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Journal of Antiques and Collectibles and Asheford Institute of Antiques have teamed up to present: Asheford Institute of Antiques

APPRAISERS CORNER Certified Appraisal Training
www.asheford.com

with David L Moore CPAA, Certified Professional Antiques Appraiser A Commitment to Excellence Since 1966

Hello Mr. Appraiser; onto the 4 edges of the triangle
Thank you for talking with me at the show in October. I have a few making the square.
questions to ask about this 43-inch long by 30 1/2 inch wide quilt. I have The second layer is batting or
included the pictures you requested. filling. On antique quilts, I have seen
This quilt was purchased by my mother and then my mother passed it this layer made of cotton or wool.
on to me a few years back. It was supposed to have been handmade. I would Yours appears to be cotton. The third
like to pass this on to my daughter, and I want to let her know as much layer is the backing, and this quilt
information about it as I can. has ticking as the backing. Antique
Can you please tell me: ticking has been used in the making of
1. What era was it made in? quilts, feather mattresses, and pillows
2. How was it made? to name a few.
3. What is this pattern called? On this quilt, the backing was
4. Is this quilt machine made or handmade and how can you tell? folded over to frame and bind the top,
5. What is the value? batting, and backing together.
Thank you for all your help. The quilting effect is accomplished
N.A. on this quilt by sewing through the
top layer, batting, and backing using
diagonal and parallel line stitching
on the plain squares and stitching
around the edges and not through the
diamonds on alternate squares.
There are many misunderstand-
ings regarding making quilts. Mass-
produced quilts such as quilts you
purchase at big box stores are mass
marketed and made in factories.
Custom machine-sewn quilts are
classified as being handmade because
many of the quilt-making steps
such as hand-cut cloth are hand-fit
into patterns but are sewn using a
sewing machine.
Your quilt is made using hand-cut
cloth sewn together by hand stitching
Hello N.A. and thank you for showing me this beautiful hand Sewn and not by machine. For the most
Patchwork Quilt. part and is my opinion that this
This quilt is called a patchwork because the quilt consists of 48 method is the most labor-intensive and most sought-after in collecting
hand-cut squares and triangles of different pieces of cloth. The pattern circles. How can I say that this quilt is hand-sewn and not machine
is what I would consider a pierced diamond pattern, which has an sewn? The stitches are not the same size in length and spacing between
endless number of variations. In my opinion, this quilt was handmade stitches. The stitching is not as perfect as a machine-sewn quilt. (Picture
and hand-sewn circa 1890s/1910 period. This pierced diamond pattern is a closeup of your hand-stitched quilt). Another feature of a hand-
quilt looks quite simple and basic, but believe me, it is anything but sewn handmade quilt is that even if the same pattern was used 100
simple and basic. This quilt was a complex and time-consuming labor times to make 100 quilts, each quilt will be different in its own way
of love. By its size of 43 x 30 1/2 inches, I would consider this quilt as because it is handmade and not perfect.
a lap, or baby quilt. If I were to see this very good condition quilt with vibrant colors
Antique patchwork quilts were made, for the most part from scraps and fantastic stitch work at a well-advertised primitives, folk-art,
of worn-out shirts, dresses, aprons, and other pieces of worn or used etc. auction I would expect to pay $125-$150 including the buyer’s
clothing. These pieces of cloth were cut into shapes to form a pattern. premium of 23%.
The basics used to create this quilt are three different structural Frame it, display it, enjoy it, then give it to your daughter and I
elements. The top layer, batting, and backing. The top layer consists of hope she does the same!
48 squares of different patterns and colors Thank you – David L Moore, Professional Certified Antiques
of cotton cloth all sewn together. The Appraiser
squares start with one square block of plain
cloth alternating throughout the top with
different colored diamond shapes sewn onto
different colored square blocks. The plain David Moore is part of the school’s “Ask The Experts” appraising
cloth squares are solid blocks and the team, and is an honors graduate and “Certified Asheford Institute
alternating diamond squares consist of two of Antiques Appraiser.” Moore currently owns D L Moore CAA
sewn triangles (Making a diamond shape) and was owner of Waterman Antiques, President of the Indiana
with 4 smaller triangle pieces of fabric sewn Archaeological Society and is a published author, with over 50 years
experience in the research and study of antiques and collectibles.

Journal of Antiques & Collectibles and Asheford Institute of Antiques have teamed up to provide our readers with professional appraisers to help you learn more about
and value your finds. We welcome your questions and photos. Send your information to editorial.journalofantiques@gmail.com or mail to Journal of Antiques &
Collectibles, PO Box 950, Sturbridge, MA 01566 attn: Appraisers Corner. To learn more about becoming a “certified” antiques appraiser, visit www.asheford.com.

38 Journal of Antiques and Collectibles