Wednesday 18 March 2015

Grandmother's Fan quilt - an acquisition

When I was in Austin for QuiltCon, I heard that Danielle (@petitselefants) bought a beautiful antique quilt from a shop not too far away.  Antique quilts are few and far between in New Zealand so I had to investigate the shop (Uncommon Objects) and see for myself.  I ended up visiting twice - the first time I saw this quilt but didn't buy it, and I kept thinking about it all through QuiltCon.  On our very last day in Austin I stopped in and picked it up.  I couldn't resist! 

Vintage Quilt (bought in Austin, TX) 

It's a beautiful grandmother's fan design, made with what are probably genuine 1930's fabrics, scalloped edging and a couple of interesting solid fabrics.

Vintage Quilt (bought in Austin, TX) 

It's a pretty big quilt - the photo above is my brother and my dad holding it "landscape" because it was too long for them to hold it "portrait".  It's in amazingly good condition as well - there are a few places where the quilting has come undone but the fabrics are not particularly worn or stained.  The guy who sold it to me didn't know its provenance (and it doesn't have a label on it), but he thought the fabrics were from the 1930's and the quilt was probably made in the 1940's or 1950's.

Vintage Quilt (bought in Austin, TX) 

The quilt appears to be pretty much entirely hand pieced, and it's definitely hand quilted.  That scalloped edging must have taken forever!

Vintage Quilt (bought in Austin, TX)

I could just stare at it for ages.  You can tell its really vintage - there are a few places where two pieces of the same fabric have been joined together (for example, to make a dresden blade), where the quilter obviously didn't have a single piece of fabric that was big enough.

Vintage Quilt (bought in Austin, TX)

Since this quilt has survived so long relatively undamaged, I'm keen to keep it in good condition (probably best not to let the cats claw it then).  My plan is to stitch a hanging sleeve to the back and then hang it in a space at the end of my hallway.  It doesn't really get any sun so it should be a good place for a quilt.

Have you ever bought a vintage or antique quilt?  What did you do with it?

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17 comments:

Unknown said...

Beautiful quilt! It's understandable how you could just stare at it for ages. All handmade and still in great condition? Amazing. Well done!

Julie said...

What a beautiful quilt - where you plant to put it sounds perfect too. A great memento of your trip also.

Mystic Quilter said...

What a beauty - lucky you!!

Carla said...

Isn't it just gorgeous! I've never bought one, but I have been gifted several by family. I treasure them ; )

Razzle Dazzle Quilter said...

I love that. Yes I do have a few special quilts. One of them from late 1800s. Amazingly all bought here in NZ! If you pop to my blog and look under vintage you will see two or three of them. I think yours is a real beauty.
Linda

Linda @ kokaquilts said...

Just beautiful! Not something we see here in NZ often! Linda

susaboli said...

Travelling time for a quilt. The quiltmaker would had never ever thought, that this handmade beauty will once live in NZ...
It always touches me, to feel the connection back to the woman who sewed the quilt and sewed in her personality and history. And this quilt tells quite a story. Lucky, that the quilt found you to listen...

Karen @ Pieces of Contentment said...

This is a stunning quilt Adrianne, one you'll not regret having bought. A perfectly genuine souvenir of your time away.

Anorina @SameliasMum said...

Love it! What a wonderful treasure x

charlotte said...

Beautiful quilt. I love vintage quilts and I love when someone who truly appreciates it has one. I have an old one that someone in my grandmother's family made, but I don't know any more about it. I keep it put up in my cedar chest, since it is not in the best shape.

HeathersSewingRoom said...

What a nice quilt with some great fabrics. I am sure it will always have a special place in your home. I have not really thought of trying to own an antique quilt so you have made me think a bit deeper about it.

babiesdoc said...

I bought a few vintage quilt tops and a yoyo quilt about 20 years ago. none were more than $20 USD
I have the yoyo on one of my beds and have learned to long arm using a few of the others.

I always keep my eye open esp for unfinished quilt tops at garage sales

The Running Peacock Quilter said...

That is a stunning quilt. What a wonderful find.

Leeanne said...

I can see why you went back, so beautiful! I have a Grandmothers Garden quilt from the same era.

Becky (My Fabric Obsession) said...

That's so beautiful! I love that you are going to display it and can't help but think of the woman who made it. She would be amazed to know it's traveled the globe!

wobblybobbin said...

That border alone is so dreamy!

NickiJ said...

What a beauty and a lovely treasure you have now to keep always.