Baltimore Beauties: Applique Quilts from the Past and Present

One of the most famous types of applique quilts is the Baltimore Album quilt. For only a very short time in the mid-1800s, Baltimore Album Quilts were all the rage, especially in the corner of the USA east of the Mississippi River and north of the Carolinas. Based on quilts first made in Baltimore, Maryland, these quilts typically feature different blocks in a sampler-style design or may feature a large center block surrounded by smaller blocks and elaborate borders filled with applique. The block patterns feature a huge variety of florals and may include landmarks unique to the area, animals, ships, flags, or other patriotic themes. 

These quilts from the 1840s, 50s, and 60s were often signed and were typically made by a group of women working together. Additionally, Baltimore Album Quilts are often embellished with embroidery, inking, and three-dimensional elements. Makers took pride in showing off their finest handwork.  

One of the important quilters who was influential in reviving Baltimore Style quilts was this type Elly Sienkiewicz. Back in 1983, she published a book called “Spoken Without a Word” which included patterns and details about the history of Baltimore Album Quilts. Since then, appreciation for this art form has only increased. The Baltimore Album Quilt is considered one of the finest styles of quilts ever made in the USA.

My dream is to capture the spirit of the Baltimore Album Quilt, but do it in a modern way with a fresh perspective. By incorporating Rotary Cut Applique, I want to simplify these complex applique designs and interpret Baltimore Style blocks in an easier way. I plan to design my own “Almost in Baltimore” quilt using a variation on the traditional color palette of red, green, and white. The blocks will be redesigned, making them either Plain or Fancy depending on each quilter’s skill level and the time they want to invest. 

Join the Ahead of the Curve Community to discover the speed and accuracy of Rotary Cut Applique and how to apply these techniques to your own version of a Baltimore Beauty!  Choose from one of two Live workshops each month, one Baltimore Block and one small project workshop.  

Twelve all-new project-based workshops featuring rotary cut applique are also being designed and planned for the upcoming AOC season.  There are so many techniques to learn and so many ways to play with Applique!  We can’t wait to see you in our community of Applique lovers!  

Whether you like your blocks Plain or Fancy, or if you would rather make smaller projects each month, the Ahead of the Curve Community is there to educate, support, encourage and inspire you to make the quality Applique quilts of your dreams!