Need help dating old fabrics
01-05-2011, 11:37 AM
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Cheshire, Massachusetts
Posts: 838
I recently found this top in my mother's old cedar chest. She's been gone since 2004, so I can't ask her who made it, but if someone can help date the fabrics used, perhaps I can hazard a guess. It's machine sewn, though very poorly (not the way my mom sewed), with some seam allowances almost nonexistent and having two or three rows of stitching to prevent fraying in places. I think the only way for me to preserve it will be to fuse the entire wrong side if I want to try to add batting and a backing and to overcast some edges that have already shredded. I don't dare wash it until it's stabilized.
I'm not quite sure if the close up photos I've taken will be large enough for someone to determine the date of the fabrics, but if they are not, send me a message, and I'll email larger picture files.
I'm not quite sure if the close up photos I've taken will be large enough for someone to determine the date of the fabrics, but if they are not, send me a message, and I'll email larger picture files.
close up 3
[ATTACH=CONFIG]153924[/ATTACH]
the whole top
[ATTACH=CONFIG]153998[/ATTACH]
close up 1
[ATTACH=CONFIG]153999[/ATTACH]
close up 2
[ATTACH=CONFIG]154000[/ATTACH]
close up 4
[ATTACH=CONFIG]154001[/ATTACH]
close up 5
[ATTACH=CONFIG]154002[/ATTACH]
close up 6
[ATTACH=CONFIG]154003[/ATTACH]
01-05-2011, 03:02 PM
#8
Super Member
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: North Carolina - But otherwise, NOTW
Posts: 7,940
I am certain these are 30's and 40's fabrics. I have some old tops that I know are from that period, and there are some of the same fabrics.
You can certainly save this top by quilting it. Where the seams are frayed and coming apart, you can do a narrow zigzag stitch of the seam in a matching thread. Even if it's visible, it is really necessary to hold the top together. It's my easiest and most effective "fix" for this particular problem.
This is certainly worth saving. It is a really nice top. Yes, I am certain this is from the late 30's to early 40's. Not 50's...fabric changed after World War II..much more modern patterns.
You have a nice top there...do what you can to save it. It'll be worth it.
You can certainly save this top by quilting it. Where the seams are frayed and coming apart, you can do a narrow zigzag stitch of the seam in a matching thread. Even if it's visible, it is really necessary to hold the top together. It's my easiest and most effective "fix" for this particular problem.
This is certainly worth saving. It is a really nice top. Yes, I am certain this is from the late 30's to early 40's. Not 50's...fabric changed after World War II..much more modern patterns.
You have a nice top there...do what you can to save it. It'll be worth it.
01-05-2011, 03:15 PM
#9
Super Member
Join Date: Apr 2010
Posts: 2,909
Originally Posted by Cheshirecatquilter
I recently found this top in my mother's old cedar chest. She's been gone since 2004, so I can't ask her who made it, but if someone can help date the fabrics used, perhaps I can hazard a guess. It's machine sewn, though very poorly (not the way my mom sewed), with some seam allowances almost nonexistent and having two or three rows of stitching to prevent fraying in places. I think the only way for me to preserve it will be to fuse the entire wrong side if I want to try to add batting and a backing and to overcast some edges that have already shredded. I don't dare wash it until it's stabilized.
I am guessing the fabrics are from the 30's and 40's.
I'm not quite sure if the close up photos I've taken will be large enough for someone to determine the date of the fabrics, but if they are not, send me a message, and I'll email larger picture files.
I am guessing the fabrics are from the 30's and 40's.
I'm not quite sure if the close up photos I've taken will be large enough for someone to determine the date of the fabrics, but if they are not, send me a message, and I'll email larger picture files.
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