In praise of the intricate mastery of centuries of US cotton expertise, and in hopes of a rebirth of the domestic cotton industry, centered around sustainability in all its facets, we present these incredible hand-crafted lap quilts, made exclusively for NearSea Naturals.

Created using Colorgrown jacquard fabrics made by the Mitchell Textile Mills, a mill renowned for the intricacy and consistency of their organic fabrics before they ceased production around the turn of the century. The mill’s closure devastated the small town it had anchored, as a large percent of the town’s adults were laid off in a single day. Imagine the loss of knowledge, in addition to the economic and emotional desolation!

The cotton from which the fabrics are made was organically grown in Texas. The colors are natural, not dyed; the greens and browns are Colorgrown cotton, derived from the wild brown cotton plant (but many generations refined and removed, of course), and the natural is the natural color of cotton with which we're all familiar.

Milled and finished in the Carolinas, which used to be a hub of textile production before so much production and manufacturing was taken overseas. Woven into the fabric itself, the patterns are gloriously intricate; without the use of inks, dyes, or synthetics the mill created incredible fabrics, and the mill's closure -- and the loss of so much of the textile industry in the United States -- was an incredible devastation to us all.

Imagine what could happen, though, if we manage to bring about a renaissance, a rebirth, of the textile industry in America. This time, though, we'll concentrate on sustainability. Think of the well-paying, skilled labor jobs that would be retained or recreated, the land that would be well-treated and valued. Think of the economic and social benefits all the way through the supply chain, and do imagine all the environmental advantages. That's what we've been doing through NearSea Naturals, with our focus on US-made fabrics, and that's what we are honoring in this Renaissance Lap Blanket.

Crafted by Lisa Gamble, a renowned Pecos Valley artist whose quilts are sold on Canyon Road and are in collections worldwide, these quilts exhibit an incredible level of skill. From a lifelong career as a photographer, Lisa has moved to quilting "as a more tactile diversion from the ever-increasing presence of computers in photographic imaging. Seeking balance and harmony, blending traditional patterns and modern fabric designs, the quilts embody themes found throughout Lisa's work: love, family and domestic joys." Lisa's quilts make wonderful heirlooms, amazing gifts, and incredible presents for yourself; her work is in the best tradition of heritage needlecraft and quilting, and the pride and care she takes is more than evident in the results.

Handmade, so each is slightly different, but at approximately 55" by 57", this quilt is perfectly sized for a lap blanket (and oh-so-cozy to cuddle up under while crafting, reading, napping, telling stories to a little one, watching TV, ...), and gorgeous as a wall hanging where every stitch can be admired and appreciated. Know that your purchase of this quilt is supporting rural crafts and our mission to rejuvenate the US sustainable textile industry.

Machine-sewn and quilted, with organic cotton fabrics, organic cotton batting and conventional quilting thread.

Also available in King and Queen sizes; contact us for details.