Lillies Quilts & Designs

Welcome to Lillie's Quilts and Designs, where every quilt is a one-of-a-kind creation—hand-stitched with care, color, and character. From playful children's themes to bold African prints, classic American patterns, and even music-inspired designs, our quilts bring warmth and personality to any space. Whether it’s a cozy throw for your couch or a stunning centerpiece for your bed, each piece is made to comfort, inspire, and last for generations.

© 2025 Lillies Quilts & Designs. All Rights Reserved.

Lillies Quilt Collections 2025

"Scrappy Up World Quilt"

This handmade quilt by Lillie, titled "Scrappy Up World Quilt," is a breathtaking testament to the beauty and diversity of African fabrics. It is not merely a covering but a vibrant, living canvas, a rich tapestry woven from countless stories and colors. The quilt's structure is a clever "scrappy" design, a mosaic of fabric remnants seamlessly stitched together to form a cohesive and compelling work of art.The visual impact is immediate and powerful. The quilt is a celebration of contrasting patterns and a masterful interplay of warm and cool tones. Fiery oranges and sun-kissed yellows dance alongside deep indigo blues and electric turquoise, while splashes of fuchsia and lime green inject a playful energy. The palette is both bold and harmonious, a symphony of hues that commands attention.The individual fabric squares are a study in cultural motifs. Some sections showcase traditional African wax prints, with their characteristic geometric shapes and intricate, repeating patterns. You can find sections featuring bold, graphic black and white designs—perhaps a nod to traditional Kuba cloth patterns—that create a stark and elegant contrast. Other patches are alive with abstract, swirling designs that seem to mimic natural elements or cosmic events. There are even small glimpses of animal prints, like the distinctive stripes of a zebra or the mottled spots of a leopard, which add a touch of untamed nature to the piece.The quilt’s design is unified by a strong, dark framework. Thick, jet-black strips act as borders, not only separating the wildly different fabric patches but also providing a sense of order and structure to the seemingly chaotic arrangement. This grid-like pattern grounds the piece, preventing it from feeling overwhelming and instead guiding the eye across the quilt's surface to appreciate each unique fabric square. The meticulous stitching is evident, a testament to the quilter's skill and dedication. The varied textures—from the smooth, polished surface of some prints to the more textured feel of others—add another layer of sensory richness.This quilt is more than a simple collection of scraps; it is a meticulously crafted work of folk art. It embodies the spirit of resourcefulness and creativity, transforming discarded remnants into a magnificent and meaningful whole. Each piece of fabric holds its own story, and together, they tell a larger narrative of African culture, art, and tradition. It is a stunning, tactile representation of heritage, a quilt that radiates warmth, history, and a powerful sense of handmade beauty.

"Pink Carnation Flora Squares Quilt"

This handmade quilt by Lillie, titled "Pink Carnation Flora Squares," is a striking and elegant piece that showcases a blend of floral beauty and modern geometric design. It’s laid over a weathered wooden fence, its colors contrasting beautifully with the natural, rustic background.The quilt's design is built around a series of repeating square blocks. The central feature of each square is a bold, stylized pink carnation with a vibrant red center, set against a background of black and white dots. The flower's petals are rendered in layers of pink, from deep magenta to a bright fuchsia, giving them a three-dimensional appearance.These central floral squares are framed by a grid of solid and patterned fabrics. The primary color is a deep, rich red, used in wide horizontal and vertical strips that create a lattice pattern across the quilt. Intersecting these red strips are narrow black sashing pieces that provide a strong, clean outline for the squares, making the floral blocks stand out even more.The border of the quilt is particularly eye-catching. On the left side, a broad vertical strip features a subtle, tone-on-tone pattern that appears to be an animal print—possibly a zebra or tiger—in a matching shade of deep red. This unexpected detail adds an element of wildness and texture, tying the entire design together.The overall impression is one of sophisticated balance. The bold floral motifs are contained and organized by the strong geometric lines of the quilt's construction. The combination of black, white, red, and pink creates a classic yet contemporary feel. This quilt is a wonderful example of how traditional quilting can be fused with modern aesthetics to create a unique and beautiful work of art.

