So glad you found a copy of the Dating Fabrics book! One of the first maxims of quilt dating is the quilt is only as old as the newest fabric in it. Like none of us here have fabrics from 30 years ago that we may use bits and pieces of!

These are beautiful! Can't wait for the next installment in the story. LOL Keep them comming...

This is such an interesting story. I am so impressed with your knowledge as well as other quilters here on the board. Thanks so much for taking us along on your search. Please keep posting what you learn.

I have some old quilts of my grandmothers and this has made me aware that I need to add labels to them. Is there a proper way to document the information. Would it be wrong to hand stitch a label with her name and dates that they were made?

Edited to add: Also what is the proper way to store and preserve the quilts? One is a crazy patch made of bright silky fabrics, probably made around 1960 or so.

What a wonderful story....keep us informed as you find out more information....

This topic has been a real "page-turner"! I too hope you'll continue to post as you clean and learn about your family heirlooms.

I 'inherited' a few quilt tops. I was able to get someone local who dated them and knew if they were of value. She also told me how to restore them. They do have a smell.

So right now I am in the process of turning over the raw edges and basting them. she advised me to purchase some RESTORATION online from [blue] www.softexpressions.com [/blue] to to help remove stains and such. Then to gently soak the tops in a gentle liquid detergent [no scent or bleach], rinse, and air dry.

Will see what happens.

There are some universities that have quilt collections and will assist you in naming any patterns. Unfortunately, I can't remember where I got my info, but think it was from Nebraska University. I sent pictures and they identified the patterns. In one case I could get a kit that was made to match the kit quilt I was asking about so I could complete it.

Have fun.

ali

What a wonderful project. I have two special quilts I inherited. I know this will be alot of work for you but you will enjoy every moment of this unique task!!! Keep us posted.

um...my great aunts only quilted in the afternoons when the light was best. The babies slept and the other older kids looked after younger ones, played outside, did chores, fished etc. Bread was baking, soup or stew slowcooked, while they quilted, often several women together. Sometimes they had a non-quilting reader who read the bible or novels or the newspaper aloud.

Thank you so much for sharing and PLEASE keep telling us stories and about your research!
I just discover the "101 Patchwork Patterns" by Ruby McKim and her website, just wonderful!!

Patricia

This quilt, unfortunately, is in really bad shape. It is a very heavy quilt and is made at least in part from previously used fabrics. The backing is a beautiful and unique orange and blue plaid that seems perfect for the quilt. There is some pretty embroidery on it like you might see on a crazy quilt but I think this quilt was meant to be used and not just display like crazy quilts often are. It has been heavily used and washed over the years. The red reminds me of the heavy red work shirts my grandpa always wore in the winter and I bet that material came from worn out work shirts. There is some brown corderoy that has random seams as well so surely was also previously used fabric.

I agree, I also marvel at the results. :thumbup: Anne

I really have enjoyed the postings. Please continue to share. Just to see these antique quilts is wonderful but to be able touch them also is really quite marvelous. The stories that you share is something that is so great. Thank you so much. Please keep us posted. :):):)

Thank you so much for my Sunday afternoon trip back into the past,I have just been sitting here thinking about what sort of things they would be doing on a Sunday after church, and after dinner at night settling down under those beautiful quilts.
Good luck with your adventure and thank you so much for sharing with us all. :D :thumbup: ;)

WOW those are really nice quilts, I love the doves.

Hello, You probably already know Barbara Brackman, I found her web's amazing to learn about dating quilts.
Here some ideas and links.
Patricia

OK, you win the most interesting and intriguing posting!!! Now I'll have to document what I know of a sunbonnet sue quilt (made by Louisa Ann Conner of LaConner, Washington) that has been passed down to me and a crazy quilt from the other side of the family which has much of the silks rotted away, but still is very appealing. You have got a lot of us thinking in a new way. thanx. Keep the photos and info coming!

Thank you Patricia! I am really enjoying learning from the links you sent me!

oh its good you found it. I wanted to buy one and the prices now are a little steep at least for me. :-) I was lucky enough to get it from the library

So happy to hear that families treasure their heirloom quilts. I found one recently at a flea market from 1930's, a dresden plate, that someone has used as a drop cloth to paint a room. It has some paint splatters, and a few tears, but we use it for picnics and such, and I think it's still beautiful.

Thank you so much for sharing your journey with us. I am delighted to read what you learn and to see the quilts. I hope you enjoy the "work" for your family. I am sure they will appreciate it.

The Quilters Cache website is wonderful,and has a 12 inch blockpattern for Weathervane.
http://www.quilterscache.com/W/WeathervaneBlock.html

wow! what fun trying to trace the history...

I just got this info: "Dating Quilts: From 1600 to the Present" by Helen Kelley. If somebody buy it, let us know if it's good as they say.
another link:
http://www.womenfolk.com/

happy quilting day!
Patricia

How wonderful for a quilter to get to handle these wonderful things. What an interesting post. Keep us posted.

This is wonderful. Wow! What history. Thank you so much for sharing and please keep sharing and MORE pictures.