The Ladies Art Company: A Fresh Take on Tradition
- The Ladies Art Company: A Fresh Take on Tradition
The Ladies Art Company was one of the first businesses to offer quilt block patterns by mail, thus revolutionizing the way quilters collected and shared designs. This mail-order approach allowed quilting to become a more accessible hobby and artistic pursuit. Never before had so many unique quilt block patterns been available to such a widespread audience.
Founded around 1889, the Ladies Art Company was headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri. Its catalog boasted an impressive collection of quilt block patterns (over 500 patchwork designs), many of which were given iconic names that we still recognize today such as ‘Shoo Fly’, ‘Churn Dash’, and ‘Farmer’s Daughter’.
Prior to the introduction of mail-order quilt patterns, block patterns were often passed down orally, hand-drafted, or shared through community gatherings. Today it is easy to assume that quilters have always had quick and easy access to new patterns and ideas like we do.
How it Worked
Per the description in my catalog, a quilter could purchase a single block pattern for 15¢, two for 25¢, five for 50¢, or twelve for $1.00. The quote below is taken directly from the first page of the 1928 catalog.
Each pattern is put up in a numbered envelope and consists of a colored cardboard diagram of the design, showing how many pieces of each part are needed and how they are put together, and all the parts of the paper pattern needed for the cutting patterns for making the block
The Ladies Art Company Catalog, 1928
The catalog also provided instructions for calculating the fabric yardage needed and suggested block layouts inside the front cover as shown below.
In addition, The Ladies Art Company offered fabric for sale and provided quilting services with the price based on the pattern used.
And you could purchase a complete quilt made from any design. Prices ranged from $25 to $40 per the catalog description, and customers were advised to write for an estimate.
How I Discovered the Ladies Art Company
I first learned about the Ladies Art Company when I started researching some vintage orphan blocks a friend gave me to identify. He was curious about the names of the blocks and asked me if I could tell him. He estimated the blocks had been sewn between 1925 – 1960 since both his mother and grandmother were quilters. First, I set out on a search for more information about vintage quilt blocks in general. At the time, I was simply looking for a reference to help me find names for them.
Then, I learned about the Ladies Art Company catalog. I was intrigued by the historical significance of the catalog. I wanted to get a look at the actual catalog not just images on the internet.
On a whim, I searched Etsy just to see if anyone had one for sale. To my delight, I found one that had been published in 1928 and purchased it. The 1928 version (pictures in this post) had 530 different patchwork block patterns for purchase. It also included 44 applique patterns for purchase.
As I look for new quilt pattern ideas, I’ve often drawn inspiration from vintage blocks first made famous by the Ladies Art Company. Blending these traditional designs with contemporary techniques, we can keep these historical designs alive and relevant.
Let’s honor the legacy of the Ladies Art Company by continuing to explore, create, and share the beauty of quilt patterns. Are you ready to try your hand at a few vintage blocks?
Honoring the Legacy
To celebrate the enduring legacy of the Ladies Art Company, I’m thrilled to share a free block sampler quilt pattern inspired by their iconic designs. This sampler quilt brings together some of the company’s most beloved blocks in a fresh, cohesive layout that’s perfect for quilters of all skill levels.
I tried to choose 12 blocks that were easily pieced using half-square triangles or flying geese in a few cases (you could easily substitute HST’s). Hopefully, the blocks are unique to you and will allow you to discover some new favorites.
A new block pattern will be distributed monthly to give you time to work on the blocks in a leisurely manner. There is no deadline to sign up. The series will be ‘evergreen’ meaning that when you sign up, your series begins and runs for 13 months. Twelve block patterns and a final pattern that will describe how to assemble the quilt top.
Whether you’re looking to practice your piecing skills or create a stunning quilt for display, this sampler is a wonderful way to honor quilting history.
How to Get Started
First, make sure you subscribe to the MavaNell Studio blog so that you receive an email each time a blog post is published about one of the blocks.
Second, watch for our January 2025 newsletter (you’ll get it automatically if you subscribe to the blog) that will include a detailed description and link to the sign-up form.
Or keep an eye on this post since I will add the sign-up link here once all is ready.
I’m still finalizing the design and making sure that all fabric requirement measurements are correct.
Perfect Flying Geese Blocks Every Time