"The Nubian Woman's Earrings Quilt"

This handmade quilt by Lillie, titled "The Nubian Woman's Earrings," is a captivating fusion of traditional craftsmanship and vibrant, modern design. It's a striking piece of textile art that tells a story of identity and beauty through its bold patterns and textures. The central panels are a powerful tribute to African heritage, featuring striking silhouettes of Nubian women with majestic afros and large, gleaming hoop earrings. Each figure is a celebration of strength and grace, a motif repeated across the surface like a rhythmic drumbeat.These figurative blocks are juxtaposed with vertical bands of a rich, velvety teal fabric, creating a dynamic visual contrast that gives the quilt a luxurious feel. The meticulous stitching and thoughtful placement of each piece transform simple cloth into a vibrant collage. Below this central design, a broad band of deep red velvet adds a touch of regal elegance, while the peachy-pink and black-and-white patterned borders frame the composition with a playful yet sophisticated flair.More than just a cover, this quilt is a work of art born from a rich tradition of African storytelling through fabric. Every unique seam and deliberate color choice is a testament to the artist's vision and the enduring legacy of a culture that finds beauty in boldness and resilience. To own this piece is to bring home not just a quilt, but a powerful statement—a celebration of beauty, history, and the timeless artistry of the Nubian woman. It’s an authentic, soul-stirring piece that will fill any space with warmth and a powerful sense of identity.

"Safari Animal World Quilt"

This handmade quilt by Lillie, titled " Safari Animal World Quilt" is a vibrant celebration of a safari theme, focusing on various animal prints. It's a testament to dedicated craftsmanship, a handmade piece that masterfully combines different textures and patterns into a cohesive and visually exciting design, clearly demonstrating the significant time and skill invested in its creation.The quilt features a large-scale, block-based pattern. The main blocks are composed of smaller patchwork squares and rectangles, all showcasing a variety of animal prints. The meticulous piecing of these diverse fabrics speaks volumes about the hours spent carefully selecting, cutting, and stitching each individual component. The dominant patterns are:* Leopard/Cheetah Print: This appears in various shades of brown, tan, and cream, with the classic spotted design.* Zebra Print: The bold black and white stripes are used to create high-contrast geometric sections.* Tiger Print: The warm, orange-toned stripes are visible in some of the patches, adding a fiery element to the palette.*Giraffe Print: The irregular, spotted pattern in a lighter, more subtle shade of tan and brown adds another layer of texture.The central patchwork blocks are framed by a striking rust-orange fabric that creates a bold, continuous lattice across the quilt. This rich color unifies the different animal prints and prevents the design from looking chaotic. A wide, horizontal stripe of a solid gray, possibly a textured fabric like linen, runs along the bottom of the quilt, providing a visual anchor.The borders and sashing pieces are also crafted from the same animal prints, further emphasizing the theme. The quilting itself appears to have been done with a meandering or all-over pattern, which adds another dimension of texture and secures the layers of the quilt. This final quilting step further contributes to the overall time and effort, ensuring durability and a beautiful finish.Overall, this is a sophisticated and lively quilt that is both a functional item and a striking piece of textile art. The combination of varied animal prints, the strong color choices, and the structured design make it a standout piece for anyone who appreciates a touch of the wild, and who values the intricate work that goes into truly handmade creations.

