Do you know what a Ralli Quilt is? I didn’t until I came across this wonderful website. A Ralli Quilt is a traditional quilt made by the women of Pakistan,and western India.

The website asserts that the motifs and symbols used in these stunning quilts have been passed from mother to daughter and woman to woman for possibly thousands of years. There are three distinct styles – patchwork, embroidery and appliqué. The quilts are traditionally used not only as sleeping covers but also as floor coverings, storage bags and as padding for animals and workers. They can also form an important part of a girl’s dowry.  The word “Ralli” is derived from local words meaning to mix or connect. If you visit the website do take a look at the items they have for sale. I especially like the pillows.

Some of the motifs are very reminiscent of Hawaiian Appliqué. Also take a look at the Textiles page. These textile are just gorgeous. I’d love to be able to see them “in the flesh”. I don’t have any affiliation with the Ralli Quilts site, I just wanted to share. I hope you enjoy looking at them as much as I did.

There is a book too, that is devoted to these lovely quilts called Ralli Quilts: Traditional Textiles from Pakistan and India written by Patricia Stoddard. I’m contemplating purchasing this one as I love traditional crafts. It’s available from their website and Amazon but I’ll probably get mine from the Book Depository [affiliate link]as the price is the same  (AUD$32.54 – US$29.95) but there’s free worldwide postage. I’m still eagerly awaiting two books on Hawaiian Quilts that I ordered from them. Perhaps they got snowed in at Heathrow?