How to Collect Quilts

Quilts are more than fancy blankets used to keep warm or to decorate a bedroom with. Quilts have had a long history in the U.S., spanning from the pioneer women sewing in the light from fires, to modern women using sewing machines. Quilts are often given as gifts to celebrate a marriage or the birth of a baby. Collecting quilts can be a wonderful hobby. Read on to learn more.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Narrow your choices. There are so many different kinds of quilts you can collect. For ease it may help to choose to collect quilts that follow a certain pattern, or are a certain type such as friendship quilts, wedding quilts or baby quilts. You can also only collect quilts from a certain color pallet or only antique quilts.

2. Search online. An online site such as eBay sells modern quilts both store-bought and handmade along with older quilts from estate sales. Be cautious when shopping online. Shipping charges are high as quilts are heavy and the quality varies. Buy quilts from pet and smoke-free homes.

3. Attend craft shows. Many modern quilters sell their wares at craft shows. Antique quilts are rare at craft shows.

4. Go to estate sales and auctions. Quilts are passed through families in trunks or boxes that have been stored in attics, basements or storage units. You may be able to get great deals on quilts from estate sales and auctions.

5. Visit antique stores if you want to collect antique quilts. Let shopkeepers know what you're looking for so they can call or email you if they get a special quilt in.

6. Make sure you examine any quilt you buy. While antique quilts may have some staining, pulled stitches or rips, modern quilts shouldn't.

Resources

• Shop for quilts on eBay.
• Go to the CozyQuiltPatch.com for more information on collecting antique quilts.
• Read Antique Quilts & Textiles: A Price Guide to Functional and Fashionable Cloth Comforts by Bobbie A. Aug and Gerald E. Roy.