Monday, October 7, 2013

Antique Fabrics


I think most collectors categorize "antique fabrics" as those that are 100 years old or older.  In quilting cottons, that means that generally the selvage width is around 24"-27" wide.  (By the 1930's, most cotton quilt fabrics had transitioned to a 34"-36" width.)
 Although I've found small scraps and quilt blocks, I can't say that I've found very many unused, full width antique fabrics.  But I do have a few...so, I thought I share them with you today.

This first one is my favorite.  Its a double pink or cinnamon pink dating from the 1880-1900's.  It is a 4 yard piece in lovely condition with a 24" selvage width and it retains it's original "Allens Pinks" label.  SCORE!

I also have a cute paisley with polka dots likely dating to the early 1900's.  It, too, is several yards long, has a 24" selvage width, and is in amazing unused condition.  (I should hold up so well after a hundred years on this planet. lol)

Another paisley, a popular design motif of the era, this time in darker, richer colors.  This one feels like a brushed cotton or light weight flannel and has a slight twill weave.

This next pretty paisley is terribly faded and was likely used as a part of a quilt back. But, it was so pretty, it had to come home with me for reference or just a bit of eye-candy.

I can only imagine how pretty the colors were when it was first made...pink, tans, and robin's egg blue. Such a pretty combination!
That about does it for the quilt fabrics of that era, I think the only other antique piece in my inventory at the moment is an unused toile home décor or drapery fabric.  It has a 30" selvage width and a finely detailed cherub and pastoral scene in a deep aubergine or eggplant color.


I imagine that these early fabrics may be more readily found on the east coast, but around here, they are few and far between.  So, I'm grateful for even the small collection I have.  :)
I have a couple listed in my Etsy shop this month, but they are also available on the website.
How about you?  Any antique textiles in your stash?

4 comments:

Katherine said...

Wow. These are amazing and so very beautiful, Kimberly. I don't think I've ever come across textiles that old. What a find!

Niesz Vintage Home said...

Thanks Katherine!
They are a rare find for me, too.

Kimberly :)

Abby and Stephanie said...

I couldn't pick a favorite. They're fabulous and the Cinnamon with the label still attached is a score. They all are. Wonderful finds.

Glenna @ Hollyhock Quilts said...

Fabulous! I covet everyone of those!!