When Old Quilts Get Together...

It was a perfect Spring day to air vintage quilts, and a perfect opportunity to share them with all who enjoy legacy quilts like these. Three of us Ocala-area quilters pooled our collections of antique quilts and put on a show to benefit Horse Protection Association of Florida and Humane Society of Marion County.

The venue was Harvest Village in McIntosh, Florida. It's an old citrus packing house and depot that now houses shops, small museum, a restaurant, and an ice cream store. The owner made space available to us, and we got into the show in a big way.

Some among our collections are just quilt tops, and these were perfect for hanging outside under protection of the porch roof. You can get a glimpse of the Dresden Plate and Spider Web behind and beside this lively Glorified Nine Patch (also called Improved Nine Patch).

I'm not sure of the name of this quilt pattern, but it's certainly vibrant despite it's age. I just call it "Big Red" until I locate the real name. How do you like the "ghost" block at the lower left?

This is the oldest quilt in our display, dating from circa late 1800s. It's in wonderful shape and makes use of the popular double-pink fabric of the era sawtooth border, and the LeMoyne Star block pattern.

And this is the treasure among all of the old quilts. It's a Marie Webster Basket design and was made around 1936. The hand applique is admirable, but the hand quilting is truly exquisite in this piece. Jill, one of our collectors, was fortunate to find this quilt at an estate sale. And Debra, the third collector, found its companion "Daisy Wreath" (shown below) at the same estate sale. The Daisy Wreath shows the same fine quilting and needle skills.

Lots of Stars were out today also. This scrappy Touching Stars was right next to the colorful Lone Star quilt. What a great pleasure to talk quilts all day with people who came from near and far to see and appreciate these old beauties! So many of the visitors enjoyed the show asked if we would have another, but we shared all the quilts we have in this one big event. Maybe we need to get out there and scout up some more? Hope you enjoy this bit of quilt heritage on National Quilting Day.