You are here:
- Home
- Home/Garden
- Arts and Crafts
- Quilting
Quilting/Questions Answered by Expert Julie Silber
| Subject | Date Asked |
| crazy quilt and pillow | 1/9/2012 |
| Q: I have a crazy quilt and also a crazy quilt pillow. I don't know what to do with them and wonder if ... A: I would say that your pillow, considering its condition, has no monetary value at all. The quilt ... | |
| quilt | 12/27/2011 |
| Q: i have a quilt that is 100 years old. it appears to be a full sized quilt with a star pattern. I ... A: Sorry for the delay -- I have been down with a flu... and have fallen behind ion my work. I think ... | |
| Referral?. | 10/24/2011 |
| Q: I am wondering whether you might be able to suggest or refer me to anyone in the greater ... A: Yes, I can very likely help you. The best place to start is for you to send me photos of the ... | |
| YoYo blanket | 9/8/2011 |
| Q: I would appreciate any information you could give me on this blanket. Thank you Mary A: I will tell you what I can about your textile. You have labeled it correctly -- it is generally and ... | |
| how to sell vintage quilt | 7/12/2011 |
| Q: I have a Pine Cone/Bur pattern quilt that is not in very good shape. The binding is pretty much ... A: I have just been researching these Pine Burr quilts, and have sold a couple in the last few years. ... | |
| Value of quilt | 3/30/2011 |
| Q: I purchased this quilt in Charlottesville Va about 20 years ago, the store had purchased it from an ... A: Can you tell me where you are? The best way to evaluate a quilt is to see it in person. I am in ... | |
| possibly americn indan quilt | 3/7/2011 |
| Q: I am looking for an expert to authenticate my grandmothers quilt, and possibly a broker to help me ... A: I can probably help, assuming your quilt is older than about 1950. Do you have photos? If so, ... | |
| care tips for antique quilt | 3/7/2011 |
| Q: I have a quilt that was made in 1875 by my great, great grandmother. It is white with a small blue ... A: enough to inquire about caring for it. May I direct you to my website, which has a page devoted to ... | |
| thread color | 2/13/2011 |
| Q: I am going to hand quilt a hawaiian quilt. The appoliqued pattern is bright oranges into pinks on a ... A: Aloha Shirley, Traditionally Hawaiian quilts are quilted in white thread. I do not know if there ... | |
| 1933 quilt blocks | 1/29/2011 |
| Q: I have recently received 40 10"average paper pieced quilt blocks for a friendship quilt, I am ... A: How lovely that you received this precious gift. Unfortunately, I do not know the answer to your ... | |
| antique quilt | 1/23/2011 |
| Q: Julie, We currently live in the Mid-Michigan area and are preparing to move out west. My mother in ... A: I asked where you were in Michigan because I am visiting the Detroit area this week. I am in West ... | |
| antique quilt | 1/22/2011 |
| Q: Julie, We currently live in the Mid-Michigan area and are preparing to move out west. My mother in ... A: Good Morning Shari, Thanks for your message and your question about the quilt. I am an appraiser ... | |
| Antique Quilt | 1/6/2011 |
| Q: I have an antique quilt that my mother had placed behind glass. She always told me it belonged in a ... A: Here is someone I know personally. I recommend Marcia very highly. MARCIA KAYLAKIE 3703 Turkey ... | |
| Antique Quilt | 1/6/2011 |
| Q: I have an antique quilt that my mother had placed behind glass. She always told me it belonged in a ... A: It sounds wonderful. You will probably want to get the quilt appraised by someone who know the ... | |
| Crazy Quilt Value | 12/14/2010 |
| Q: The quilt I have is 4'9"x5'7". It appears to be in very good condition. The quality of the ... A: and for sending a good description and photo. I am a dealer and an appraiser, and Crazy Quilts have ... | |
| 1860's Quilt Info. & Value | 12/10/2010 |
| Q: I bought it around 1988 or 1989 at a small antique store in Chicago that doesn’t exist anymore. The ... A: I asked for your location because it is difficult to answer your specific questions without seeing ... | |
| Where to sell antique quilts & possible pricing | 12/9/2010 |
