ptquilts

I bought this at a yard sale for $10 and was sure it was a 19th century woven coverlet. Then I came across a 1956 Vermont Country Store catalog and they were selling reproductions, in almost this exact same pattern. Is there any way I can tell how old mine is? I am wondering if the old ones were made in two pieces with a seam down the middle. Mine does not have a seam and is bed size. I love it anyway as it looks old and I love old things.

juliasb

It is beautiful! I don't know anything about them. But like you, I would treasure it.

SusieQOH

Oh that's gorgeous! I don't have any info but love it!

Battle Axe

I was a weaver for 15 years. I have woven one like this in the same colors. There are two patterns that can be done on the same threading: Lover's Knot and Whig Rose. I used to remember which was which. If the small motif (4 in each repeat) is touching the edge then that is Lover's Knot. This one is Whig Rose.

The pattern is pre colonial (I think) but the only way to tell is to have the fibers examined. Most old looms were only 30 inches wide, so this pattern had to be made in two panels and then carefully sewn together. If there was one weaver and the weaver did not change moods while making this, the two panels should fit together. If something happy or sad or bad happened when you were weaving it, your mood would be reflected in the beat of the loom and the pattern would be off.

I have sold my weaving business, looms and all. I think I still have one or two coverlets that were not sold. The traditional way is to have a cotton back ground and a wool pattern ( blue). I made just a handful of coverlets and one that didn't match I had made into teddy bears. The seamstress for the bears was quite skilled and made little matching clothes for them complete with jewelry. They sold easily.

I'll try to get a pic of the coverlet I still have. Marcia

Battle Axe

[ATTACH=CONFIG]616865[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]616866[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]616864[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]616863[/ATTACH]I have two handwoven coverlets left. The blue one is Lover's Knot and the wine is Sun Moon and Stars. Both were woven in two panels and not perfect by any means.

Yikes....27 years ago.

ptquilts

wow, those are really nice!! I didn't know people were still weaving them. I am thinking the one I have is not 19th century as there is no seam.

Battle Axe

You'd have to have an 80 inch wide or so loom. Hand looms of the 19th century were no wider than 40 and most of them were 30. You'd probably have to make ten of them to get one to come out right. I'm guessing made in China. There was a woman in Middlebury, IN that made some, but I don't think they were without the seam. And it's worth $10.00.....how disheartening.

illinois

Oh, my!!! That is beautiful. And you sold those? I'd be hoarding them for myself. I can't imagine the time and skill that must be necessary. Another example of "lost art". There are so many that are part of the past and here's one. Thanks for sharing.

ptquilts

Well if they were in the VCS catalog in 1956, I don't think we were importing from China back then. The catalog does not say where they were made. And they were selling for $25 and up back in 1956, so I'm happy with what I paid.

ETA - I just emailed the VCS to see if they know where they were being made.

ptquilts

so VCS got back to me, no help at all. I did find this business that may have made them "Goodwin Guild Weavers was established in 1952 in Blowing Rock, North Carolina and operated until the 1990's. They specialized in jacquard reproductions of colonial coverlets. " They are now collectibles in their own right.