January 19th, 2010 — Antique, Fabrics, Linens, Patchwork Quilts, Quilts and Bedspreads
Patchwork quilts are an Americana staple, and these items are also highly collectible. While they are most commonly associated with the pioneer times and early formation of the United States, many cultures produce patchwork quilts and many of them are extremely valuable.
The process of making a patchwork quilt is quite labor intensive and for many families, these precious items became heirlooms. Typically, the quilt maker would save little squares of fabric that would then be turned into larger quilting squares during the making of the item. Sometimes, these pieces of fabric would be from old clothes, or blankets, or even feed sacks. Making a patchwork quilt could take months, due to the amount of work that is required.
Collecting the fabric is only the first step in making a patchwork quilt. Once enough of this was on hand, the quilt maker would begin the process of assembling each square, by hand, into an interesting pattern. The history of quilting patterns dates back many hundred years, but patchwork quilts are probably the most quaint. Instead of following a certain set pattern of colors, they were a mishmash of the fabric that the quilter had on hand. Each square would tell a story and that was part of the fun in making this type of quilt and owning one.
Once the squares were all assembled in the right pattern, the quilter would then begin the process of applying them to a backing. Typically, a type of batting would be sewn in between the backing fabric and the patchwork quilt square. However, many times, especially for poorer families, the backing and the squares were the only material that was used.
Each square would be handstitched onto the backing fabric until the entire pattern was assembled. A specific quilting stitch was used to ensure that the finished product would be very durable. Finally, when the finished product was complete, the entire pattern of the patchwork quilt would be made visible. It could take a quilter months to finish this type of project, but some were able to get them done in a matter of weeks once they had the fabric ready.
Typically, patchwork quilts were made during the winter months when pioneer families did not have has much work to do outside the home. However, quilting parties became very popular and gave women a means of socializing outside the home. During one of these parties, several women would work on the same patchwork quilt, assembling the squares, making the pattern and putting everything together.
In many small towns, the practice of making a patchwork quilt for a raffle became very popular. Often, women would construct these quilts and then donate them to their local churches. The church could then use the raffle to raise funds for building or other needs. If you happen to come across a patchwork quilt that is an antique, think about the labor and love than went into it for a few moments. You are holding a piece of someone’s history in your hands.
Photo Credits: Frankie Roberto
Originally posted 2008-08-25 14:00:02. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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January 8th, 2010 — Antiquities, Chinese Antiques, Chinese Chest, Collectible
A Chinese chest can improve the look of any room, in addition to providing storage space and serving as a conversation piece, especially if it’s an antique. A chest can function as more than just storage, it can be used as a coffee or side table, or it can simply be on its own, with collectibles displayed on top as well as stored inside.
If you’re after the look of an authentic antique Chinese chest, first examine your budget. An antique Asian chest can cost a great deal, depending on its age and the period in which it was created, and of course, on its condition. The price can also depend on the intended use for the chest. While many were created simply as beautiful storage pieces, many were designed for a specific purpose, like to hold blankets or books, and some have drawers for hiding away small items. Some feature a single compartment, some are designed to be quite tall and some were designed to have a low profile.
Chests and trunks were used by the Ancient Chinese to store almost everything they needed, from food to bedding. They often stacked chests on top of one another, with the highest chests containing those items used regularly, and lower chests holding things used only occasionally for convenience. The Ancient Chinese considered this an efficient method, to eliminate time spent searching for items. A Chinese chest is likely to feature drawers of some type, an invention attributed to the Chinese and their sense of neatness and efficiency.
A true ancient Chinese chest will be made of wood, usually camphor or elm because these woods repelled insects and fungi that can destroy wood over time. Tropical wood is often used today that’s imported from other Asian countries, and is often painted black or red featuring landscape scenes. New Chinese chests are sometimes even made from steel which can last longer than wood and is less expensive. But authentic ancient chests will be wood, with a simple design, and decorative handles and hinges. Some things do vary by period, though. For instance, a Chinese chest made during the Ming Dynasty will be more ornate than those constructed during some other periods. Handles, locks and hinges as well as other accessories on the chest would most likely be made from precious stones, brass or copper.
If you’re looking to buy a Chinese chest, a local dealer is a good starting point, even if only for research. Research online to find the popular attributes of the time period you’re looking for. And if you shop online on eBay for instance, ask the seller many questions about damage and repair to see if the piece has been altered.
A Chinese chest can cost $150 or thousands of dollars. While the lower priced authentic chests aren’t going to be much more than their reproductions, the older chests than range from several hundred to thousands of dollars are probably best passed over for reproductions, unless you’re purchasing for the investment rather than the aesthetic.
Photo Credits: taiyofj
Originally posted 2008-10-31 14:00:05. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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