Trip to Adamstown, PA

I haven't been blogging lately - been under the weather.  Before this latest misery, we took a very fast trip to Adamstown, PA for one of their famous Antique Extravaganzas.  We were not disappointed.  It was very hot, however, and that tends to slow me down.  The above photo shows a lovely 1890's Lone Star Quilt top.  Although it is nicely pieced, it never got quilted.  I always wonder why, but have to admit that all in all it is not that pleasing to look at - it is very scrappy and their is no control to the placement of the colors.  I find that disconcerting in this particular pattern, but that is just my opinion on the matter.

A different antique mall and another find.  This is a small circa 1860 conglomeration that actually looks much better in the photo than it is.  I guess you would call it a summer quilt, although I would call it a summer mess.  It has a  pink backing from at the earliest 1900 and probably much later that was somehow sewn on.  The top had huge holes and I thought someone should put the whole thing out of its misery!  I took it apart and the fabrics worth saving will be in a miniature someday or perhaps a doll quilt. 

Another find at the same mall shown in the first photo.  This is a very early quilt.  The  seller who is a well known eBay seller with a good reputation, said it was from 1790.  I would have dated it very early, but when it comes to 1800 or before, I don't have a lot of experience.  Those fabrics are very hard to come by and if you are lucky enough to see quilts from that era, they usually frown upon you touching them.  There is a completely different feel to very early fabrics. This quilt has a finely woven linen backing, which is also a good indication of an early quilt and the corners are cut out for a four poster bed - another clue.  This quilt is in poor condition and there are only two different fabrics in the top.  However, for a antique fabric lover, it is fun to just study it.

We also got to go to Lancaster - more on that later.

If you ever get a chance to go to Adamstown, PA for one of their extravaganzas, you won't be disappointed.  We could have easily spent more days there.

Sheila