A mid 19th century Indigo blue and ecru 20 inch pillow, ready to adorn any place in your home you wish to become more cozy and comfortable. Constructed from linen and woolen yarns. The blue is an Indigo dye. Indigo dyes vary in shade according to how many times the fibers are dunked into the Indigo bath. This Indigo shade is a marine blue. The other fiber used in the weaving is natural color LInen. The coverlet was organically washed prior to being made into a corded pillow. The pillow is now ready to be sent, with free shipping, for your approval.

This amazing early valance is Crewel Embroidered with vegetable dyed woolen yarn on natural color homespun woolen fabric. One edge is selvedge while the top edge is turned over and hemmed with a running stitch. There are various shades of blue...some being Indigo..all are vegetable dyed that are used for the Crewel embroidery. There are some ancient moth holes and ancient patches that you can see from the back. This beautiful and rare 18th century or earlier valance can still be used today or framed as an example of, believed to be Jacobean woman's handwork. There is something very special about it...!

I purchased this piece over 20 years ago and am now ready to have this textile find another home.

Do you remember when "Dickies" were in style? I do 😄 However this one pre-dates when I wore them by well over half a century. This is an example of women being proud to be Jewish, but hiding the fact. Personally, I have never seen buttons with a Star of David on them. These are very complicated brass buttons with a raised Star and a circumference of shiny stones...Each of the 14 buttons measure 1/2" in diameter.

The entire piece looks hand made and never used. The 1-1/2" very elaborate fringe is a darker shade, in the same hue as the fabric.

What a rare collectors piece of Jewish memorabilia in complete original condition.

This "Dickie" may be sent for your approval, with free shipping.

This exquisite very elaborate woolen woven chenille trim would make an amazing addition to a Crazy Quilt, table runner or just to collect.

The colors of the yarn are brick red, gold and burnt umber. A very sophisticated color palate.

There is one piece measuring 3" X 50". I believe this piece is machine woven although it looks as if it was executed by hand.

Woven coat trim in Ecru, Turkey Red and Khaki.

Every strip is turned under on each end, with a hand finished buttonhole on one end of each piece. These strips are unused, never making it to the desired apparel. Trim only wealthy could afford.

Two buttons on one shoulder when undone would help to put on this woolen men's Flapper Era bathing Suit.

The gray color makes it perfect to frame with today's decor. The suit measures 18" at widest point by 31" in length.

We have organically hand washed this wonderful find. Please request to have it sent, with free shipping, for your approval.

What an opportunity to acquire a very early center medallion from a Broderie Perse quilt and in perfect condition!
This piece is the center of an actual Broderie Perse quilt created between 1780-1810. The Broderie Perse technique was developed for the Anglo-American quilter during the late 18th century. Fabric for the design came from India where some of the best fabrics in the world were woven, designed and printed. From a printed fabric quilters would cut out various ententies..animals, birds, flowers, etc. then applique these onto the body of the quilt. These pieces are sometimes stuffed and as on this very sophiticated piece painstakingly embellished around each piece.
This Center Medallion contains a large center block of an early block print taupe floral glazed chintz set on point. This block is surrounded by chintz birds and butterflies meticulously cut out and appliqued onto off-white homespun linen.
The hand appliqué stitching is phenomenally dense, and the entire piece has been hand quilted in chevrons set 1 inch apart. The same chintz used in the center block was used for the 1/4 inch separately applied binding, and the backing is the same off-white homespun linen as was used on the front. This Center Medallion of a Broderie Perse quilt is as I found it.
What a find in a perfect size for wall art! A true collectors piece and ready to be sent, with free shipping, for your in-home approval.

I can not imagine the hours of work that went in to creating this magnificent table runner. When one looks closely one can see that the base pattern used to create this masterpiece was actually pillow ticking fabric. In previous eras women created their pillows using this fabric. As it is very substancial and has straight lines, it is a perfect fabric to embellish. Each 1/4" row is embellished with one of approximately a dozen different colored embroidery threads.,. Some of these are actually gold metallic thread. Along each row a strip of either gold, silver or bronze metallic thread was carefully stitched in a cross stitch pattern. On each end there was added 7-1/2" of gorgeous teal in a silk velvet. Finishing off each end are a half dozen silk tassels.

