Collectible Quilts

Flea Market Finds With The Kovels : Episode FMF-106 -- More Projects »

The quilt is one of the first truly American art forms. Quilters used fabric from their own clothing so quilts are very real reminders of family history. The Kovels visit the Metrolina Expo in Charlotte, N.C., where host Terry Kovel meets dealer Gypsy Hall, who shares some of the valuable quilted heirlooms from her collection.

Here's what Terry learned about antique quilts:
Condition, color, intricacy of quilt patterns and quality of stitching all help determine a the overall value. Antique quilts can be washed only if they're flexible and have unbroken stitching. If you try to wash a quilt that's become stiff, the stitching will most likely tear. Hand-washing is best, using gentle soap. The best way to dry them is to lay them out on a flat surface. The secret to quilt restoration is to use antique fabrics.

The signature on this quilt makes it one of the oldest and best in dealer Gypsy Hall's collection.

The signed quilt features a vining boder and a wonderful color palette with a Whig Rose design. Signed antique quilts range in price of $2,000 to $10,000. This one is valued at $8,000.

Dated from 1830s, this quilt features great fabric colors and a Sawtooth border. It's valued at $2,200.

Though the dealer called this quilt a "disaster" due to it's over-washed condition, both she and Terry were charmed by the family history embroidered on it--including family name and names of children. It's bargain priced at $200.

This Cookie Cutter Redwork quilt from the early 1920s is in great condition. Redwork has become extremely popular with collectors due to the simple, charming designs.

"They're labor intensive...and the women who did them put a lot of love and a lot of time and a lot of redeeming into those scraps to make them into a work of art," said Hall. "For that, they have my respect." We couldn't agree more.

Resources
Metrolina Expo
With approximately 6,200 dealers, Metrolina Expo is among the largest markets in the United States. It is held in April, June and November.
Metrolina Expo
Charlotte, NC
Phone: 704-596-4643
Toll-free: 800-824-3770
Website: www.metrolinaantiqueshow.com
Guests
Gypsy Hall
Dealer
Phone: 704-892-1902
E-mail: gypsyh@juno.com
Also in this Episode

Flea Market Finds With The Kovels : Episode FMF-106
•	Collectible Quilts
•	Vintage Fabrics
•	Architectural Salvage
•	European Chandeliers
•	Flow Blue Dishware
•	Blue Ridge Dishware
•	Circus Collectibles
•	Mr. Peanut Costume
•	What's It?!?

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