Lillie Washington Mccloud

Historic Fabric & Clothing Designer

My name is Lillie Washington, founder of Lillies Quilts & Designs. My quilting journey is rooted in a legacy passed down through generations of strong women in my family, with deep Southern roots — from South Carolina all the way to the Suwannee River in Fort Union, near Live Oak, Florida.I am the daughter of Helena Fort Washington, who learned the art of handmade quilting from her mother, Alice Warren Fort. Both were part of the Fort Union settlement near the Suwannee River and the Georgia state line. My mother lived in a small wooden cabin in Fort Union — nothing but good ole oak trees and farmland surrounded us. There, she transformed scraps of fabric into beautiful, functional quilts. As a little girl, I would sit beside her, watching as she stitched together pieces of worn-out farm clothes and rags delivered once a week. Out of necessity and love, she created farm-country quilts that carried warmth, beauty, and history.In 1959, my mother received an old-fashioned sewing machine as a gift from the Boys Ranch. That machine became her treasure. By 1964, I was studying Home Economics at Douglass High School in Live Oak, Florida, where I learned professional sewing skills. My first garment was a blue corduroy A-line dress. Soon after, I returned to quilting alongside my mother, helping her assemble squares and rectangles into what we called “river quilts.” Each stitch carried a story, a memory, and a legacy.Life took me in other directions for a while, but quilting called me back. In 2012, I returned fully to the craft, inspired by my heritage and my passion for African American and African textile traditions. Today, I specialize in handmade, hand-stitched quilts that honor both the resourceful traditions of my ancestors and the bold artistry of African design.Over the years, I have also built a global fabric collection. My fabrics come by the yard from across the world — the USA, South Africa (Johannesburg), Nigeria (West Africa), Canada (Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver, Ottawa), London (England), Portugal, Brazil, Spain, South America (Barcelona), Cancun (Mexico), the Caribbean Islands, Kingston and Montego Bay (Jamaica), and the Bahamas. Each piece of fabric carries history, cultural meaning, and artistry. I study patterns and their symbolism deeply, and I take huge pride in transforming these fabrics into quilts, home décor, and memory gifts that tell stories and preserve heritage.African American quilt-making is more than an art form — it is a history of resilience, storytelling, and survival. From slavery to freedom, quilts were a means of warmth, communication, resistance, and hope. Influences from Gee’s Bend, the legacy of Harriet Powers, and the faith of my mother Helena all flow through my designs.When you see a Lillie Quilt, you see more than fabric and thread: you see centuries of Southern soil, oak trees, rivers, faith, family, and a legacy stitched together with love.

Contact us if you have any questions

Lillies Good Reads & Favs...

FAQ / "frequently asked questions."

Q: What makes Lillie's Quilts & Designs so special?A: Each quilt is a one-of-a-kind work of art, designed and handmade by Lillie Washington. I pour my heart and soul into every piece, spending at least a month meticulously designing each quilt and combining fabrics gathered during my international and domestic travels. This results in a truly unique, heirloom-quality creation that is as much a piece of art as it is a functional quilt.Q: Are these quilts truly one-of-a-kind?A: Yes, every quilt you see on our website is a unique piece. There are no duplicates. Once a quilt is sold, it is no longer available. This ensures that the piece you purchase is an exclusive treasure, created just once.Q: What materials are your quilts made from?A: I use a variety of high-quality fabrics to ensure each quilt is not only beautiful but also durable. My materials often include genuine leather and premium cotton fabrics, with detailed patchwork and stitching. These chosen materials contribute to the lasting quality of each quilt.Q: How do I care for my handmade quilt?A: To preserve your treasured quilt for generations, it’s best to wash it with care. For cotton quilts, I recommend machine washing on a gentle cycle with cold water. Use a mild, dye-free, and fragrance-free detergent. Avoid using fabric softeners or bleach. I also advise adding several color-catcher sheets to the wash to prevent any color bleeding. The best way to dry your quilt is to lay it flat or hang it to air dry, as this is the most gentle method for the stitching. For quilts with real leather accents, spot-cleaning is recommended, or consider a professional cleaning service that specializes in delicate textiles.Q: What is your return and refund policy?A: Due to the unique, one-of-a-kind nature of each handmade quilt, all sales are final. We do not offer refunds or exchanges. We encourage you to review the product photos and description carefully before making your purchase.Q: How much is shipping and how long will it take for my quilt to arrive?A: We charge a flat $8 handling fee for the special packaging and care needed to ship each quilt securely. Once your purchase is complete, please allow approximately 10-15 business days for your new quilt to be delivered. I take great care to ensure each order is packaged securely to protect your unique piece.Q: Do you ship internationally?A: Currently, we only offer shipping within the United States of America.Q: What size are your quilts?
A: The dimensions for each quilt are listed in its individual product description. Because each piece is one-of-a-kind, the size may vary slightly from one quilt to the next. Please be sure to check the specific measurements for the quilt you are interested in.Q: Are custom orders available?A: Because of the time and care I put into each one-of-a-kind design, I do not take custom orders. The quilts you see on the website are the only ones available for purchase.Q: Any problems that you may have pertaining to a shipment arrival to the address you providedA: We will work with you to provide shipment tracking as we provide all expected shipments to there destination to our customers, we will assist in all shipment claims to our carriers if a problem occurs. Email: [email protected]