| Q: I am looking to sell four antique quilts and was hoping you might might be able to help point me in ... A: Good Morning, I am sorry to be so long in answering you -- actually I answered right away, but I ... | |
| Appraise quilts | 11/23/2010 |
| Q: I was given 4 quilts made by my great-great grandmother Frances Herron. 2 are in excellent ... A: .. I think I can help you. I can see only one photo and it is a detail. Can you send me photos of ... | |
| Appraiser needed | 10/25/2010 |
| Q: A friend has tasked me with selling a couple of her family heirloom quilts. I need them appraised. ... A: Appraising quilts can be a bit of a tricky business. What is important is getting to the right ... | |
| Grandmother's Crazy Quilt | 8/31/2010 |
| Q: I would like to know how to care for my grandmother's quilt? So far, it is in excellent condition, ... A: I will be happy to help if I can. I will need to see a photo, and i hope that you can send it to my ... | |
| Binding Grandma's Flower Garden | 5/27/2010 |
| Q: I have acquired the blocks for a Grandma's Flower Garden from the 30's. I could not let them go by ... A: I wish I could help you, but I am not a "do-er" when it comes to quilts. I am an historian, and a ... | |
| Antique whig rose quilt | 5/21/2010 |
| Q: I have a quilt that my great grandmother made in the early 1900's. The design is a sort of free ... A: I recognize all of the elements you describe -- though I am not sure if I have seen them all ... | |
| How old is an "antique"? | 4/29/2010 |
| Q: We have a new category at our county fair this year: "Antique Quilts". If someone asks, how old ... A: I hope I can help clarify this -- though there is no clear cut standard. I believe that technically ... | |
| Antique Quilt Frame | 4/21/2010 |
| Q: I have obtained an antique quilt frame from a senior's basement it was her grandmother's I think. ... A: I am so sorry. I asked where you were because I know someone in Toronto who I thought might be ... | |
| Antique Quilt Frame | 4/20/2010 |
| Q: I have obtained an antique quilt frame from a senior's basement it was her grandmother's I think. ... A: My friend Joe is intrigued with your frame and thinks it looks like a good one -- probably very ... | |
| Follow-up question: Antique crazy quilt | 3/14/2010 |
| Q: Silber, Thank you for your reply this morning re my antique crazy quilt. I do have a couple of ... A: The quilt is is remarkably good shape. And it's a very well made and pleasing example. The fancier ... | |
| Antique crazy quilt | 3/12/2010 |
| Q: Silber--I would appreciate your opinion on the age and value of a crazy quilt that was probably made ... A: Good Morning, Thanks for your question, and for caring for (and about) your family's quilt. The ... | |
| quilt blocks from the 40's | 2/18/2010 |
| Q: I have a collection of quilt blocks from the early 40's that were hand pieced with paper as the ... A: I am not the person to ask about this. Although I know about old quilts, I am not a quilt maker -- ... | |
| crazy quilt | 2/5/2010 |
| Q: Julie: I am a long arm quilter. A new customer brought me a crazy quilt made by her grandmother - ... A: I will be happy to check my lists when I get home -- and if I find anyone whom I know to be ... | |
| crazy quilt | 2/4/2010 |
| Q: Julie: I am a long arm quilter. A new customer brought me a crazy quilt made by her grandmother - ... A: Well, Lorane, I am cautiously offering my opinion that all will be well if you quilt that piece. I ... | |
| crazy quilt | 2/4/2010 |
| Q: Julie: I am a long arm quilter. A new customer brought me a crazy quilt made by her grandmother - ... A: I am happy to "e-meet" you! Thanks for your question -- you are very wise to want to know more ... | |
| Antique quilt | 1/26/2010 |
| Q: I have an old quilt that was given to me by my mother. It's 9'x9' & has been in our family for ... A: Your quilt is a type called "Yo-Yo". It was a style very popular in the 1930 and 40s and 50s. It ... | |
| Can you tell me about these two quilts | 1/5/2010 |
| Q: I hope you can help me. I have also attached a picture of my Dad's Baby quilt my Dad is 71 ... A: I sent the photo on to a friend who knows a great deal about this, and here is here answer: Hi ... | |
