I won this auction last week! The price was just too good on this one to let it slip by. Plus I am intrigued by the weave pattern. It looks more like Huck Lace than overshot. The seller did not mention the fiber content. I suspect it's all cotton -- a summer coverlet.
I washed it -- Just because I felt it deserved to be clean after all this time. The water was gray enough to justify a good wash, although the stains didn't come out. I air-dried it over the bannister, but it was "rough" when it was dry, so I put it in the clothes drier for a bit to soften it up. It crinkled up nicely -- as you would expect for this type of 3-dimensional weave. I know some would say I ruined it, but I love this new crinkle!
It has a "red" side (above) and a cream side (below):
For some reason, this crinkle weave pattern makes me think of spiders -- but not is a creepy-crawly way.
Someone gave the edges a scalloped treatment -- as in they took a stencil and cut the scallops (as you might do on a quilt), and then zigzagged the finished edges. I don't think that happened in the 1800s since the first consumer zigzag machines were not available until the 1930s. It's an interesting edge treatment, and one I have not seen in any other coverlets.
There's no center seam, so it was not pieced in panels as a coverlet woven at home would have been. Maybe it was industrial/commercially made? I found a remnant of what might be a tag that had been cut off -- indicating factory made. And maybe they did have access to the earlier zigzag machines for the edge finish? Whatever this coverlet's individual history, I am happy with my purchase.
For the record, here are the photos from the eBay listing:
$24 plus $10 shipping
Antique Mid 1800s COVERLET Woven Geometric Cranberry & Cream Reversible 82”x98”
Item specifics:
Condition
Pre-owned: An item that has been used or worn previously. See the seller’s listing for full details ...
Number of Items in Set: 1
Pattern: Geometric
Shape: Rectangular
Size: 82x98
Color: Cranberry And Cream
Material: Woven
Item Length: 93 in
Type: Coverlet
Style: Antique
Features: Reversible
Time Period Manufactured: 1850-1899
Production Technique: Hand Woven loom
Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
Item Width: 73 In
Handmade: Yes
Category:
Linens & Textiles
Bed & Bath Linens
Quilts, Bedspreads & Coverlets
Item description from the seller:
This Antique Mid 1800s Coverlet is a rare and unique piece of bedding, hand-woven on a loom in a geometric pattern of cranberry and cream colors.
This coverlet was packed in a trunk for many years at My Grandmothers cottage.
Measuring 82”x98”, this reversible coverlet showcases the craftsmanship and design of the mid-1800s, making it a valuable addition to any collection of antique linens. Its handmade quality and timeless style make it a standout piece for those seeking vintage charm and character in their home decor. There are some stains as noted in the photos. The Coverlet is as found and has not been washed or stains treated.
1 comment:
Oh my . . . OH MY! That is gorgeous and intriguing and so inexpensive! I was wondering if the scallop edge was an attempt at a later date of dealing with damage along the out edges. But since you found evidence of a commercial tag, it may just be the way it was originally finished. Too bad about the stains - will you try some spot treatment on them, one of the things out these days to remove stains from vintage textiles?
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