Son of a quilter needs help!
 

Attention quilters!
I know nothing about quilting, the quilting community or its brands, trends etc. The closest I ever got to quilting was making a stuffed snake in middle school home-ec class. I could use your help!

I am looking to get my mother, a prolific quilter, a nice quilt rack. The CADILLAC of quilt racks, if you will. However, not knowing what to look for, or what to stay away from, I am a bit lost in a sea of wood, plastic and metal racks.

ANY help would be appreciated (sans jokes about my mom's rack, thanks ;)), and I would be more than happy to submit a review/impressions of what I buy once received!
Thanks in advance!

Can you give more details? Is this for displaying quilts, hand quilting, or machine quilting? If for machine, what model does she use? I think we can make recommendations if we understand the use. Thanks!

See what I mean? I don't even know the question to ask! :p

Anyway, it's for displaying them, mostly at home, but also at local events.

well here are a few to start with
http://www.homefurnitureshowroom.com...acks_1225.html
if there is a quilt show coming to your area, you might find some there. I have no suggestion on a particular one though.

In the case of quilt display racks, there really isn't a brand one that's the Cadillac of display racks. Most of us who have them have bought them from woodworkers who were selling at fairs, art-in-the-park events, "main street days", that sort of thing.

That said, I personally feel that quilts display better when they are hung full exposure on a wall or over a banister. There are many options for hanging quilts on a wall. Google "displaying quilts on a wall".

The next best way is on a tall rack like a ladder where there are many rungs for folding many quilts over. The best ladders are very old wooden barn ladders, often wider at the bottom than the top, and very hard to find. Have one made for her, that way you can choose the finish, width, height, and number of rungs.

"Foot-of-the-bed type quilt racks do not show off the quilts well, with only the front and back quilt showing any of its design; the one hanging in the middle is virtually hidden.

How nice of you to think of this for your mom!

Jan in VA

For shows I'd say something prtable like this.
http://www.craftgard.com/quilt-displ...carrying-case/

Then someting in a nice wood for home.
http://www.gwizpro.com/qww/

Thanks, all, for all the recommendations so far. I think, after perusing some of these links, I am looking more for an at-home stand, and these two caught my eye:
http://www.homefurnitureshowroom.com...ductItemsImage

http://www.homefurnitureshowroom.com...ductItemsImage

Particularly the first one.

What a thoughtful son you are! you've already been given some good advice. I also like these "quilt chests" and it's another option:

http://www.quiltcurio.com/

Again, an internet search will net you some producers - mostly custom/hand made. I saw a couple "in person" in a store in Shipeshewana, IN, and they are very nice.

I think you will need two, one for home display which has to be nice and fit with the decor and one for public events which is easy to set up and durable. One will not work for both uses.

I really like the first one as well. You are a very thoughtful son to be so diligent in your search.

so nice of you, can't wait to see what you buy for her

I like the first one too...I have one that my Mom had made for me about twenty years ago and it's still in use...not as nice as this one but very good for what I need it for. And would you like either of my sons' email addresses? LOL

That is so sweet. I agree, look for something that fits the style of the home. I would also look for something that does not teether. I really like the craftsman style in the first link posted above.

Hi! I think Jan in Va has the best advice. I would love to find an old library ladder for my quilts.

I really like the style of your first choice. The clean lines would let the quilts be the stars of the show.

skip the first one..way to spendy...you can find the same thing under the name "photographers backdrop stand" on ebay for half that price. I have two and use them display vintage quilts at shows.

the second site has some great choices for wooden racks! the best ones are found at quilt show! There is a man in KS, called BOB the builder of course, who does amazing stuff!

I have the tall chest and it's really a nice piece of furniture ~ although we put glass shelves in ours to hold my DH's railroad memorabilia ~ but it would really look good with a pretty quilt in it.

I like Jan in VAs idea of a library or farm ladder. Many more quilts could be displayed on it than on a 'regular ' quilt rack. If you can't find one, maybe you could find a woodworker to craft one for you. That said, I, too, like the Craftsman you found.

I have to agree - this is one of the nicest quilt racks I've ever seen!! Your mom did a good job raising such a thoughtful son!!

If you live anywhere near an Amish or Mennonite community I would look into that for a display rack for your mom. If you do not you can google Amish made quilt rack. There are many 3rd party vendors who commission the Amish to make them for sale on the net. If your mom is an avid quilter she will truly appreciate the fact that it is Amish made. The Amish are famous for their quilts.