I never cease to be amazed at the creativity of so many women to embellish their homes with exquisite handmade textiles. What a perfect basis for a centerpiece on your table throughout the year.

This one of a kind piece, in complete original condition is ready to be sent for your at-home approval with free shipping.

Red, white, and blue are the colors used in the construction of this pleasingly graphic western motif spread. A few of the machine woven designs seen here are the rising sun, flying birds and numerous cattle brands. Each ranch has their own individulisic design for a branding iron. When cattle roamed the open range the brand was the only way to tell which cattle belonged to whom.

This spread can be used for its original intent as a bed spread or for delightful pillows...or both with a twin bed. Another idea is this artistic spread folded over a bar would make a fun piece of art on your wall either full size or folded in halves, thirds or quarters.

This lower price reflects some shading on the spread.

Organically hand washed and ready to be sent for your at home approval.

Created on a 35" loom; finely woven with thick black and red woolen threads. Odd Fellows symbols are the format for the design of this creation. I enjoyed using "Google" to read about the deeper meanings of the many Odd Fellows symbols. An over simplified version of these symbols is the importance in life of love, industriousness, truth, and acceptance of one another.

This c.1890 amazingly graphic piece of art was actually carpet for the floor of a 19th century home or possibly the actual Odd Fellows Lodge. Strips of 35" wide carpet were sewn together to create the needed room size. This carpet, a perfect piece of art for your wall, is not quite two full widths: one full and one apx. 3/4 width, hand sewn together. Please look at the closeup sections by clicking the above photo. Where have you ever seen 19th century art in red and black...a sought after and hard to find color combination.

Betsey has organically washed this carpet so it is clean for your perfect wall space. We can also apply "sleeves" so the "carpet" is ready to easily hang. Please call for more details.

Created from wide strips of silk and or ribbons, this center medallion Crazy Quilt pillow cover appears to be much larger due to the design. The center motif is a wonderfully embroidered bouquet of flowers tied with a ribbon. All embroidery stitching is executed with perfection. With meticulously stitched embroidery work this very talented woman created a double row border. The wide cotton sateen ruffle was created to take regular use. The backing is created to insert a pillow.....or this perfect condition piece of art could adorn your wall...
Always sent for your approval at my expense.

This adorable little apron was never used. Created from a c. 1940's conversation print, this apron has two long ties... long enough to make a bow in back.
Perfect as a gift to be used or framed..

Created from antique quilts and finished with antique lace or trim.... I only have a few...mostly from 19th century quilts, and they measure apx. 16 inches top to bottom....
organically washed and ready to be viewed at home...

A beautiful and rare piece of Amish textile art that would be a perfect wall hanging or folk art center piece for a table. Wool stumpwork tulips are arranged in a wreath-like formation in perfect Christmas colors. Executed on linen, maybe home-woven. A delicate 1/4" crocheted cotton lace edge frames the whole and is a lovely finishing touch. It appears to be hardly used with one slightly shaded area in the center which can be seen in the photograph. Colorful, dimensional and funky this is a fabulous piece of folk art for your home.

In complete original condition, this creatively embroidered table embellishment is comprised of 24 7” blocks with wool embroidered motifs on black wool. We have a swan, which to me represents a relationship lasting a lifetime, flowers and leaves representing spring, summer and happiness. There’s a bird with “AM” embroidered on its wing. Created in the 1890s, it appears that the maker was incredibly creative and probably came from a less affluent family. The backing of each block is a much earlier homewoven fabric. There are sleeves or what are called pockets sewn on the back making it ready for hanging. Equally beautiful would be as a center focal point of your dining room table...Ready to be sent for your viewing and approval.

