My friend, Patty at Petalier, pointed out that the first group of neon type antique prints I posted last week is from the 1890s. It’s always a bit risky purchasing these very old blocks and tops because the fabric can be in poor condition without showing any obvious signs of damage. To test the fabric, I have to grab the middle of each piece with both hands and pull as hard as I can in one direction, and then the other. If it tears, I have to throw it away, and sometimes that makes me very sad.
Amazingly, I haven’t found any rotten fabric pieces in this scrappy top, even though it’s over 100 years old. That makes me very happy.
Beautiful fabrics Martha. I’d be buying them if they were around today.
Wow Martha! You have a phenomenal collection of neon prints! They are so much prettier than the reproductions of neons that have come out sporadically by manufacturers in the past. The indigo with the chrome circles just sings…well third row on the right had me going wow! I always try to imagine exactly what was taking place in history during this time period and who would be wearing these prints. Then I remind myself this was long before the zipper was invented! I think I’m going to be looking a bit closer at old photographs when I’m at the Hysterical Society looking for these. Again, thank you for sharing….. seeing these makes my day!
Love these fabrics! 🙂
These are spectacular!
If the fabric is rotten – there is no need to throw it away – find a fabric designer and get them to do a “repro” and the rest of us will sing happiness to you…. this group is wonderful and not like the current “repros” seen in the shops.
I have some antique blocks and fabric pieces that are too damaged/fragile for the use that a quilt gets, but I plan to experiment with light weight fusible backings so I can at least salvage them for wall hangings or tabletop projects. It seems such a shame to not use them at all.