I was lucky enough to find three quilts during the past month's travels.
The first one I found was an an antique mall in Virginia. I expected high prices at this mall due to its location in upscale Fauquier county. This quilt, however, was tagged as a "cutter quilt," meaning it was only good for cutting up to make craft projects. I thought it was beautiful--completely hand-stitched, with a few damaged pieces in some of the squares. I will not be cutting it up! I may attempt to repair the damaged places, or secure them so they don't get worse, but this quilt is one I will use a a blanket.
The back is just as pretty as the front, with delicate small stitches forming patterns in the white backing:
The next quilt I found at Reta's Antiques in Ripley, which is run by my old friend Reta Groves and her husband Junior. Normally a quilt bought at an antique store would be high priced, but this little gem was priced at $45.00:
I know no one who is turning 40! I may remove this embroidery, or I might just leave it as is.
The last quilt I found at a resale shop:
It has a few bad bits of stitching but is overall in very good shape. While it is mostly hand-stitched like the others, I believe this one is actually commercially produced, very likely in China--such quilts are available very inexpensively, but the work and materials in them are not high quality and they don't hold up well. Still, for $4.95 I think this one was a great deal.
Three quilts, total investment: $65.00. It's been a good month for quilts.
Lucky you! I bought some quilts this spring at an auction and spent lots more than you did. But, I probably won't need to buy any more quilts in my lifetime, as I got some really, really nice ones. And even though I spent more than you, I spent less than I thought I'd have to.
ReplyDeleteMmm. I love junquing! ;)
ReplyDeleteI just found a lovely Maple Leaf pattern wall hanging quilt, full size at a thrift store. Will be perfect for our rural awareness tent!
Have a beautiful day!
~Mimi
You hit the jackpot! They're all lovely. I'm like you; I'd mend the quilt and use it. I like all the old stuff. No matter the wear, that just means someone else liked it alot too!
ReplyDeleteCarolyn, the ones I bought aren't what I would call heirloom quality-they're more of the "useful and pretty" category. I bet you found some real beauties at the auction. I'd love to see pics of them sometime.
ReplyDeleteI have a "China" quilt very much like the last quilt. I use it. All the quilts are lovely and I am glad you use them. I try to use old and comfy too. And I think of the women who worked so hard to bring some beauty into their lives.
ReplyDeleteSue: did you feel the earthquake?
Loverly! I think you made out like a pirate. :)
ReplyDeleteI didn't feel anything, Nance, but others in this area did. I was across the river in Ohio when he quake struck, so perhaps I was too far away. It was minor here. Many of my family are in the Virginia area, though and they got a very good dose of it!
ReplyDeleteI hope everyone is all right! Your Virginia family will have stories to tell! I felt an earth quake here in Iowa in 1968 or 69. I just thought I was dizzy for a bit . . . glad all is well in West Virginia.
ReplyDeleteWell done! The quilts are lovely and happy to be with an appreciator, I'm sure! I'd leave the 40th -- someone is bound to turn 40 sometime . . .
ReplyDeleteGood point, Mary!
ReplyDeleteNance, now they are bracing for Irene. The fun never stops! Aftershocks have been kind of interesting for them too.
Irene. There's an old, old song about Irene . . . ??
ReplyDeleteI'm hoping Irene gets the cold shoulder and skips up the Atlantic and not up the coast! Good luck to your Virginia families!
Nice! Like your ole timey postage stamp pattern quilt the best. I have bought quilts with blemishes before. Its the pattern, workmanship, history, and fabric that I mostly consider and therefore what's a few blemishes. -- barbara
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