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.

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!

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!

That was my first thought, then use the money for fabrics for the prayer quilts.
Maire

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.

I sure wouldn't cut it at all. Someone put a lot of time and work in it and loved it. Please finish it or get someone to. Someone needs to make it a complete quilt so it can be proud.

Now I understand why you say it is too big; I didn't realize about the size of prayer quilts. And I also think your way of making it into two quilts would be awesome. You would have two quilts with the same pattern. I think I would take the seams apart and not cut anything (except thread).

Good luck!

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

It would be such a shame to cut it - finish it and raffle it off - I'm sure there would be a lot of interest as it's beautiful

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.

I don't think I could bring myself to cut that beautiful top up. I agree with the "finish it off and raffle it" group.

After reading through these, I agree with not cutting it to make it smaller. Another reason not to give it to a cancer patient is that most of them are in chemo & so the quilt have to be washed often if they are used. This quilt would not hold up to that kind of treatment. I think we will probably have it finished after Christmas. I'll try to post a pic after it is quilted. I didn't know if having it long arm quilted would decrease the value of it but most of you seem to think it would be the best way to go. Thanks for all of your comments & I'll let you know how we make out with it!!

That is beautiful!!! I would never cut it though. It must have taken such a long time to do. Lots of work.

We'll all be looking forward to seeing the finished quilt. And as another poster said, well done long-arm quilting will not decrease the value of the quilt. God bless you in your ministry!