Shaker Design - The Millennial Laws

Shaker Design - The Millennial Laws

M'S AND O'S WEAVE DRAFT PICTURE FOR SHAKER CURTAIN FABRIC

The Shaker rules, known as The Millennial Laws, were written down in 1840. Their laws outlined the Shaker way of life and were used to organise and govern their communities. The Millennial Laws provided the following guidelines for weavers:
1. The Laws forbid the use of checks, stripes or flowers on bedspreads and window curtains.
2. The Laws regarding carpets required all the rugs and carpets in a room to be "as near a like as can consistently be provided."
The Laws did not restrict the use of colour. As a result, Shaker textiles were often very colourful. [SB] {SG}