I call feedsacks the original baseball cards. The reason I say this is because in the 1920’s, 30’s and 40’s people would try to buy more of a specific print or solid to finish their project...either clothing or a quilt. A consumer would purchase a brand in order to have the fabric. Some of the ones shown here are collected more for the brands than to use..I have dozens of calico feedsacks for sale. These sacks are very collectable. We do have in the shop some duplicates, both of the ones shown and calicos or conversation prints. The term feedsack is a misnomer as it covers many sack uses of these bags from grains, flour, corn, sugar, salt, animal feed and others. Prices vary. Call or email for more information

An affluent woman's sewing table from the mod 19th century. At that time most hand work of ladies of stature was done on their laps using a wooden hoop. This table would hold all their thread, pins, needles and other sewing tools of that era. Today this becomes a beautiful accent table with history.

This home spun linen coverlet is an extraordinarily rare piece. To find one such coverlet in this condition is amazing! There are three strips of homespun linen measuring 30” selvedge to selvedge stitched together to create the size needed. The width of each piece was dictated by the width of the loom used to weave the linen fabric. The embroidery work has been executed in cotton thread on linen and is very sophisticated in nature and incredibly time consuming. A woman's mark of excellence was her "hand work". A wonderful cover for any double or queen size bed in summer or over a comforter in winter. I know to date the finished creation to 1860 because the top edge has been turned over and stitched down by machine. The linen may have been woven at an earlier date. The finishing detail seems strange to me because of all the intricate embroidery and hand made fringe....or did another woman embroider a much earlier piece as indicated by the cotton embroidery thread and not the use of linen embroidery thread.

This was originally a bigger quilt. This Variable or LeMoyne Star wall hanging came to me in exactly this shape and condition. The body of the quilt is apx c.1845. Somewhere around 1860 someone took a piece of the original quilt and made a pillow cover out of it using a heavy duty striped cotton ticking as the back. It has never been finished or used as a pillow. What we have here is a wonderfully graphic wall hanging. Looking inside you can see the amazing fabric that was the backing of the original quilt. The blocks measure apx 7 x 7-1/2”, the center squares measure 4” and the triangles are 2 x 2-1/2 x 1-3/4. One edge of this little piece has been turned over 1/8” fo a binding and finished. This entire piece was created by hand before the sewing machine was invented. Even though this is in the size and shape of a bassinet quilt, by doing some detective work, we know how and what it was made for.

The sophisticated art of needlepoint has been executed for hundreds of years. The women who participated in this art form had to have had an unbelievable amount of patience. I can’t imagine how long each seat cushion took to make.... certainly months. We have birds, flowers, vines, leaves and more all perfectly executed. There are 6 needlepoint cushions, 5 in perfect condition and 1 with an area with color missing. Today they could again be used as seat cushions or backs and seats for small chairs or as the most sophisticated and exquisite pillows. The sizes are apx 24-1/2 x 28-1/2" plus 1/4” edge turned under, 18" x 29” could be easily cut or 19 x 24” completely clear. If interested please call ....these can be sent on approval.

The stars are free hand placed on the indigo blue background. When one looks at the stars they appear to be dancing and whimsical. The stars are linen and the indigo blue and red and white stripes are wool. Yes, there are moth holes. I always tell people to be careful when buying a wool piece without moth holes. The moth holes are a sign of authenticity. A wool antique without moth holes would be suspicious. The indigo background measures 41" x 33”, the stripes are 4-1/4“ wide and the stars measure 3” tip to tip.

UF259 Woolen 48 Star American Flag
c.1945 or earlier
95 x 176 inches (apx. 8 x 14 feet)
New England
SOLD

This flag is too large to photograph. I believe this one is a WWII vintage flag. The stripes are 7-1/4“ wide and the stars measure 4-3/8” tip to tip.

Thousands and thousands of Victorian glass beads hand strung to create embellishments. These were removed from an 1880’s Victorian evening gown. There are some embellished pieces that are ready to be applied to whatever you wish. They can be applied to clothing, pins and hats. There are at least two pounds of Victorian glass beads in total.

Hand quilted, hand embroidered and all ready to be filled with a little pillow. Original unused condition and professionally hand washed by Betsey. Is this Winnie-the-Pooh holding on to a branch attempting to get some fruit from the tree?