| Can you tell me about these two quilts | 1/5/2010 |
| Q: I hope you can help me. My grandma quilted this (first 3 pictures) for me 30-40 years ago. I would ... A: Good Morning, Thanks for your question. How wonderful that you have a quilt made by someone in ... | |
| What is this quilt pattern? | 12/29/2009 |
| Q: I have been wondering about this quilt pattern? I would like to sell it but I need more ... A: Good Morning Becky, Thanks for your questions. I do not know the exact name of that pattern. When ... | |
| Antique Quilt Tops? | 12/15/2009 |
| Q: I was given 5 quilt tops that are backed in off-white material. They were found in a friend's ... A: I will be happy to do whatever I can to help you. I should be able to give information, especially ... | |
| vintage quilts | 12/12/2009 |
| Q: I have two quilts of a great aunt, Im 61 years old so im gessing there from late 1800 to early 1900. ... A: You can send photos to me via e-mail at quiltcomplex@hughes.net OR by conventional mail at Julie ... | |
| vintage quilts | 12/8/2009 |
| Q: I have two quilts of a great aunt, Im 61 years old so im gessing there from late 1800 to early 1900. ... A: I answered this question as soon as I received it the other day, but it must not have come through. ... | |
| naming a pattern | 11/8/2009 |
| Q: I have set of pattern pieces my other hand sewed in I believe the late 40s early 50s I would like to ... A: The pattern is often called "Dresden Plate" -- but can also be known as "Aster" (or "China Aster") ... | |
| Georgia, circa??? | 10/23/2009 |
| Q: This quilt was passed down to me with almost no information. It belonged to my grandmother, a ... A: Storing: please do not store against wood directly. Put the quilt into clean cotton first -- a ... | |
| Georgia, circa??? | 10/23/2009 |
| Q: This quilt was passed down to me with almost no information. It belonged to my grandmother, a ... A: And thanks for your question. From what I can see, your quilt definitely fits with some broadly ... | |
| very old crazy quilt blocks | 10/23/2009 |
| Q: How old are they, one has a print, strip, of American flag, velvet, silk is worn, wonderful ... A: It is typical for the silks and taffetas of this era to crack or break. When these fabric start to ... | |
| NY Beauty mint and lavender 1920's | 10/22/2009 |
| Q: They said I had asked too many follow-up questions so had to start over. The wear on the quilt is ... A: ADDED EXPLANATION below... Thanks for persisting. In the small photo you first sent, there are ... | |
| NY Beauty 1925 Quilt Mint and Lavender | 10/22/2009 |
| Q: I have a NY Beauty quilt purchased in 1980, made around 1925, lavender and mint and white, in very ... A: Rebecca, Thanks for your response. Things are better with my Mom, who is 95. I hope that things ... | |
| very old crazy quilt blocks | 10/21/2009 |
| Q: How old are they, one has a print, strip, of American flag, velvet, silk is worn, wonderful ... A: There was fad for Crazy Quilts starting in 1876 and going until about 1920 or so. (There were crazy ... | |
| NY Beauty 1925 Quilt Mint and Lavender | 10/9/2009 |
| Q: I have a NY Beauty quilt purchased in 1980, made around 1925, lavender and mint and white, in very ... A: I am sorry for the delay in getting back to you. I was called away on a family medical issue. Are ... | |
| NY Beauty 1925 Quilt Mint and Lavender | 10/9/2009 |
| Q: I have a NY Beauty quilt purchased in 1980, made around 1925, lavender and mint and white, in very ... A: It looks wonderful, though it's a bit difficult to know the condition from a photo -- a critical ... | |
| 1930's Bow Tie Quilt | 10/2/2009 |
| Q: My sister has a hand stitched quilt made by our Grandmother in the 1930's. It needs a new backing. ... A: Good Morning, I apologize for being late in answering. I have been away at a big Quilt Conference ... | |
| Quilt | 9/28/2009 |
| Q: Julie. I live in Ann Arbor Michigan, hope this helps. Thanks Tim A: Tim, There is woman in Temperance, MI who sometimes goes to the monthly Ann Arbor Flea Market in ... | |
