Expert: Julie Silber - 10/23/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hi. This quilt was passed down to me with almost no information. It belonged to my grandmother, a Georgia native, and I was told it was "very old" (!). I'd be grateful to know anything you can tell me about it: era, pattern name, region? Thanks.

ANSWER: Hi,

And thanks for your question.

From what I can see, your quilt definitely fits with some broadly defined characteristics of Southern quilts.  I am seeing only a detail, but the color especially is typical of parts of the South including
Georgia.

The age is likely late 19th century -- probably 1880 - 1910.  If you can send more photos, I may be able to tell you more.  Full shot and detail of the quilting?

Thanks,
Julie Silber

direct e-mail:   quiltcomplex@hughes.net

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Here are the photos you suggested I send (if I can figure out how to upload more than one). The quilt is about 85x85"- there are 9 squares approx 28" and a 1/2" border. I've been storing it folded on a shelf in my cedar closet. Is that okay? Should I try to clean it? If you have an idea of the value I'd be curious to know.

Answer
Hi again,

Thanks for photos -- they help.

Storing:  please do not store against wood directly.  Put the quilt into clean cotton first -- a clean cotton pillow case or wrapped in a sheet.

Cleaning:  difficult to advise without seeing it.  Damage could be done if the washing is not done correctly.  NO dry cleaning, ever.  Hand wash only -- and only with professional advice.  Where are you?

Value:  for what purpose?   Selling?  Insurance?  Different values for each.  

AND ... value (especially market value (selling) depends very much on condition.  Can you give me details on the condition?   Tears, wear, holes, fading, stains, odors?

Thanks,
Julie