When does an item become “vintage” or “antique”? Cars can obtain a special vintage or classic license plate after 25 years. Furniture, china etc. need to be close to 100 years old to be labeled antique. But quilts—sort of up to the owner and what the quilt itself tells us. (This is why labels on every quilt is important…I certainly agree but am very lackadaisical about it.). Quilt appraisers and fabric hobbyists look at the color and designs of the fabric to date it fairly accurately. The construction of the quilt gives clues also…most quilts before the 1900’s were entirely hand stitched both in the block assemble and in the quilting of the layers.
This year at the Quilts Etc. Sale in October we will have a few “vintage” or “gently used” or maybe a few “antique” quilts that have been donated and are for sale. Most are from quilters who are paring down their collection and have saturated their families with quilts. Also included are some lovely table linens and even a couple of “for dress up” aprons from the 50’s.
This quilt isn’t really vintage–falls more into the “gently used” category. Previously owned by a quilter/ quilt shop owner, this quilt is a classic. The solid navy fabric sets off the blue/grey prints used. This color combination would compliment the most contemporary of homes.
The stripes and the geometric prints pairs well with the floral fabrics, keeping the look fresh and not so “Little House on the Prairie”.
The entire quilt is hand quilted in a grid with a circle motif in the corners.
The best way to check out the quality of hand quilting is to look on the back side of the quilt. The backing used is a solid white which enables the quilting to shine.
The back is white but the quilting shows off better with the darker photo. I dream of having stitches this even and small, but……..
The quilt measures 74″ x 92″ (would fit a full or double size bed) and has been freshly laundered. $300 and it is yours! SOLD
This is a “vintage” , almost antique quilt…
Known as a “Yo-yo” quilt, it really is more of a decorative top than a quilt. Made to be spread over a solid quilt or sheet, it would be removed before anyone slept in the bed!
The yo-yos were fashioned by hand sewing a running basting stitch around the turned edge of a small circle of fabric and pulling the thread tightly to gather the edges in the center, creating a smaller circle that was two thicknesses of fabric. Each yo-yo was stitched to another yo-yo in rows and the rows were sew together.
There are approximately 2300 yo-yos.
The fabrics are definitely from period of 1910 to 1935. Some of them are worn and over all the color is a bit faded with a very slight tea dyed look. Quilters have re-sewn any that separated.
The top measures 77″ x 77″ and is for sale for $75. SOLD
The Butterfly quilt has been shown previously but is definitely “vintage”. The hand quilting was done by a past member of the group with a reputation for her small even stitches–no higher praise!
The butterflies are hand appliqued and the print is from the 1930’s and 1940’s.
See what I mean about the stitches!
The folded triangles of fabric are called “prairie points” and are used instead of binding to frame the quilt. Measuring 65″ x 74″ , it is $200.
The line in the poem by J. Perry–“Make new friends, but keep the old; Those are silver, these are gold” could be applied to vintage/antique/classic quilts as well!
If you are interested in a pre-owned quilt, please leave a comment.
Quilts, Etc. 
I would like to purchase the yo-yo quilt.
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