1940s Mid-Century Pinwheel Quilt Anorak Sz S

$525.00

This one-of-a-kind anorak was crafted from an authentic mid-century American pinwheel quilt, originally pieced in the late 1940s to early 1950s.

The quilt features a classic Pinwheel (Windmill) pattern, constructed from hand-cut half-square triangles arranged in a rhythmic, spinning grid. Bright feedsack florals, ginghams, shirtings, and novelty prints are framed by warm yellow sashing, a color choice characteristic of post-war American domestic textiles. The palette reflects a moment of optimism and practicality—resourceful, but joyful.

Originally made for warmth and everyday use, this historic quilt has been thoughtfully reworked into a modern anorak silhouette. The design includes discreet side seam pockets for everyday function, along with a front kangaroo pocket secured with both a zipper and Velcro closure, balancing utility with durability. A drawstring hood and adjustable waistband add structure while maintaining the ease of the original textile.

Subtle irregularities in the piecing, stitching, and wear are preserved as evidence of handwork and age. No two panels align the same way. This piece exists only once.

Details:

Made from an original vintage quilt (c. 1945–1955)
Traditional Pinwheel / Windmill quilt pattern
Feedsack and garment cottons
Drawstring hood and adjustable waistband
Side seam pockets
Front kangaroo pocket with zipper and Velcro closure
One-of-a-kind anorak silhouette

This anorak is part of Quinnie John’s commitment to honoring historic American quilts—preserving the craftsmanship, material ingenuity, and quiet beauty of mid-century quiltmaking through thoughtful, wearable design.

See pricing rationale at bottom of page.

This one-of-a-kind anorak was crafted from an authentic mid-century American pinwheel quilt, originally pieced in the late 1940s to early 1950s.

Subtle irregularities in the piecing, stitching, and wear are preserved as evidence of handwork and age. No two panels align the same way. This piece exists only once.

Details:

Made from an original vintage quilt (c. 1945–1955)
Traditional Pinwheel / Windmill quilt pattern
Feedsack and garment cottons
Drawstring hood and adjustable waistband
Side seam pockets
Front kangaroo pocket with zipper and Velcro closure
One-of-a-kind anorak silhouette

See pricing rationale at bottom of page.

Pricing Rationale

(why this piece is priced as it is)

Authentic vintage textile — made from a genuine mid-century American quilt (c. 1945–1955), not reproduction fabric
Labor already embedded — the quilt itself required hundreds of hours of hand piecing and quilting before it was ever reworked
Pattern significance — classic Pinwheel construction, a foundational American quilt pattern with deep historical roots
One-of-a-kind — no repeats, no remakes; this exact textile will never exist again
Thoughtful modern reconstruction — redesigned into a functional anorak with a drawstring hood, adjustable waistband, side seam pockets, and a zip-and-Velcro kangaroo pocket
Visible age & texture — natural variations in fabric and batting are preserved as part of the quilt’s history, not corrected or concealed
Slow, intentional process — sourced, evaluated, cut, and rebuilt individually, not produced at scale