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Originally Posted by Ann Marie O
I had an old settee refinished/reupholstered last summer and in the process, we found this old piece of quilted material used in the stuffing. I know the settee was built for my great grandfather around 1900-1910 so this quilt had to be old at that time. The man who did my settee felt the quilt was probably from the Civil War days. My question is "What do I do with it?" I am looking for suggestions. I had thought of using it as a mat an old picture frame and putting our family tree centered on it but the frames are too shallow and don't leave any air space between the quilt and glass, so decided not to do that. I think the only thing I could do is use a shadow box type of display with something in front of it. Although the quilt is in bad shape, it is amazing how bright some of the fabrics still are. What do you think?
It is valuable as a reference, so others can compare theirs to it, because yours can be dated and associated with a family! You can't imagine how rare that is. It should be stored out of the light, so the colors don't fade. Contact the curators of quilt museums....Try the one in Lowell, Mass. or one near you. |
Originally Posted by mouseface
Originally Posted by Ann Marie O
Originally Posted by Murphy
If you have a university close they would have a clothing and textile dept. that would be able to help date it. What a great find.
If you are a good distance away contact them by letter and send a good clear photo. of it, to start with. Jeannie (Retired Museum Director) |
What a treasure. I love to imagine the ladies working on it many years ago. Thank you for showing us.
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Originally Posted by Murphy
If you have a university close they would have a clothing and textile dept. that would be able to help date it. What a great find.
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That has to be really old. It would look really neat in a shadow box.
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The story on the settee is that my great grandfather owned a laundry business in a small town here in Michigan around 1900-1910. There was a man who couldn't pay his bill and so offered to make this settee (and 3 chairs) in exchange. My grandfather accepted his offer and that is how we came into owning the settee. When the fabric on the front edge gave way I discovered the piece of quilt in it that was used for stuffing. When having it refinished last year I told them about the quilt inside and that I wanted it saved to keep. Since the quilt was old at the time the settee was constructed we decided it must have been at least another 30-40 years older or it wouldn't have been used in such a way. Because I know the history and it is part of my family, it makes it more special.
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Originally Posted by Great-great granny
Originally Posted by Ann Marie O
I had an old settee refinished/reupholstered last summer and in the process, we found this old piece of quilted material used in the stuffing. I know the settee was built for my great grandfather around 1900-1910 so this quilt had to be old at that time. The man who did my settee felt the quilt was probably from the Civil War days. My question is "What do I do with it?" I am looking for suggestions. I had thought of using it as a mat an old picture frame and putting our family tree centered on it but the frames are too shallow and don't leave any air space between the quilt and glass, so decided not to do that. I think the only thing I could do is use a shadow box type of display with something in front of it. Although the quilt is in bad shape, it is amazing how bright some of the fabrics still are. What do you think?
I think I might take it to a frame maker & get suggestions - possibly a box type w/a place for the story of the piece on it & a few other "old" small pieces you might have inherited from that side of the family placed in the bottom??? Anyway would love to see the finished product when you decide - I'm sure it will be an outstanding treasure for you. I also LOVE the way you had the setee finished - looks so appropriate. What a wonderful inheritance. :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: |
I would contact the Wiscon Museum of Quilts and Fiber Arts at 262-546-0300 and see if they have any advice for you. Good luck.
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Originally Posted by kathy
WOW! I would go with picking out a good piece and putting it in a shadowbox along with the story. and a picture of the setee, before and after if possible
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Originally Posted by Ann Marie O
I had an old settee refinished/reupholstered last summer and in the process, we found this old piece of quilted material used in the stuffing. I know the settee was built for my great grandfather around 1900-1910 so this quilt had to be old at that time. The man who did my settee felt the quilt was probably from the Civil War days. My question is "What do I do with it?" I am looking for suggestions. I had thought of using it as a mat an old picture frame and putting our family tree centered on it but the frames are too shallow and don't leave any air space between the quilt and glass, so decided not to do that. I think the only thing I could do is use a shadow box type of display with something in front of it. Although the quilt is in bad shape, it is amazing how bright some of the fabrics still are. What do you think?
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