| very old quilt top | 9/26/2009 |
| Q: I found a double wedding band quilt top pieced together by hand that my grandmother made at the turn ... A: and thanks for seeing that your grandmother's work has value -- monetary or otherwise... Let's ... | |
| Antique Quilt | 9/11/2009 |
| Q: We purchased this quilt in the early 80's in Upstate New York and we were wondering if you could ... A: I wonder if you received my answer -- no response from you. I always like to know that people get ... | |
| Antique Quilt | 8/18/2009 |
| Q: We purchased this quilt in the early 80's in Upstate New York and we were wondering if you could ... A: I think I can probably help you, but I will need more information and more photos. I am away now -- ... | |
| quilt | 7/30/2009 |
| Q: Made by great grmother in Humphreys Co, Tennessee, about 1850. Has names of children, children's ... A: Good Morning, Thanks for your message. I feel confident that I help you with this one -- but I ... | |
| quilting frame | 6/5/2009 |
| Q: I was wondering if you can help. I am looking for a quilting frame that hangs from the ceiling,like ... A: I am not sure I can help you -- my field of expertise is antique quilts, and I don'pt know about ... | |
| Bow Tie Quilt | 6/1/2009 |
| Q: I recently found a quilt top that my grandmother made. I would like to have it quilted but I would ... A: I am happy to try to help. The best thing would be if I could see photos. Can you send photos to ... | |
| quilt identification, southern alabama | 5/3/2009 |
| Q: have another question about identification of a quilt, pattern, age if possible as it is supposed to ... A: and for the positive evaluation you gave to me on the Allexperts site. Much appreciated. I have ... | |
| quilt identification - #2 | 4/30/2009 |
| Q: would you please help me identify this pattern and any other info thanks bobklein ... A: I seem to be going backward in answering your very gracious questions. If you can send these ... | |
| quilt identification | 4/30/2009 |
| Q: i recently purchased some hand sewn, hand and machine, and machine quilts made in southern alabama. ... A: Happy to help as much as I can. I know little about other antiques, though I have been in the ... | |
| quilt identification - #2 | 4/30/2009 |
| Q: would you please help me identify this pattern and any other info thanks bobklein A: This one (#2) I am quite sure is "Lady of the Lake." Can confirm when I return home to CA. What a ... | |
| quilt identification | 4/30/2009 |
| Q: i recently purchased some hand sewn, hand and machine, and machine quilts made in southern alabama. ... A: Good Morning Bob, Coincidentally I am in Alabama all this week -- having never been here before ... | |
| info on applique quilt pattern | 4/11/2009 |
| Q: i have a family quilt from upper michigan, white background with red applique. my mother-in-law ... A: I have never heard that name for a pattern. Sometimes, though, a quilt pattern has numerous names ... | |
| 1933 Sears Century of Progress Contest Winner | 3/19/2009 |
| Q: One of them was made by a woman named Eula Edwards, "Colonial Rose" is the pattern, and she won a ... A: I am wondering about Mrs. Carpenter and her quilt. Was she put off by our commission? I am happy ... | |
| 1933 Sears Century of Progress Contest Winner | 3/14/2009 |
| Q: One of them was made by a woman named Eula Edwards, "Colonial Rose" is the pattern, and she won a ... A: I am worried that my answer did not get to you -- or that you have not been able to get Mrs. ... | |
| 1933 Sears Century of Progress Contest Winner | 3/13/2009 |
| Q: One of them was made by a woman named Eula Edwards, "Colonial Rose" is the pattern, and she won a ... A: I am very interested in talking with you about this, and I am absolutely confident I can help you ... | |
| old state block patterns | 2/28/2009 |
| Q: I'm part of a local quilting class that is piecing state blocks -- ie Kansas Troubles. Is there a ... A: Here is one good reference book for you. "The United States Patchwork Pattern Book - 50 Quilt ... | |
| Antique quilt appraisal | 1/23/2009 |
