If you're a quilt lover, you've probably come across an old quilt at an antique show or a junk shop that catches your eye. You catch your breath when you see it, and then you tell yourself, 'forget it'. You spend enough on fabric to make your own quilts. You are emphatically not a collector. By choice. Because you know that once you start, it's a slippery slope. Besides, this quilt has lots of problems. Its bloomers are worn through, its undies are showing!
Leaves are a-poppin'.
Dyes have rotted out the few prints, soft batting bleeds out though the holes.
Why, it's stained here and there. Clearly not functional. The price is ridiculous. You're not a collector. You walk away, happy to have enjoyed it for a few minutes.
But sometimes these quilts have special powers. They exert their own kind of mind control. You find yourself driving by the shop, which is off your usual route, just to see if it's still in the window. You mention it to a few people. Quilt people. That clan you know will cheer you on. You go back and ask if you can take some photos.
While melting over the charming little details...the basket handles dripping hearts!!...you notice the quilting. Densely worked, organic in design and fine in execution. The quilter poured her heart into this. By the time she got to the border work, she was running out of red fabric. Some of the flowers are pieced from scraps.
You thank the sleepy salesclerk and start to leave, thinking maybe you were right. It's just too worn. There are too many other expenses this spring. But she jumps up, unprompted, and calls the owner. She'll take less. You'll think about it.
Each time you sit down at the computer, you find yourself drifting over to the photo album, clicking through your shots. 'Come get me", it whispers through the screen.
The next day you jump in the car and tentatively return, only to find the shop closed, despite posted hours to the contrary. It's a sign. This is a frivolous crush.
But sometimes a crush can be a wonderful precursor. (You married your high school sweetheart, didn't you?)
*sigh*
94"x84"
Sometimes you just can't ignore that little voice in your head that after enumerating all the reasons why not, screams...'Are you crazy?!! Go get it before it's gone!'
No regrets.
It's beautiful Jan. Of course you got it.
Posted by: Elizabeth | April 03, 2012 at 09:10 AM
wow- so beautiful!
Posted by: mimi k | April 03, 2012 at 09:26 AM
omg seeing all four blocks now I am so thrilled you listened to that little voice in your head, and your quilt friends :)
Now you need to go make a pattern from it and perserve it again for another 150 years and of course I want to buy that pattern , I even have the fabrics picked out :)
Kathie please :)
Posted by: kathie | April 03, 2012 at 09:26 AM
So beautiful! Congratulations! I'm charmed too. You did the right thing. ;)
Posted by: sally | April 03, 2012 at 09:47 AM
Love it! And I second Kathie---please make the pattern! any of the history of it known?
Posted by: Holly Alloway | April 03, 2012 at 10:03 AM
How much for that doggy in the window? :)
It found the perfect home!
Judy
Posted by: Judy | April 03, 2012 at 10:10 AM
Beautiful quilt! I'd love the pattern as well. Great find.
Posted by: Penny J | April 03, 2012 at 10:13 AM
It's lovely! I had the same problem a few weeks ago with a quilt at an estate sale. My husband talked me out of it, especially once I found a signed first edition of my favorite author to purchase at the same sale (which I did!) I still keep thinking about that quilt, though. Glad you got it!
Posted by: Jenny G. | April 03, 2012 at 10:21 AM
What a post! You led us on with all the close up shots - when you finally showed the bottom quarter it took my breath away. What a fantastic quilt!! No wonder it was calling out your name. It is charming with all it's faded fabrics. The quilting is wonderful as well. It's been well loved and appreciated - makes me smile :0)
Posted by: Janet | April 03, 2012 at 10:22 AM
Breath-taking, Jan, of course you had to have it. I LOVE this quilt. Enjoy, and well done you for taking your courage - and wallet - in both hands and going for it!
Posted by: lynne at Textile Treasury | April 03, 2012 at 10:24 AM
what a joyful and fun design! I'm glad you got it :O
Posted by: barb | April 03, 2012 at 10:34 AM
Some are called to religion, you have been called to be a historic quilt curator (any thing can be justified if it qualifies for a title)!
It's a beauty and ditto the previous comments to make a pattern for it. Consider this--if you do, then the purchase was business research (and tax deductible) and you can recoup the cost of the quilt in pattern sales. Score!! And a lovely one at that!
Posted by: Vivian | April 03, 2012 at 10:47 AM
No wonder you had to keep going to see that quilt! It is stunning. I'm so glad it was rescued by you and that you shared all these glorious photos of it. What a well-loved and beautiful quilt!
Posted by: Cathi | April 03, 2012 at 11:03 AM
Great choice and funny story! I'm sure you'll treasure this quilt for ages. And to think about how you've honored that very talented maker!
Posted by: LeeAnn | April 03, 2012 at 11:11 AM
woohoo!!!! love that shade of green that you get in these wellworn quilts.
Posted by: Tonya Ricucci | April 03, 2012 at 11:16 AM
Only the prospects of wedding expenses would make someone hesitate on a beauty like that. So glad you followed your instincts. Loved taking the journey with you.
Posted by: Cindra | April 03, 2012 at 11:36 AM
I love it! This is the first quilt I've seen with the blocks worked into the border, only 2 needed to be appliqued. How wonderful. This is a fantastic quilt and I can't wait to see how you re-create it!
Posted by: Sharon | April 03, 2012 at 11:37 AM
Its lovely. I would have to say yes to everything you wrote. I guess we all do have a lot in common. :)
Posted by: Meredith | April 03, 2012 at 12:30 PM
LOL LOL !!!I likes your logic!