During the Victorian era when we would have finished embellishing, it appears that they just started. This cotton chenille drapery panel, is c.1890. The embellishment along the top, bottom and sides is all raised chenille. It’s just beautiful. The photograph does not do it justice. Some of the tassels are not in perfect condition, and there is some wear on this piece. However, the fabric is amazing and could be used to make pillows, to upholster a chair, or as a throw on a couch.

I do not know what this was originally used for. Possibly yardage for drapery fabric. Today it can be used as a tablecloth, pillows, drapery fabric or anything you wish.

Because the word war is stamped on the side, is it possible that this was meant to be used during WWII? In barely used condition, with black eagle and lettering and blue and brown stripes. There are some very faint stains.

Cotton balls were picked by hand and put into this sack. A strap was fastened on the sack and around the picker’s shoulders. This sack has never been used. If the seam was undone and the sack opened it would measure the full width of a homespun piece which would be 36” selvedge to selvedge.

I was told these came from a gambling hall in Colorado in the 19th century. Hand carved, hand painted and believed to be mostly original paint.

The crochet is 9 inches long from the shoulder front and back. The sleeves have 1 inch of crocheted trim.

This bag is 22 inches selvedge to selvedge on a piece of fabric that runs 34 inches long. Natural homespun linen was a New England fabric. It would take two years to make this, starting with planting the seed needed to make the flax for the linen. There are many gauges of linen thread. The finer gauge would be used for sheets and table cloths. The heavier gauges were used for bags, such as this one, or weaving with wool to make a Linsey Woolsey quilt.

During the 19th century women wore shawls not only for fashion but for warmth. These were our 19th century coats. Women would wrap the shawl around and around and drape it nicely. The black center of this paisley shawl is a beautiful 19th century black wool challis, which does not photograph well. (It’s a much richer black than shown in the photo). When you are not using this shawl as a drape on the way to the theater, it could be used as a banquet tablecloth in your dining room.

During the 19th century women wore shawls not only for fashion but for warmth. These were our 19th century coats. Women would wrap the shawl around and around and drape it nicely. This is exceptionally long, measuring 137 inches. Because of the large size of this shawl, it could also be used as a banquet size tablecloth. Muted moss green, beige and red, the overall look is sophisticated. Fabulous condition.

The crochet embellishment is beyond gorgeous. In perfect condition. For whatever reason, this has never been used.

This 100% cotton feed sack was used as packaging for an extra pair of suit pants.

The quilt came from an 1820 house, but the quilt pre-dates the house. This quilt talks to me. Have you ever seen a quilt that is comprised of numerous other quilts sewn together in order to make a very graphic quilt to keep you warm? The fabric used in this quilt is early New England homespun. I feel that most of this fabric is from the 18th century. Before the Revolutionary War England would not allow us to raise Moreno sheep, which produce soft wool. We could only have sheep for mutton, which produce coarse wool. The majority of the homespun on this quilt is made from such sheep that produced coarse wool. Back in the 18th century and early 19th century in New England we were concerned with staying warm. Such fabrics would achieve this purpose.

One of the strips has blue woolen fabric that appears to be of a finer quality. I am not sure if this was purchased from England or if it was spun by the family. We also took a picture of the back to show you where strips of another quilt were added to make this larger. Creating such fabric often took as much as 2 years from start to finish. This fabric would have been loomed at home, usually on the third floor of old New England colonials. After the fabric was woven the last process before creating a textile was to dye the fabric different colors. All the colors were from vegetable dyes. There were approximately seven different vegetable dye colors available to New Englanders.

This quilt was made in Fall River, MA by a Quaker family. The name is available on the sale of the quilt. The house it came from was built in 1820. I wonder if their previous home burned, which was not unusual in those days, and they salvaged what they could from the quilts that survived, putting them together to create a fabulous early textile. History absolutely jumps out of this quilt. The red and black star, the only pieced part of the quilt, would have been the newest addition. This also goes along with the fact that it is in the row with blue fabric that is from a newer wool fabric. The diamonds on point in this row are also from early homespun linsey. This is a quilt I could study and study and never get tired of looking at it. The fabric used in this quilt is wool and/or a combination of wool and linen, sewn and quilted with linen thread. You will find moth holes on the early piece, and my advice to anyone thinking of buying an early wool quilt is that if it has no moth holes, then it is probably not an early piece.

