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
Expert: Julie Silber Date: 7/9/2008 Subject: family heirloom quilt
Question I would like to include some information about a quilt that I saved from my mother-in-law's move. I can't find a pattern name that fits. Here's my best shot at a description (I'm not a quilter so I hope this makes sense)Twelve blocks in the main body,oriented such that a diamond shape would frame the stitching not a square. No flower pots, the bunches are tied with pink ribbon, two stems below and 8 flowers above. From the bottom, the bouquet includes 3 "roses" (in pinks and reds, 2 with yellow centers on the lower right and left, and the larger 6 petal rose is center of the overall block) 2 tulips on either side and slightly above the center larger rose, then above center left are 2 smaller flowers (one star shaped and one 4-leaf clover shaped), above center right is a butterfly, and very center top is another tulip. The stitching suggests that the colors were reds, greens and pinks, appliqued. The center 12 are framed with a dark pink border, the quilt edge is scalloped and trimmed with dark pink bias, and the area between has bouquets (3 roses)in the corners and a few butterflies in the fabric that would drape over the side of a twin or double bed. The maker lived from 1909 to 1995, and the only pictures we have (baby-on-quilt type)are from the 1950's or 60's. It was folded up for years, thrown in a washer before the move, and torn across just below the middle. I'd like to give each of the great-grand nieces and nephews a block at the upcoming family reunion with a bit of history - suggestions for framing? Pattern name?
Answer Hi Michele,
You have done a yeoman's job with your description. I wonder if you are even old enough to know that phrase -- "yeoman's job" ? In any case, I can "sort of" picture this, but not exactly. I can likely help you if you can send me a photo -- possible? Send to my direct e-mail: quiltcomplex@hughes.net