Are you going to attempt repairs ?
Posted by: Izzy | April 03, 2012 at 01:09 PM
No regrets indeed! Well done :D !!!
Posted by: wishes, true and kind | April 03, 2012 at 01:23 PM
WOW! You ARE a collector and it's GORGEOUS! What a fabulous find. Congratulations on providing a good home for that beauty!
Posted by: Thimbleanna | April 03, 2012 at 02:10 PM
You know you want something when it haunts you. You will always love this, and if you want to offset the cost, you could make up a pattern for sale. I can think of a couple of people who do just that. Thanks for all the pics; it's just wonderful!
Posted by: Jan S. | April 03, 2012 at 02:23 PM
Simply stunning! So glad you let your impulse rule.
Posted by: Barb Robson | April 03, 2012 at 03:23 PM
You are right- totally worth it!
Posted by: Kristin | April 03, 2012 at 03:48 PM
Of course you did the right thing. I would buy the pattern in a heartbeat. Just lovely. Thank you for the pictures.
Posted by: Nancy | April 03, 2012 at 04:21 PM
Not surprised.
Gorgeous!
Posted by: Kate | April 03, 2012 at 04:50 PM
That's love for you! I would have fallen for it too and I'm so glad you get to be the keeper of the quilt. Despite it being loved almost to death, the beauty still shines through with the quilting, the design, the colours and it still packs a punch. Thanks so much for sharing this treasure.
Posted by: Janet | April 03, 2012 at 05:32 PM
How cool is that quilt; I love it.
Posted by: Susie | April 03, 2012 at 08:14 PM
Yo had me at the first picture! It is gorgeous I am so glad you went back and got it. I feel like you "saved" it!!!
Posted by: Kelly | April 03, 2012 at 08:28 PM
Wow, are you planning on making a pattern out of it and hosting an applique-along? If so, count me in! That would rock.
Posted by: Marisa | April 03, 2012 at 09:28 PM
Such a beautiful quilt, there is a Kaffe Fasset fabric with a similar design, I wonder if he saw a quilt like yours and was inspired by it.
Posted by: Pip | April 03, 2012 at 09:33 PM
Oh yes!
A happy ending for the beauty queen quilt.
Posted by: Vicky F | April 03, 2012 at 11:06 PM
Wow... That quilt gives me stomach cartwheels. Am so glad you got it!!!
Posted by: Susannah | April 03, 2012 at 11:17 PM
simply beautiful
Posted by: Brenda | April 04, 2012 at 05:04 AM
I'd be unable to resist to. She's gorgeous.Any idea on date?
Posted by: Clare | April 04, 2012 at 05:56 AM
You heart must have been racing when you departed the shop with the gorgeous quilt in your arms! It is stunning.
Posted by: Jenny M | April 04, 2012 at 07:30 AM
What a wonderful story! This quilt has her own life, she called you back! Congratulations and I'll be on the lookout for your 'to-be-published' pattern too. Hannah.
Posted by: Hannah Wellens | April 04, 2012 at 07:41 AM
That quilt is just gorgeous I'm so glad for you that you went back and got it. I had the same thing happen to me with a kitten at the vet looking for a home. I saw her twice and couldn't believe no one else had taken her. I ended up ringing up and going to get her, love at first sight. Sometimes its just meant to be. (I'd buy the pattern too!)
Posted by: Debra | April 04, 2012 at 08:59 AM
Absolutely you did the right thing. I always say "how sorry are you going to be that you did not buy the quilt". Some are just haunting and do call your name. You are a rescuer, and have saved this beautiful quilt from an unknown fate. Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Lynn Miller | April 04, 2012 at 10:08 AM
This calls out for a pattern... repairs would be futile! Easier to make another and love this one just the way it is! So glad you found her...
Posted by: siobhan | April 04, 2012 at 10:08 AM
That quilt is gorgeous! I would have pulled out the checkbook, too!
Posted by: kathie | April 04, 2012 at 10:18 AM
Oh Yes, I have heard that voice many times. Please make a pattern! It's not hard at all. Check out how I did it in "Baltimore Garden Quilt." Please? Make a pattern!?!
Posted by: Barbara | April 04, 2012 at 10:20 AM
Oh she's lovely!!! I hope she came home with you!
Posted by: Michelle | April 04, 2012 at 11:48 AM
So charming a presence. The heart as well as the head needs to be happy. Love the hearted basket!
Posted by: Linda in NC | April 04, 2012 at 12:25 PM
Yes - this is one that can haunt you in your dreams if you don't save her. Happy to know she found a loving home - she is a true darling!!!
Posted by: Marit | April 04, 2012 at 01:24 PM
That quilt would have haunted my thoughts too! I'm SO happy it was still there..waiting for you. Someone really poured their heart into making it? Congratulations it's just fabulous. :)
Posted by: Ann Champion | April 04, 2012 at 04:50 PM
At least it was still there!! It's a terrific, charming, and lovely quilt!!
Posted by: LoriD | April 04, 2012 at 09:13 PM
Totally understand! You could have presented this option to all of us as soon as you found it. We could have saved you sleepless nights by telling you to run & get it! :o)
It takes a special place in a quilter's soul.
Posted by: Pat | April 05, 2012 at 10:18 AM
A stunning quilt! Glad you got it!
Posted by: Karen | April 05, 2012 at 06:13 PM
What a sweet quilt, so glad you finally listened to it calling you! I'm sure it will have a nice place to live near that sunflower quilt you got last year!
Posted by: Pam Cope | April 05, 2012 at 07:50 PM