Collecting: Beautiful Vintage & Antique Quilts

Sometimes you bump into something and it becomes more than just a passing fancy- it starts to look like a collection. Like these antique quilts. While I have collected various antique quilts for years and do have a stash of them that I bring out for photography- I really didn’t intend to add to that in such a big way or start a new collection of them. It just kind of happened.

Today I am sharing a peek at these new to me antique quilts. Spoiler alert- the first one I bought recently also has something so special with it that I brought home too- I will save that one for the last share. Side note- I didn’t style these- I just set them on the table to lay out more for photos to share with you (and inspire a few table setting ideas) but I will do a proper styling soon.

Collecting Vintage & Antique Quilts

We popped into the thrifts the other day while out and about looking for something for a remodel project. It is never a good idea to shop vintage if you are feeling a tad obsessed with bringing home something fun- because you will likely find something fun. I mean, I guess then maybe it is a good idea to go shopping. Satisfaction, right? Well, these quilts were not on the radar at all. I just wandered in and headed towards the linen room where I always look for vintage sheets and bits for tablesettings- and there was a table set up that was piled up with vintage quilts and crochet blankets. There were instantly two that stopped me and made me take a closer look.

One of the things I love about old quilts is just admiring all the care and work that went into them. Each stitch. Each piece of fabric that was cut and placed and sewn together. All the little details from the design to the fabric choices and pairings to the edging and more. They truly are works of art.

Antique Quilts- Flowers on repeat

This Grandmother’s flower garden (?) quilt was such a charmer. I love those old quilts that have a ton of little stitches and a light hand if you know what I mean.

And this one had such sweet pastel flowers and a softness to it. I instantly fell in love with it.

Bold and Beautiful Blooms

The second one that talked to me about knocked my socks off right then and there. Full of bold darker color- you might think it is not my style but I absolutely loved it when I saw it. I reached over to pick it up and fell in love even more when I saw the backing was covered in a dainty floral fabric. So sweet!

It also does have imperfections, but I am all about the perfectly imperfect over here and imperfections, damage, etc. generally doesn’t bother me enough to stop me from bringing something with a little extra love and patina home.

Of course, these two were priced a tad high for a thrift store. But it was half price day the next opening and so, I took a gamble and decided to think on it and see if they were there when they opened up again.

Half Price Day Treasures

When we went back on half price day- there was a line of probably about 20 people waiting to get in to shop. I told my husband it was fine, I didn’t ‘need’ the quilts and so, if they were sold already that was okay. When we walked in and got back to the linen room, the table was stacked with them and they were both there waiting for us. We also picked up one other one that was a bit more colorful- so much lovely sweetness in the triple flowers blooming.

This one also had embroidered names on one of the edges- it appears to have either been made or gifted to someone in 1981 so maybe not as old as the others, but lovely nonetheless.

Estate Sale Treasures

I mentioned that there was a super sweet find that was the first quilt I brought home recently. That one was from an estate sale. We actually went on day 3 of the sale and so were not sure how many things we would find since it was likely shopped over. The seller said it had been quite slow and we were excited to find quite a few things.

When we walked into one of the bedrooms, there was bedding and all kinds of vintage fabrics, linens etc on the bed. I saw a charming patchwork quilt somewhat piled up on the corner and started to take a closer look. An older gentleman walked in and looked at me looking at it and started up a conversation about the patchwork quilt.

He mentioned he and his wife loved collecting and she loved old quilts and crafty things like making them. He owned an antique shop in another town and he was getting ready to go to the Longest Yard sale to shop for treasures. It was something he and his wife had planned to do but she recently had passed and so he was going with a friend. It was quite a poignant conversation. Him talking about his wife and their shared love of treasure hunting and going out into the world to do the things they didn’t get a chance to do together really touched us.

Of course, I didn’t mind the flaws the quilt had and loved all the work and love that went into making it. It shows bits of wool blanket inside and is actually quite heavy as far as quilts go. I set it in my purchase pile and was so excited to find another quilted treasure to go with it too.

This sweet darling patchwork scottie dog took me right back to my childhood animal pillows. Made with the same care and love that the quilt was made with. He is such a darling – with his little button eyes, yarn fur and that stubby little tail- he is such an absolute charmer.

To be honest, I have no idea what vintage and antique quilts generally go for so have no idea what a good price would be. I know it depends on condition and these do have some flaws and missing bits- but I think they are so sweet even so. I have no idea what they should be priced at so am not much help there- I have some that were a few dollars, others that were $100 and have seen listings for quilts at much higher prices. Either way, these will be so lovely for enjoying in the attic and some country inspired stylings I am working on – and I am already setting tables and outdoor stylings with a couple of them in my mind.

What do you think of these? And that sweet little scottie dog? Would you have brought any of them home with you? Also, if you have any tips on caring for antique and vintage quilts, I would love them! I washed them on delicates and dried them on the line but aside from that, haven’t done anything to fix any of the issues or anything else.