Hi everyone!!! I haven't posted here since last Christmas time (!!!), so I'm sure I don't know so many new members.. But!! Guess what?!

My mother just tonight sent me 6 pictures of a quilt that she says was made in 1888!! Here's what her email says:

Thought you might be interested in this quilt cousin john gave me 5-6 yrs ago. Minnie Atkins made it in 1888. I believe she was my great grandmother on my father's side. Maybe you can see the year and she put her initials in it in 2 spots. it measures 85-1/2" x 65-1/2" and is made with heavy cloth. it does have several holes in it. if it's possible to clean it, think it would have to be dry cleaned. but probably couldn't get anyone to do it as it may fall apart!

[IMG]http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...88quilt001.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...88quilt002.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...88quilt003.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...88quilt004.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...88quilt005.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...88quilt006.jpg[/IMG]

What do you all think?!?! I can't believe I never knew about this quilt in my family! Why did she wait all these years before thinking I might be interested? hehehe

That's just awesome!

What a gorgeous and stunning quilt!!! :D :D :D

Beautiful!

I think they recommend you NEVER take a quilt to the dry cleaners. Consult a certified appraiser before taking next steps. I attended a quilt expo over the weekend and sat in on a session with such a person. She also demonstrated ways to mend antique quilts properly. I wish I had known more of these tips earlier. It's gorgeous - enjoy.

Oh yes - she said if the fabrics are stable, often putting in the dryer on the very lowest heat setting will make a big improvement. Safety pin the damaged areas before "fluffing". She said dust is often the biggest issue and the dryer can help that. Good luck.

Glad your posting again. I have been wondering what happen to you and hoping you were doing good.

How wonderful to have a quilt from a long ago family member and it to be a crazy quilt. I am green with envy. :mrgreen: :D

I just can't believe it SewSew!!! I thought I was in posession of the two oldest quilts in my family, made by my Great Grandmother in ~1922. This one has those beat!! :D

Wow, what a treasure.
Muriel

Wow, what a wonderful treasure you have!!!! That is simply stunning! The best present EVER!

It's beautiful!

that's awesome!!

Wow! The decorative stitching is beautiful and so is the quilt!

What an awesome treasure! It is absolutely gorgeous.

That is so beautiful!! :D My
Mother often talks about the
older crazy quilts with all of
those pretty stitches used to
decorate them. Thank you for
sharing & WELCOME back!!
:D :D :D :D :D

wow wow wow

What a treasure!

I am not sure if I'd take this beautiful quilt to a dry cleaner. I have read in several places that the chemicals are very strong.

I am sorry -- after shooting down the dry cleaner, I haven't a better solution.

Congrats on the receiving the beautiful quilt!

Beautiful

Very cool! I loved looking at all the different fabrics. The stitching is amazing!

Wow is that nice.

WOW what a great quilt.

Oh you are sooo lucky! That is gorgeous and yes, glad to see you back.

What a beautiful quilt. I am sure there is a proper way to clean and mend it. You could check with the Folklore Museum at Utah State University, www.usu.edu or 435-797-1000. Another place to ask would be a historical society. Most states have them. A professor of home economics, at the state university where you live might have some answers for you too. Most degrees dealing with fabric have some kind of class about preservation and restoration of old fabric items. If all else fails, any big museum (like the Smithsonian) should have a person on staff who cares for the museum's fabric articles. They should be able to help.

Again, that quilt is beautiful and I agree you should have it appraised and authenticated before making any changes. Then you will need to decide if it is more valuable to you fixed or as is. Sad is the quilt that stays in the closet. Gwyn

That's awesome.....Hope you can figure how to clean it...I had an old quilt from my grandmother & I never could get the "old" smell out of it....good luck.. :)

What a treasure!

Yes, it is an incredible treasure!!!! Oh, wow! How can you stop yourself from studying each and every stitch?

Wow that is one beautiful gift your great great made for your family. Where has it been?
I saw on one of the pbs shows how they put a sheer fabric over the quilt and vaccum it to keep it nice. They use white gloves to keep the oils from ruining it too.

You are so lucky to have this treasure as part of your family heirlooms.

Wow, how cool is that? It's beautiful.

That is wonderful. What a family treasure.

Thank you to everyone!!! The info and advice were wonderful; I passed it all along to my Mom. I just can't get over this amazing thing that has just appeared, seemingly, in my famiily!!!

Wow, Love the crazy quilt and all those decorative stitches. that is such a treasure to have. Good to see you on the board. Thanks for sharing.

you are so fortunate to have this wonderful treasure. i just love crazy quilts. they are amazing to me the amount of work that goes into each one. i would definitely have an appraiser take a look first. from one of the close ups it looks like the dryer might even be a little harsh for this beauty.

How do I go about finding an appropriate appraiser for this?

What a treasure! Those old crazy quilts really weren't meant to be washed a lot. I'd do some research to identify some of the fabrics, I have the feeling the silk floss would not fare well in a washer.

How far are you from Raleigh? The art museum there used to display quilts, and they should be able to point you in the right direction. If you're in Western NC, the Folk Art Center should have some appraisers.

Thanks Moonpi! I'm only about an hour and a half from Raleigh, so that will work if my mother sends me the quilt. If she doesn't, I'll have to find one in Ohio! hehe