The quilt is beautiful for sure, but the sad thing is all those tiny stitches and no label. She didn't sign her work. I have a customer who has me hand bind her quilts. She often brings me a machine embroidered label that is at least as big as a sheet of paper if not larger. I have to laugh as I sew on the label, but it shows she values her work and wants everyone to know it. LOL I make quilts to be loved and used today. But if I ever do an all hand work quilt, I sure would hate the idea of someone wondering about it's origin. This is a good lesson to us to document.

Vicki,

Alex Anderson answered a similar question today when she visited a quilt shop at which she was speaking and showing slides. A quilter had an old family quilt and couldn't part with it but it was in such bad condition, it was stored. It appeared that one half of the quilt was exposed to sun which caused the damage. Alex suggested that she cut it into several pieces and have the pieces framed. This way she could share it with other family members.

Is this a possible solution for you? Suzanne

PS: Leslee, thank you for the new pictures. I appreciate same. S

Leslee,

You may want to contact the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. They have (as far as I know, but I may be entirely incorrect) the only university in the country with an entire department dedicated to quilts. The art form, design, history, etc. They also have a large display of antique quilts that are protected as well as the declaration of Independence. They have consultants that would (free of charge as of a couple years ago) inspect pictures of a quilt if it wasn't nearby and try to determine age and pattern. You may want to try there. It is very pretty.

Melissa

This is a great website for antique quilts, Maybe you can find yours here.
http://www.quiltindex.org/index.php

I have been very interested in some of the old designers like Ruby Short Mckim. Her grandaughter is starting to offer her patterns for sale. Possibly you could contact them to see if this was one of Ruby's designs. She is featured every now and then in American Patchwork and Quilting, one of the mags that BEtter Homes and Gardens has. BB&H did back in the 30's and 40's publish some of her patterns as well as several newspapers in the midwest. She was a very prolific designer so perhaps this is one of hers. Can't hurt to try! Good luck. The search has been fascinating so keep us posted.

I think these are pretty close. some of the templates are a bit out of proper shape but that can be fixed during the cutting or stitching. close examination of the photos indicate that the quilter didn't trace and follow a pattern precisely. rather, it looks like she "eyeballed" the placement of the different elements within the 10" and 14" circles.

this is a fairly large file. if it uploads here, it'll take a while to download on dial-up.

Got it! Will print templates here at work before I leave and try to print a color picture at home (no color printer hooked up to my pc here at work :cry: Thanks Patrice! I know what I'll try next!

Thank you so much , both of you, Leslee for sharing such a beautiful treasure and Patrice, for your help in passing it on to us. Both of your are Quilting Queens!!! Our thimbles are off to you!

Leslee & Patrice,

Thank you!
Your work and sharing are most appreciated!

you are all very welcome. :P