? about vintage fabric

Lucky you! I think I'd try to stick with the vintage fabrics rather than mixing them with new. I think the quilt would be more authentic that way. I've been searching for a particular piece of vintage fabric for years. I have a quilt, Sunbonnet Sue pattern, made by my great-aunt in the '30s. One of the blocks needs repairing and so I've been trying to find this material. No luck. I don't mean to be 'too brash', but, could you look at this link and see if the fabric might be in some of your mother's pieces?

you so much! Michelle G.

What luck! You could probably mix with repro solids, because that's what you really need for a Dresden plate. The only problem I could imagine is that the old fabrics, if unused, might not be pre-washed and could shrink a bit. But if you make the quilt using cotton batting and quilt it closely before washing, the shrinkage built into the batting (3-5%) will make any fabric shrinkage unnoticeable.

You might be able to f>I've got tons of new 30s reproduction fabric, but after Mom passed

Go for it. Just do be a bit careful with the older fabrics. And I would prewash everything in this case, just to be sure that it is all going to work well. As far as historical value..... the pieces of fabric might be worth something, but probably only to someone who works with restoring/ conserving vintage stuff. Once you work with the fabric, or blocks/ quilts/whatever they will become 21st Century items, no longer classified as vintage. (Although with the "made with vintage fabrics should be on the label, please.) The true value of these pieces is special memories for you. And you will get much more enjoyment from the use of them in something you can see/touch every day rather than bits packed in a box. Have fun, and remember good times.

Pati, in Phx

Howdy!

Go ahead: mix them together. I've been doing this for years; people send me their old tops, some in need of repairs, some needing to be Finished into a top, then handquilted. You can probably feel (by hand) if the fabrics are of equal quality or weight.

Often the older fabric has starch on it, which picks up lots of dust & grime during the piecing & quilting process. As you're working w/ cut, smaller pieces, let the washing wait until you Finish the quilt; then use a color catcher or dye magnet & some BIZ in the washer. Amazing how pretty the clean quilt is, brighter & fresher. Good luck! Don't be afraid of it. Right now you have a collection of cut scraps, w/ little to lose if you turn it into a quilt. ;-) Hobbs Heirloom is my batting of choice; it works well w/ the older fabrics, and the new ones; plenty of cotton to make it feel "authentic", and enough polyester to make it easier to needle by hand or machine.

btw, I typed in 1930s solids at

and they showed me a lovely selection of solids to mix w/ the older fabrics.

Cheers! R/Sandy

I will look through the boxes in case there's a piece matching your pattern. Most are little "kid" prints of the conversation fabric type, but there were a few florals here and there. Grandbabies kept me from working further yesterday and today, but I should get back to it tomorrow. Moni

Of course, anything that was actually a feed sack or flour sack has been washed. I doubt if anyone would use those without washing first.

Julia > What luck! You could probably mix with repro solids, because that's

Hi Moni! You have a treasure there. Here is what I'd do. Make a simple block, four or nine patch, using a few old pieces and a few new pieces; sandwich and quilt as a pot holder. Wash as you'd wash any quilt. Use it a few times. Check it for fading and damage. If okay, continue to use in larger projects.

So, Moni, are you new here? Have you been welcomed? Welcome to the Land of RCTQ. We have fun here, no moderator, no rules. The only thing you really need to know is that it is very wise to have your chocolate vetted. Just send a pound or two to the Office of the Official Chocolate Taster of RCTQ, which is in my Palace here in Virginia. I will test and taste and report back via email. You don't have to thank me ... this is my unselfish volunteer duty in RCTQ. A tough job, but someone's gotta do it. :)

Pat In Virginia/USA

. =A0I

That is the sweetest Sunbonnet Sue I have ever seen! My first applique was SBS. She's so easy to do and every one is different. Wish i had some fabric like that to send you.

Welcome/Welcome back, Moni!!

amy in CNY

I keep an eye out for that fabric but haven't seen it. I bet someone will find a piece one day. Taria

That is the sweetest Sunbonnet Sue I have ever seen! My first applique was SBS. She's so easy to do and every one is different. Wish i had some fabric like that to send you.

Welcome/Welcome back, Moni!!

amy in CNY

I've actually been in and out here but mostly just reading. I like to check for tips and things and new places to shop. I used that info to help with the quilts I made for Christmas - 2 crazy quilts and one with European landmarks. I also made a quilted huppa for my daughter who was renewing her vows in a temple. That's all been since August. I think I ran my sewing machine in my sleep!! Moni