Looking at the back, one piece 37" wide, two strips to the left, one 22" the other 14" On the left side of the 22" piece they actually left the outside binding on. The right hand side, a 15" piece has been attached. The batting is wool, which you can see through some wear in the quilt. The plaid piece on the bottom was added after this quilt had been put together and re-quilted. This is truly an amazing piece of history. The family name is available on sale.applied binding is 1/4 inch. <\p>

We are not surprised that this is hand sewn since it was created 20 years before the sewing machine. The backing, binding and border surrounding the edge are Prussian blue. In the late 20th century, one would call it cobalt blue. Quilting was a woman’s mark of excellence and this piece surpasses all expectations. The quilt has applied sleeves sewn on by Rocky Mountain Quilts and is ready to hang. Call Betsey for more details.

The bottom 9 inches are comprised of 3 1/2 inches of exquisite crochet work and 2 inches of percale. 30 inch waist. Appears to be executed with a 0 size needle.

The bottom 15 inches of this “skirt" has wonderful layers of lace and trim. 30 inch waist.

Yes, we know this piece only dates back to the early 1960’s, which is new in Betsey’s world, but isn’t it wonderful? The Bambino Bean company used these 100 pound burlap bags to package pinto beans until Babe Ruth’s estate stopped the use of the Babe’s image. Betsey bought these five bags on one of her trips across the country over 10 years ago, and then forgot about them until she was up above the barn rummaging for treasures. So, whether you are a Red Sox fan, a Yankee fan, or just a fan of the game…one or more of these pieces would be perfect to add to your collection, and would look great on the wall as you cheer on your teams!

Betsey found this fantastic piece in New Hampshire. It showcases an exuberant confetti-like arrangement of wool and cotton fabrics. This beautiful textural and very graphic piece is perfect for that special place on your wall. It was purchased already mounted and ready to hang as a very unique piece of textile art.

Embellished with embroidered cross stitching. The edges are finished with a blue button hole stitch. There is a running chain stitch all around the tablecloth 3 inches from the edge creating a border.

Can be worn as a summer skirt. Draw string waist. Max width 38 inches.

This wonderful wool penny rug consists of 3 ¼ inch diameter circles of felted wool each with hand appliqued felted wool flowers accented with fine wool hand embroidery. The 4 inch long scallops, or tongues, along the entire edge also contain felted wool appliques, embroidery and a crocheted edging.

Professionally mounted on a wood frame covered in black cotton and ready for hanging. We show it vertically here, however it hangs as a horizontal work of art in Betsey's large kitchen.

This stars and stripes bunting is from either WWI or WWII, I am not sure which. I found this piece in Maine. Prior to the advent of paper decorations, we would use bunting to decorate for elections, presidential birthdays, and other political celebrations.

Child’s 1950s Cotton Poodle Skirt embellished with “Love me…” Buttons in the back. Appears to be sized for a ten year old.

A wonderful 12 x 12 inch sample from a walnut dyed 18th century Linsey Woolsey quilt. Perfect for use as a study piece it is a beautiful rich walnut brown with a homespun wool back. One side is pillowcase edged to the homespun back with a double line of hand top-stitched lines. Note the weave repair near the edge using wool thread that we assume was done a very long time ago as that is the traditional way a wool quilt would have been mended. See detail images.

Such a lovely early French toile fabric piece in red on natural linen. We believe it's almost a full repeat of the pattern, the right and top right edges show the end of the print block. Beautiful detail in the printing, please see detail images. A nice size to use as a decorative piece or a wonderful study piece for early fabric connoisseurs.

A gorgeous early indigo blue dyed block print on this quilt piece. On the back a fabulous print in blue, red, yellow, black, and green. Wonderful for study, Betsey has kept a piece to use in her lectures on early fabrics. See detail images.