I like the ones that look like a ladder that is propped against a wall and can hold several quilts. Brows google (images) for "quilt ladders".

What a sweet son you are! How are you keeping mom from seeing your post?:)

I'm relying on the anonymity of the internet!


By the way, why would she be looking particularly at Amish racks, like this one?
http://www.artsinheaven.com/items/am...ack-detail.htm

My vote is for the first one also. What a good son you are.

More choices:

http://www.quiltracks.com/?source=go...FYdeTAode3osog

I really like the first one, also!! I had one like the second one and you can display 2 quilts on it and see them well. I sold it to my neighbor who has her grandmother's quilts to display.

I have been searching for a quilt ladder because you can display more quilts that way. I found these people online and intend to order from them as they are custom made to your specifications.
http://robinsonswoodcrafts.com/quilt-ladder.htm

Please listen to Jan in Va. She has the best advice on this. And KyKaren1949's link to robinsonswoodcrafts is the perfect place to go. I have no affiliation with them, but I would really love to own one of their ladders. I think your mom would be very pleased with one of those for displaying at home or elsewhere. I have many racks like you are looking at and what Jan says is so true -- you really only see the one that is in front. I know you want to surprise mom, but this is one time that I might advise showing her pictures of all of these and letting her choose. She'll love you for all the time, thought, and energy that you are putting into this gift.

http://robinsonswoodcrafts.com/quilt-ladder.htm

http://www.quiltracks.com/

http://www.craftgard.com/quilt-display-stand/

And here is a post on this board that maybe you could duplicate and have one made:
http://www.quiltingboard.com/picture...s-t151306.html

Good luck, we can't wait to see what you decide one.

Carol B

Very nice choice. Can you also take her shopping at a local quilt store{LQS} for fabric with a gift certificate you have given her? You are so thoughtful.

I love the quiltcurio coffee table the best.

I personally agree with Modred189 on the mission/craftsman style quilt rack for his mother. The piece of furniture will show off the quilts and looks like it belongs. It looks sturdier than other designs I've seen. Couple it with a Barrister's bookcase set and Mom could still display other quilts to a degree while showcasing on the rack. I would see if there was a local woodworker or a family woodworker who could make the piece as that would be even more special. I like the idea of the Barrister bookcase set as they could hold folded or rolled quilts and you could see some if not all of a design through the front glass doors. Could put a UV protective shielding/coating on the glass to protect from light damage.

I have seen baker's racks used as quilt racks, the quilts are folded but still show enough to see each one. You can display as many as 10 quilts this way. I have a rack like has been discussed...my Dad made it for me...and I find it is mostly in my way. Of course I would never get rid of it since my Dad made it...but it really does take up so much room and show so little of the quilt. Just my opinion.

From all of us mothers everywhere, thank you for being so kind to yours...not all of us have been so fortunate with our children.

I like the first one that you posted. I agree, your mom needs 2 - one for home and one for quilt shows. It is very toughtful of you toget your mom a quilt rack.

I have one of the Kerry's Kollectibles on the right. It is a small photo,but is beautiful!! They travel to quilt shows and sell them, or you can contact them directly. I have my antique quilts from my Mother and my husband's grandmother and a few newer quilts in mine. A friend of mine has two side-by-side. You really need to look at these! In my opinion, they are the "Cadillac" of quilt racks. I have others, but this is my favorite.

I love the glass cabinets. They would keep the quilt clean and they are beautiful. They have some with beveled glass on top that are really pretty. I see them at the quilt show and would love to have one. My mom has a quilt rack that hangs 3 quilts similar to the ones you have picked Modred189. And, I like them hung on curtain rods although I have put in an order for a wooden wall display shelf/rack type to be made by my son.....some day.

I don't know what your Mom's decorating style is, but my favorite quilt rack is an antique ladder.

I found my quilt racks at the local Goodwill. I would love to have a 'ladder.' Maybe some day. I think you should pick out some of the ones you have been looking at and let your mom decide. She will love the thought of you trying to find what she likes best. Good luck.

As others have said, you really need to match the quilt rack to match her decorum. If it it were me, I would like to help my son/daughter pick out a quilt frame for my home. You have to do what feels right for you. You know your Mom better than all of us. Good luck, and be sure to let us know your final decision.

I like the first one, too, but I think that is a preference for furniture style. You would need to be mindful of that in making a selection.