
The border of the quilt (also shown here) is of the same black fabric as the main piece. The difference however, is the hand-quilting which is done in contrasting colored threads; comprising a vine and leaf motif stitched in green, with floral blooms and buds in red. Thus, providing a frame for the quilt with a motif which stands out, even as it blends in, with the surrounding shapes and colours.
Starry Night
This wall-hanging is a very traditional and simple design, in keeping with Amish custom. It is comprised of nine blocks in a variety of star configurations. All of which are then set into the dark black fabric of evening - hence the name Starry Night.
Materials used for the stars are Amish solids known as 'sherbets'. Like the ice-cream for which they are named, these delicate pastel tints in shades of mint green, lemon, orange, pale pink, robin's egg blue, and lavender, afford a light and airy feel to the quilt.
The blocks are traditional in origin:
Evening Star
Ohio Star
Ribbon Star
Variable Star Star Gardener Twin Star
Indian Star Braced Star
Pierced Star
The central square is the intricately-pieced Star Gardner, a nine-patch block divided into halves. The remaining star blocks radiating out around it, are of a simpler, less complicated configuration for better contrast.
The tapestry is machine-pieced, and the top itself entirely hand-quilted. As seen at right, the star blocks themselves are outline-quilted in black cotton thread. The black background, or sky as it were, is then quilted using a diagonal block design in silver metallic thread. French-knot 'stars' round out the starry night motif.
Each individual block has been embroidered with the name of the particular star design it represents. The 'Twin Star' in the lower left triangle at the left. Above, is 'Star Gardener' in the lower left square.
This wall-hanging is densely quilted, as most Amish pieces are. The use of silver metallic threads gives a shimmer and shine to the quilt, as though one were truly gazing into an evening sky. It is indeed a Starry Night!
The quilt measures 45" x 45".
For more information regarding any of the above designs...or for suggestions and ideas in having one created to your own specifications and decor, please contact us at Custom Quilts.