The backing on this piece is disconcerting as in reality it is the front of another quilt. At one time someone quilted two different quilts together -- both backed with homespun linen. I assume this was for warmth.

A few years ago Country Home Magazine did a wonderful story on Betsey, her antique quilts for sale, and her restoration business. Their designers fell in love with the antique Redwork Signature blocks we had in the shop and made a few fabulous pillows for us using some of their favorites. The Redwork blocks are circa 1885 and are paired with contemporary linen, ribbons and/or buttons. They each have a down feather insert and invisible zipper. Gorgeous and very comfy they are priced individually. This pillow features an apple on a branch in the center of the signatures - please see the detail pictures. A lovely mix of antique and contemporary - each pillow is unique.

A few years ago Country Home Magazine did a wonderful story on Betsey, her antique quilts for sale, and her restoration business. Their designers fell in love with the antique Redwork Signature blocks we had in the shop and made a few fabulous pillows for us using some of their favorites. The Redwork blocks are circa 1885 and are paired with contemporary linen, ribbons and/or buttons. They each have a down feather insert and invisible zipper. Gorgeous and very comfy they are priced individually. This pillow features an owl and four different buttons at the corners - please see the detail pictures. A lovely mix of antique and contemporary - each pillow is unique.

A few years ago Country Home Magazine did a wonderful story on Betsey, her antique quilts for sale, and her restoration business. Their designers fell in love with the antique Redwork Signature blocks we had in the shop and made a few fabulous pillows for us using some of their favorites. The Redwork blocks are circa 1885 and are paired with contemporary linen, ribbons and/or buttons. They each have a down feather insert and invisible zipper. Gorgeous and very comfy they are priced individually. This pillow has a patriotic color palette with hand made ribbon flower buttons with jewel centers - please see the detail pictures. A lovely mix of antique and contemporary - each pillow is unique.

A few years ago Country Home Magazine did a wonderful story on Betsey, her antique quilts for sale, and her restoration business. Their designers fell in love with the antique Redwork Signature blocks we had in the shop and made a few fabulous pillows for us using some of their favorites. The Redwork blocks are circa 1885 and are paired with contemporary linen, ribbons and/or buttons. They each have a down feather insert and invisible zipper. Gorgeous and very comfy they are priced individually. This pillow has sweet Redwork flowers and leaves amid the signatures - please see the detail pictures. A lovely mix of antique and contemporary - each pillow is unique.

A few years ago Country Home Magazine did a wonderful story on Betsey, her antique quilts for sale, and her restoration business. Their designers fell in love with the antique Redwork Signature blocks we had in the shop and made a few fabulous pillows for us using some of their favorites. The Redwork blocks are circa 1885 and are paired with contemporary linen, ribbons and/or buttons. They each have a down feather insert and invisible zipper. Gorgeous and very comfy they are priced individually. A sporty red plaid ribbon accentuates the sweet Redwork leaf embroidery on this pillow - please see the detail pictures. A lovely mix of antique and contemporary - each pillow is unique.

Such a great pillow newly made from early homespun. Feather filled with three antique Mother-of-Pearl buttons used for the closing. We didn't know which way to photograph it and finally chose the side with the buttons. The detail image shows the other side. Beautifully made, there is a 2 inch lip including a 5/8 inch fringe around all four sides so the feather insert is 20 x 20. Just lovely.

A unique Folk Art piece comprised of silk tobacco premiums appliqued onto black silk with silk embellishment stitching. American tobacco companies produced a wealth of tobacco premiums that were included free with tobacco products. The advertising scheme encouraged collecting and creating household decorative items out of the premiums and was specifically targeted not to the users of the tobacco but to their wives, daughters, mothers, etc. They became extremely popular for collecting from 1910 to 1916.

This particular piece consists of a center silk Scottish Flag measuring 5½ x 6¾ surrounded by additional Country Flags, and Native American silks either 1¾ x 2¾ or 2⅜ x 4 in size. Mounted on a wooden frame wrapped in a wool plaid. A wonderful folk art piece ready for hanging.