| Q: I was given a quilt in 1990 from a friend who was nearly 100. She said her grandmother made it for ... A: I can probably give you an idea of the value if I can see photos. I wonder if you can really get ... | |
| Antique Quilt | 12/20/2008 |
| Q: My husband and I acquired a quilt. We were told it was made in the 1800's. So far we have been ... A: Yes, your quilt looks to be around 1870 or so. Could be a bit later, but probably no later than ... | |
| Value of 100 year old Crazy Quilt | 11/25/2008 |
| Q: I have a quilt made for our "adopted" grandmother born in 1903 by her mother prior to 1903. The ... A: I can make some suggestions -- it would be best for me to see photos of the quilt first. Can you ... | |
| Old quilts | 10/27/2008 |
| Q: I rescued 3 quilts from a friend that was going to throw them away. I haven't cleaned them yet. I ... A: You did the right thing! Thank you for saving these quilts. The one quilt photo I can see is of a ... | |
| antique quilt | 10/21/2008 |
| Q: My friend was given a quilt by her mother. Her mother told her it was probably from the 1930's. It ... A: And thanks for your very positive rating on AllExperts. I don't think quilts were used as rugs -- ... | |
| antique quilt | 10/20/2008 |
| Q: My friend was given a quilt by her mother. Her mother told her it was probably from the 1930's. It ... A: Good Morning, Thanks for your question. I do not recognize the term -- and I would think that ... | |
| History of Prairie Points | 9/13/2008 |
| Q: Do you know when and where prairie points originated? I've learned Darlene Zimmerman's "strip" ... A: I heard from one of my colleagues who said: I believe they started as a trim on undergarments in ... | |
| Quilt? or Quilt top? Amish? hand/machine made? | 7/27/2008 |
| Q: I recently purchased an Amish quilt on ebay...(here is the item number in case you want to see ... A: I am happy to help you if I possibly can. I happen to be an expert on antique Amish quilts, but I ... | |
| "When Harry Met Sally" Quilt | 7/22/2008 |
| Q: I saw the question that Fran asked about this particualr quilt when I, too, was looking for the name ... A: .. It was a very popular quilt pattern, so we do see lots of them around still. The quilt was made ... | |
| family heirloom quilt | 7/9/2008 |
| Q: I would like to include some information about a quilt that I saved from my mother-in-law's move. I ... A: You have done a yeoman's job with your description. I wonder if you are even old enough to know ... | |
| 3 small quilt info/Id/age etc.. please | 7/4/2008 |
| Q: I have 3 small hanging quilts that I am looking to sell as I just have an overflowing house, but I ... A: I am not sure I can be helpful to you, because my field of expertise is antique quilts -- those made ... | |
| Name of Quilt Pattern | 6/23/2008 |
| Q: I hope you won't think my question is too silly, as it has been bothering me for nearly 20 years ... A: Fran, Thanks for getting back to me. Sorry I gave you a wrong lead. Two things: 1. I just ... | |
| antique(?) quilt frame | 6/19/2008 |
| Q: I have a quilting frame stamped on the bottom of one of the legs, "Cranberry Craft Frame, Heritage ... A: You can join the Quilter's History List (QHL) by going to www.hickoryhillquilts.com. I believe it ... | |
| antique(?) quilt frame | 6/15/2008 |
| Q: I have a quilting frame stamped on the bottom of one of the legs, "Cranberry Craft Frame, Heritage ... A: My field of expertise is really antique quilts themselves -- well, quilts made before about 1950. ... | |
| Antique quilts | 5/10/2008 |
| Q: I have three antique quilts - two from the late 1800's and one from the early 1900's. They have ... A: Glad to know that this was useful for you. You made a STELLAR trade with your ex-- good for you, ... | |
| Displaying 1850's quilt top | 3/28/2008 |
| Q: I was given a 1850's quilt top today for my birthday. I am soooo nervous. Could I display this in a ... A: I will need a bit more info and I think I may be able to help you. Do you want or need to put the ... | |
Quilting
Answers by Expert:
Julie Silber
Top Expert on this page
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
©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.