Antique HST from auction
#41
Super Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: West Texas
Posts: 2,073
Your picture is not close up enough to see the individual fabrics for me, but I think you could get a good idea of the age of the fabrics from members of a quilt guild (those who have an interest and experience in vintage fabrics, as well as having the published books for research). The cost of an actual appraisal might use up too much of your potential profit.
Before you start quilting it, examine it closely for open seams, stains, etc., as well as quality of fabric (sturdy, colorfast?) Also look closely at how flat the whole top is. If it won't lay flat, it will present challenges for a machine quilter, but might be able to be eased in during hand quilting or tying. People did tie quilts of this type sometimes, so that might be a quicker cheaper option to turn a profit.
Vintage tops less than 100 years old are not rare. Condition and style has a lot to do with resale value. We learned recently at a presentation by a quilt appraiser at a local event that common quilt patterns do not command a premium.
The potential buyers need to be people who are interested in the charm of a vintage quilt.
Before you start quilting it, examine it closely for open seams, stains, etc., as well as quality of fabric (sturdy, colorfast?) Also look closely at how flat the whole top is. If it won't lay flat, it will present challenges for a machine quilter, but might be able to be eased in during hand quilting or tying. People did tie quilts of this type sometimes, so that might be a quicker cheaper option to turn a profit.
Vintage tops less than 100 years old are not rare. Condition and style has a lot to do with resale value. We learned recently at a presentation by a quilt appraiser at a local event that common quilt patterns do not command a premium.
The potential buyers need to be people who are interested in the charm of a vintage quilt.
#42
Super Member
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: The other Milwaukie, Oregon
Posts: 1,913
I love the quilt. Please keep it in one piece. Is there someone, maybe a church group or another guild who would hand quilt it? Maybe the investment in that would add value to it. Only a really good appraiser could tell you that. I always think a raffle earns more money but I don't know if that is true. I hope your group values this quilt highly and gets what's its worth for your ministry. Wish I as rich!
#43
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Durham, NC
Posts: 851
Since your group is vested in prayer, I know you will confront and solve this problem with your best corporate prayer efforts. The suggestions here are wonderful and worthy of consideration. I personally agree that this top shouldn't be cut but I also think you should go where you are lead. Usually the answer will be right in front of you. Good Luck and God Bless! Wherever it goes it will be a blessing to someone who needs just that blessing! Beautiful!
#45
I don't think that these are authentic 30's prints - maybe reproductions. Also, I don't remember ever seeing that pattern in any of my old quilt books - I think it is a newer pattern/arrangement - but still may have used some older fabrics.
#47
Super Member
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Central Wisconsin
Posts: 4,391
Good luck!
#48
Junior Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 183
Please think this through before taking action. There are horror stories about auctions -- beautiful bed size quilts that only brought in
Please think this through before taking any action. There have been some beautiful, valuable quilts that have sold at auction for $20 or $30. People who are not quilters have no idea of what it takes in money and hours to create a quilt. Could you consider a raffle? Lots of work for you ladies -- taking it places (craft shows, libraries, church activities, etc) and sell raffle tickets. Or have it appraised and see if appraiser knows what to do with it. You have a quite valuable quilt so take your time and ask lots of questions to knowledgable sources before making a decision.
4
Please think this through before taking any action. There have been some beautiful, valuable quilts that have sold at auction for $20 or $30. People who are not quilters have no idea of what it takes in money and hours to create a quilt. Could you consider a raffle? Lots of work for you ladies -- taking it places (craft shows, libraries, church activities, etc) and sell raffle tickets. Or have it appraised and see if appraiser knows what to do with it. You have a quite valuable quilt so take your time and ask lots of questions to knowledgable sources before making a decision.
4
#50
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 4,783
Rather than cutting it up to make more than one throw, to be given to a person who may not especially value vintage fabrics, I think you'd be better off finishing the quilt, and raffling it to raise money for your charity to use to make more appropriate items for the patients. A vintage quilt or top is best kept by a person who values it as such and knows proper care and storage, imho.
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