There was a quilter named Mary Schaffer that found an old quilt in the trunk of a car. She thought "How beautiful, evan dirty and someone put a lot of work into it.
She then went on to become a world famous hand quilter and applique master. She died about two years ago but I have bought the book about her years ago. Gwen Marston worked with her for years. Mary was a delightful lady. I think she hand quilted for about 40 years - all because of that old dirty quilt.