Maybe that's why online shopping is a bad idea for me! However, when you find something inexpensive and divine on EBay, who can help themselves? Certainly not me! Earlier in April I won 2 auctions on EBay and today both of them arrived.
The first is a pair of fresh, crisp, whiter than white, embroidered pillowcases. They were from an estate sale and I thought for sure they would go for way out of my price-range. So, I put them in my "Watch List" and let the days go by. When the auction neared it's finished, the pair were still less than $30! WOW!
I can't believe the handwork in these beautiful pieces. I doubt I will actually use them as pillowcases, but I am not sure what else a pillowcase is good for. Do any of you have a suggestion or two? I don't think I want to cut them, but I have no idea what else a pillowcase is good for besides a pillowcase.
The instant I got the envelope open and realized what was inside, I turned the edge to look at the back of the work. Even the back is lovely! Who was this lady? Her work is so perfect!
The other EBay win was this sweet little handmade vintage quilt. It's doll size and is very clean with no holes or snags. The stitches are small, but visible, so maybe made by an child with a little experience. There was no specific dating, but a guess at 1900-ish.
Maybe one of you has a better idea about dating such things? I know there is a book by Barbara Brackman that many have found helpful, but I don't own it and I don't really know anything about textile age and manufacturing.
It is a simple pattern with simple quilting, yet it is darling at the same time. The double pink is what caught my attention in the first place. Now I will really have to figure out how to make a mattress for my antique doll bed! The small squares that make up the 4-patch blocks are 1.5" finished making the larger pink blocks and the finished 4-patches 3" finished.
I hope everyone has finally had a few spring-like days. For my Canadian readers - don't forget to vote! If you don't vote, you don't get to complain! *grin*
Heather
10 comments:
Did my voting this morning!! My party better win!!! More of the same, is what I want LOL
What prizes you got, Heather!! Wow! For the pillowcases, have you thought of using them as shams on extra pillows on the bed? Just for show. I know you can make little girls dresses out of them, but it seems a shame (and I don't know if your little girl is still small enough.
Have fun making a mattress! There should be info out there. And ask at the library for Barbara's book - if they don't have it, someone in the province will, I should think. ILLO, a super service, that I use frequently.
I need to think of supper, too, and yes, we've had super weather up north here.
Gerda
I know you don't want to cut those amazing pillowcases but they would make absolutely adorable aprons.
Just had to rush over to see your new purchases!!! (read your post on Kathy's site!) Your pillowcases are wonderful indeed, I agree with omax2..... use them as extra 'show' pillows on your bed, it would be a shame to cut them up especially after all these years, that way you can enjoy them every time you have a 'little lie down' on your busy days LOL!!!
Your little doll quilt is precious! how great to own such a lovely piece of history, I'm sure the original maker would never have thought it would be so coveted!!! It might be worth framing perhaps? to preserve it, and a great heirloom to pass down!!!
How exciting, I hope you find out a bit more about this treasure!!!
Great buys!! The little doll quilt is just the best. I know nothing about vintage textiles, but I know several other bloggers who probably could help. Let me know if you need blog addies.
good for you Heather -- the little quilt is darling. The embroidered piece reminds me of my grandma's things. Good shoppoing.
If you have an antique wash stand or even a shelf with a rod you can simply fold them so the embroidery shows and enjoy them. I would definitely not cut them. I have seen some of these antique linens actually used in quilts. What wonderful finds. They are absolutely beautiful!
Beautiful stitching on the pillowcases - a great find. And I also think that they'd be great as shams for extra pillows on the bed.
Just off hand I would guess 1925-40's on your quilt. Possibly even 50's. I can do further checking if you want. Let me know.
Oh, what a great find! The peacock pillow cases are wonderful.
Great find on the doll quilt, it's very sweet. Enjoy your little quilt.
Yes I voted.
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