Baltimore album quilts

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Baltimore Album Quilts originated in Baltimore, Maryland in the 1840s. They have become one of the most popular styles of quilts and are still made today. These quilts are made up of a number of squares called blocks. Each block has been appliquéd with a different design. The designs are often floral, but many other motifs are also used, such as eagles and landmarks.

1 History of the album quilt
2 Making album quilts today
3 External links
4 Resources for further reading

[edit] History of the album quilt

In the beginning, these quilts of appliquéd blocks were often designed by the maker. In time, patterns by accomplished designers were used.

Baltimore Album Quilts reflected the prosperous community of Baltimore as most were made not with scraps, but with new fabric. As the popularity of this quilt style grew, women far beyond Baltimore began making these album quilts.

Most Baltimore Album quilts were signed. The discovery of an indelible ink made it possible to ink flowery poetry and sayings along with a signature on each block. It appears making these quilts were especially popular with young women. Many included blocks each made by a different person.

[edit] Making album quilts today

Without the leadership of Elly Sienkiewicz few quilters would be making Baltimore Album quilts today. She has published several books on making these album quilts beginning in 1983. Her books combine good instructions with glorious pictures of album quilts and individual blocks. She has also taught workshops and given lectures both nationally and internationally.

Today you find quilters making these difficult quilts both individually and in groups dedicated to making Baltimore Album quilts.