Places to Buy Amish Quilts
Amish quilts, one of the most recognized forms of Amish textile art, incorporate artistic techniques dating to the 17th century. As practical household items and works of art, Amish quilts can be found in homes throughout the world and are available for purchase through a number of different avenues, though going straight to the source in Amish communities is the best way to find good prices and variety.
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Going to the Source
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Large Amish communities exist throughout the Unites States and Canada, with the largest populations located in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, and Holmes County, Ohio. While the members of these communities embrace the traditional Amish way of life and sometimes have limited interactions with the outside world, shops and tourist-oriented businesses exist in these areas. Amish quilt art is one of the principal offerings in these places, and you should be able to find a variety of quilts and prices during a visit to any large Amish community.
Specialty Dealers
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Most major cities, particularly those located in states or provinces with large Amish populations, have stores or warehouses that sell Amish merchandise, from food to household goods and crafts, including quilt art. For the best prices and widest selection, consult the online directories of Amish communities to find the dealers that sell authentic Amish merchandise. Most of these distributors also work directly with Amish craft artists, contributing to the further development of the art form in Amish communities.
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Internet Dealers
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A number of Internet options exist for online purchases and mail delivery of Amish quilts. As with many Internet retail operations, only some distributors offer authentic Amish merchandise and deal directly with Amish communities. For the best Internet results do not simply conduct a Google search. Instead, look through Amish community tourist or directory information to find recommended dealers or establishments that carry merchandise direct from the community. Quilts can be very fragile, so make sure any mail-order option packages the items appropriately.
Estate Sales and Antique Stores
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Quilt art has been a household item in high demand for centuries. As a result, many estate sale managers and antique stores carry a wide selection of Amish quilts, including several antique pieces with more traditional designs and patchwork techniques. Depending on how they are maintained, quilts can be quite durable, so do not be afraid to call local antique dealers and inquire about their selection. Many antique dealers may be able to offer you listings for local craft dealers.
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