Crazy quilts were all the rage in the late 19th century
- combining odd shaped pieces with pictorial elements
and embroidered details. Sometimes these quilts employed
a tile technique with each appliquéd piece separated
from its neighbor by a narrow band of white muslin
ground fabric showing through, resembling the grout
between broken ceramic tiles. The effect is one of
vitality within an organized framework. Popular motifs
of the period reflected the fashionable interests in
nature and animals.
The New Town Farm Collection is inspired by a single
"tile" quilt dating from 1880-1920, now in
Colonial Williamsburg's collections. Individual elements
were extracted from the overall pattern to create a rich
assortment of complementary fabric designs. With
beautiful designs, enticing colors, and timeless appeal,
these fabrics will help quilters create their own piece
of history.
