Shopping and Hunting for Vintage Materials: An Excerpt From Reclaimed Quilts
The following is an excerpt from Reclaimed Quilts, Sew Modern Clothing & Accessories from Vintage Textiles by Kathleen McVeigh, Dale Donaldson.
Shopping and Hunting for Vintage Materials
THRIFT STORES AND ANTIQUE SHOPS
Barge Canal Market
Thrift stores and antique shops can be a treasure trove of vintage materials, including quilts, wool blankets, and deadstock fabrics. Be sure to inspect each piece carefully before making a purchase—they are usually not returnable. Thrift stores, in particular, are great places to find quilts and other textiles with a low price tag.
ONLINE STORES/AUCTIONS
Online stores and auctions are another excellent option that can be accessed from the comfort of your own home. Websites like eBay and Etsy offer a wide selection of quilts and vintage materials. When bidding or purchasing, read the descriptions carefully and check out their return policies—not everything will arrive in the condition shown in the photographs. You can also send the seller a message to ask any particular questions you may have about the item’s condition, size, or thickness before you buy it.
IN-PERSON AUCTIONS/ESTATE SALES
Keep an eye out for upcoming auctions or estate sales in your area! Attend them to see what treasures you might find. This is a particularly good option for those who enjoy “the hunt,” as you never know what you may find. We recommend that you get there early!
YOUR OWN CLOSET
Don’t overlook the potential of your closet (or a family member’s closet). Not only is this a free option for finding vintage quilts and textiles, but it means that you’ll be working with materials that have remarkable history and significance within your own family. Remember: ask for permission before cutting anything!Get out there, explore your local thrift stores and estate sales, and let your creativity run wild!
--
Excerpted from Reclaimed Quilts, Sew Modern Clothing & Accessories from Vintage Textiles by Kathleen McVeigh, Dale Donaldson. Copyright © 2024 by C&T Publishing. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Images provided by and published with the permission of Kathleen McVeigh, Dale Donaldson. Images may not be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from Kathleen McVeigh, Dale Donaldson.
