Wednesday, January 11, 2012

what lies within

What do you call a quilt that isn't quilted (like a duvet whose cover is sewn shut)? Anyway, I bought one along with a lot of vintage embroidered tea towels like these, which was probably a mistake. I find them whimsical and charming, but almost nobody who comes into my store seems to.

Back to the quilt that isn't a quilt. One side has this adorable fabric, which looks like it's from the 1940's or 50's. (edited to add: It's big enough to fit a double bed.)


The other side is covered with embroidered animals.




There are many more. Pretty wonderful, I thought. However, whatever it was stuffed with felt weird and lumpy. Raw wool? Old sweaters? Weird enough that I couldn't contemplate selling it as is. It took me months before I finally unstitched it to see what was within, fearing what? Fleas? Bad smells? Monsters? This is what I found:

 A lovely quilt, in great condition. The reverse side is flannel.

It's in the store now. I haven't done anything with the cover. I think I will sell it as is. Someone can use it as a duvet cover. It would look cute in a retro-style bedroom.


13 comments:

  1. I love the last image of the animal pushing the carriage. The quilt was a find for you.
    I am sure they will find a great and welcoming home

    Helen x

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  2. How amazing to find the quilt! The cover on the outside looks like it belonged on a childs bed.It is obvious someone took the time to make a lovely quilt from their oddments of fabric.

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  3. Wow double header!

    I love them both.

    Wish I knew of a baby who would need a little quilt...

    xo jane

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  4. What a find!! Love those tea towels, they're a lot like what you see in Anthropologie. Maybe you can label them "anthro knockoffs' and see what happens?

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  5. what a lucky girl you are!!! the quilt is lovely and the embroidered animals are simply fabulous. i have a few of those tea towels. my mother has found them for me when she's off rummaging. i think they are wonderful and she has orders to buy them whenever she sees them.....i guess i should send her your direction. they make adorable cafe curtains in a kitchen.

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  6. that must have been some surprise ! you just never know what treasures lie around covered up that are all around us.

    - KAT-

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  7. Handworks look warm and actually make our hearts warm. The quilt is a New Year present for you by yourself. Great!

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  8. fearing what? Fleas? Bad smells? Monsters?
    Isn't it funny how we put off discovering what's within because of these sorts of fears?

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  9. these are simply beautiful finds. they fit the style of your shop perfectly : )

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  10. These are lovely!! Isn't whimsical a gorgeous word?!! IT has a whimsy all of its own!!!

    Sarahx

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  11. I fell in love with the unquilted quilt and when I saw what was inside I almost cried with joy. Beautiful!! What a wonderful find! I love the towels too.

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  12. I love embroidered dish towels too! But I also found that no one bought them. Weird! Thanks so much for mentioning Urban Cottage! It was off my radar. I went looking for the recent transferware post. I may have to copycat some ideas!

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