Tuesday, February 3, 2015

1850s Princess Feather, Plucked from a Local Antiques Shop

Plucked from a local antiques shop in Portland, Oregon-- a sensational 1850s Princess Feather quilt! Just like the "Start the Car" quilt found in the same neighborhood last April, it was the last thing I expected to see. Most of the time, the oldest quilts around here are Depression Era, and often in poor condition and overpriced.


The quilt is 96" square, and the quilting is great. It looks like leaves placed every which way, fitting together like puzzle pieces. Border is a big bonus. Appliqué stitches are very nice, too...small and even. In good condition, with minor deterioration in two small areas in the corners, and yellowing throughout. I am planning to soak it, carefully, and think it will brighten up considerably. 
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15 comments:

  1. Wendy Caton ReedFebruary 3, 2015 at 4:40 AM

    WOW! Lucky you! Glad to see it went to a good home. Love it!

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  2. LoriFebruary 3, 2015 at 7:20 AM

    Amazing catch Bill! In Portland, no less!

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    1. Bill VolckeningFebruary 3, 2015 at 1:50 PM

      I know of four great quilts that have been sold at the shop in the last year. A new dealer appears to have a secret stash. The two others were bought by a lady who works in the shop, and she showed me on her cell phone. One was a NY Beauty and the other was a mid 19th century appliqué quilt with trapunto.

      I'm going back next week. :)

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  3. MarlaFebruary 3, 2015 at 8:16 AM

    The quilting is especially interesting for this type (and date) of quilt.

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    1. Bill VolckeningFebruary 3, 2015 at 1:48 PM

      It is. I'll try to get some photos of the back when it's dried. Quilting with leaf motifs is not uncommon, but having them all fit together in this way is unusual. The maker used red thread for all the quilting in the red areas. :)

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  4. marlynnFebruary 3, 2015 at 8:42 AM

    I really, really love this one. Excellent find!

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    1. Bill VolckeningFebruary 3, 2015 at 1:51 PM

      A surprising find in Portland, where our antiques tend to be a lot younger than those back east.

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  5. Cascade QuiltsFebruary 3, 2015 at 8:45 AM

    oh, my, what a stunning quilt! I am curious how are you able to date it? I am totally ignorant when it comes to dating quilts - and would hate to pass something up in an antique shop that dates that old!

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    1. Bill VolckeningFebruary 3, 2015 at 10:22 AM

      Well, I've been at it a while, and look at a lot of quilts, but there are all kinds of clues in quilts, such as the type of fabrics, methods of construction, and design. A good book is "Clues in the Calico" by Barbara Brackman, if you can find a copy. Eileen Trestain's two "Dating Fabrics" books are also excellent resources.

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  6. SueFebruary 3, 2015 at 9:46 AM

    Lucky duck! It's super.

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  7. Bea @ The Not So Cheesy KitchenFebruary 3, 2015 at 10:44 AM

    This is such a beautiful quilt. Love the color scheme and pattern ~ amazing!

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  8. Virginia HammonFebruary 3, 2015 at 1:35 PM

    Absolutely stunning. I'm so happy this found a home with you and will be preserved and honored as it deserves! - Virginia

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  9. UnknownFebruary 3, 2015 at 3:02 PM

    Wow! What an amazing find!

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  10. Designing DuoFebruary 3, 2015 at 8:26 PM

    Gorgeous, Bill! I've seen the two feather border motif before in a medium green and white Princess Feather before & don't recall the half stars above the white stars in the border, though. VERY unique piece!!

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  11. Bonnie WeeksFebruary 3, 2015 at 9:53 PM

    That's seriously beautiful. Amazing find.

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