Lectures

THE PRICE IS RIGHT? WHAT IS YOUR QUILT WORTH?

This is a fun, interactive audience participation lecture which gives those attending a look at the comparative values of quilts from antique to newly constructed.

• We discuss the reasons for, the types of, and the component parts of an appraisal.
• We bring quilts from many time periods (1830's to present) to illustrate above.
• Attendees record their values for each of our quilts before we give the correct dollar value. The attendee who has the closest total to our total value of the collection will receive a certificate for a free appraisal.
• Care and use information sheets are given to each attendee.
• 45 minutes to 1 hour.

DO I REALLY WANT TO BE A QUILT?

We answer questions about the possibility of doing "something" with unfinished tops and blocks.

• Discussion of what to do with orphan blocks and stray tops is given taking into account color of fabric, historic significance of the item, condition of the fabric, and construction of the block or top.
• Advice is given on what to do with well used, old quilts.
• Participants are asked to bring their "orphans" and "strays" for evaluation and suggestions for use.
• We will bring examples of our rescued treasures and show what we chose to do with them.
• Care and use information sheets are given to each attendee.
• 45 minutes to 1 hour.

WHY DID SHE DO THAT?

Why were signature, postage stamp, album, and other styles of quilts made?

• Gives the historical, economic, industrial, technical, social, and religious influences on women's daily lives as they made their quilts.
• Examines the different styles that were repeated through history.
• No monetary value is given for quilts
• Care and use information sheet is given to each attendee.
• 45 minutes to 1 hour.

MYTHS, FACTS AND FICTION OF THE QUILTING WORLD

This lecture presents some of the most popular stories and traditions in the quilting world with an eye to what is known as fact.

• A few of the questions we answer include:
  • What do dates on quilts mean?
  • When did the log cabin block originate?
  • Were scrap quilts made from old clothing?
  • Were quilts used on the underground railroad as signals?
  • Can you pick out of a lineup an African-American quilt by its style and colors?
• Care and use information sheet is given to each attendee.
• 45 minutes to 1 hour.

OUR QUILT HERITAGE:  
THE INFLUENCE OF MIDWEST QUILT DESIGNERS

We live in an area that was and is in the forefront of many quilts designs.  We will look at the old favorites of the 20's and 30's as well as the stunning designs of the art quilt movement.

• The quilts that are coming out of drawers and other storage now are the quilts of our mothers, grandmothers and aunts. They are pastel, happy and nostalgic. Where did they get their designs?
• What companies were marketing to the quilts of the past?
• What were the social influences of the 20th century?
• When, where, and why did the art quilt movement become popular?
• We will bring many examples.
• 45 minutes to 1 hour.

CARE AND PRESERVATION

This lecture gives ways to preserve our quilts, both old and new, so that future generation may enjoy them.

• What circumstances dictate that quilts may be cleaned and repaired?
• What are the different ways to display, store, and clean quilts?
• Do I preserve the quilt in the present condition or restore it to its original state?
• How to preserve and restore a quilt - develop a plan and execute it.
• How do you document a quilt with a label?
• Care and use information sheet and a sample label is given to attendees.
• 45 minutes to 1 hour.