Old paper templates tell a tale
 

The things you can learn by reading snippets of newspaper from old templates or tucked in paper piecing... but handle with care, as old newspaper is very fragile.
I received some bits from a quilter who died in 1945. My favorite is the joke that helped to date one piece:
"The way to get Al Capone is to have him killed in a drive-by shooting."

Too cute! I have one that has an ad on it for Easter dresses for $1.95 for girls!

I was introduced to quilting by my Great Aunt Maude who used templates that she cut from cardboard with scissors. That is why I am always grateful for the basics of a rotary cutter, mat and acrylic rulers.

I own some old templates cut from Montgomery Ward bags and cardboard. I treasure them.

I don't possess any old templates, but I remember my grandmother using them for her quilt patterns, cutting the old way with scissors!

At a quilter's estate sale, I bought a hand carved wooden template for marking feathers one at a time. It took me a minute to realize what it was. Haven't used it yet, but it sure is neat. It looks like a great big wooden "comma. :)

I have some of my grandmothers from the 40's made with sandpaper. they don't move when on fabric. Was interesting the different things they used.

I have a box of templates that belonged to my Grandmother, some have dates from 1919, from a little general store that was owned by her mother. They are treasures