Amish settlers came to the United States from Germany and Switzerland in the early 1700's. A sect of the Mennonite chruch, the Amish believe in a simple life style that strictly adheres to the Bible.

Amish quilts are made from solid color fabrics only, in bright and somber colors. The patterns are usually large geometric medallions and are heavily quilted with elaborate designs such as feathered scrolls and cables.

the Amish learned their quilting skills from non-Amish families, mostly residing in Pennsylvania during the mid-1800s. Before quilting arrived, Amish families relied on weaving techniques to create blankets and clothing. Today, however, Amish quilts are looked upon as cherished heirlooms and wonderful works of art.

The Amish Connection (Quilts and More)
Country Barn Amish Quilts and Crafts
Penny-Nii Collection: Amish Quilts from Lancaster County
Traditional Quilt Tour
Village Quilts Home Page
Sage House Herbs and Quilts
Discovery Online, Amish
ANTIQUE QUILTS
Amish & Mennonite Home Page - Welcome All
Quilts, Counterpanes & Throws
Amish Quilts of Lancaster County
Amish Quilts and Rockers Gifts, Candles, Clocks,
Amish Quilts, Crafts,Cigars, Amish Food.
Amish Quilts, their history and design

Amish Furniture, Structures

Amish-made Barns, Sheds, Gazebos, Furniture, gazebos
outdoor furniture
Amish Craft Barn
Amish Trading Post - ROCKERS
AMISH BARNS
AMISH STEAMER TRUNKS
Home of Amish Furniture Mart of Elizabeth, PA
Oak or Cherry Rockers

The History of Hex Signs

About 300 years ago, groups of religious refugees from the Rhine region of Germany migrated to south eastern Pennsylvania. These settlers, peasant farmers, came to take advantage of the religious freedom being offered by William Penn. They included Amish and Mennonites - people of "plain" dress; and Lutherans and other Reformed groups of more worldly dress called "fancy". Overtime, these people became known as "Pennsylvania Dutch".

Naturally, these settlers brought their old world customs and traditions to Pennsylvania. The "fancy" farmers decorated their distinctive bank barns with large, colorful geometric patterns. Mystical bird and floral designs graced birth and marriage certificates, family bibles and some furniture. These very colorful symbols, now called hex signs, had meanings or "legends". A design was selected based on both its aesthetics and meaning for the family.

Some of the more popular symbols included: sun wheel for warmth and fertility, hearts for love, birds (called distelfinks) for good luck and happiness, tulips for faith and stars for luck. The specific colors used also had meaning: red for your emotions, yellow for love of man and the sun, green for growing things, blue for protection, white for purity, and brown for mother earth.

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