AboutJulie Silber Expertise I can speak to the age, design, style, region, history, and value of antique quilts.
Experience Forty years as an appraiser, dealer, historian, collector, consultant and museum curator in the area of QUILTS MADE BEFORE 1950.
Organizations American Quilt Study Group (former Board Member); Alliance for the American Quilt (Former Board Member)
Publications Author or co-author of several award winning books on Quilt History; numerous articles on quilt history published over a 30 year period. Details upon request.
Education/Credentials B.A., American History, University of Michigan; Post Graduate courses in folklore, history and art history
Past/Present Clients Esprit de Corp., San Francisco; Levi Strauss, San Francisco; Henry Ford Museum, Dearborn, MI; Oregon Historical Society, Portland, OR
Question QUESTION: I have a quilting frame stamped on the bottom of one of the legs, "Cranberry Craft Frame, Heritage Woodcrafts, Inc., Pontiac, MI". The wood appears to be maple. The legs are T-shaped, and there are no metal ratcheting parts to roll the progressing work. I'm told all the parts are here, but I haven't yet tried to put it together. Are you familiar with the manufacturer? It originally belonged to a woman living in Lodi, WI. She is currently in her 90's with advanced Alzheimer's. I don't know how long she used it.
I tried to locate the manufacturer on the Internet, but had no success.
ANSWER: Hi Michael,
Thanks for your question. My field of expertise is really antique quilts themselves -- well, quilts made before about 1950. So I am perhaps not the right gal for you on this question.
I did send the question on to my good friend Joe Cunningham who is a professional quilter, a quilt frame maker, and who worked in that area (Michigan) in the 1980s and 1990s. Here is his response, for what it is worth. Unfortunately, it is all I have for you -- except to ask if you know the Quilter's History List, an online forum that may have someone with more info for you. I can direct you to that one, if you'd like. (Free) Meanwhile, here's what Cunningham has to say:
"I don't know anything about the Cranberry Craft Frame, although I do remember a couple of guys who made a hardwood frame with T shaped ends, a ratchet frame, and they used to make the circuit of quilt shows in the 1980's when Gwen and I were on the road a lot. I would not be surprised if they were Cranberry. But I really cannot remember anything else. 2 guys. hardwood. 1980s."
All the best, and good luck,
Julie Silber
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: I'm like the link to the Quilter's History List. I appreciate Joe Cunningham's response as well. Thanks for your time.
Answer Hi again,
You can join the Quilter's History List (QHL) by going to www.hickoryhillquilts.com. I believe it is still free to join (though there are options that cost $ that provide additional benefits). If you have trouble finding it or joining, get back to me.
Many very knowledgeable (and generous) people read the QHL daily digest and hopefully someone there will know more about this than I. Post your question, and keep your fingers crossed.
