Quilt in a Day Forums

I have a quilt from the 30's and it has a piece of linen on the top that has embroidery on it. It is a patchwork quilt and very heavy. Can anyone tell me what the linen piece is all about.

I would guess they used what they had...perhaps it was a piece of clothing and was a memory.

It goes all the way across the top and it is actually muslin. It is embroidered in a design that would be too large for clothing. It is a huge piece that goes into the back and front. Just curious.

Maybe table cloth, some cultures wear tunics made of linen, which indicates the status of income level in their lives.

Unless part of pillow cover.. Sounds like a personalized tablecloth.
Maybe a heirloom at one time..

Women's hankerchief?
I know linen is associated with the rich society back in the day..

Can you post a picture? would love to see this:) May also help explain why and what it is

izzy

If it is across one end of the quilt it was made by a lady whose husband had a beard. It protected the quilt from extra wear and soil. The protective cover could be taken off and washed and replaced or a new covering put on it. Some men had very stiff beards that could cause extensive wear to a quilt.

Quilts were not washed like they are today. Instead they were aired over a clothesline, porch rail or some bushes..."airing of the quilts"--usually in spring when they were then folded and put in chests for summer.

P.S. People didn't bathe like they do now, either. If a man didn't clean his beard regularly, it could get pretty nasty, and that would rub off and deposit on the lady's precious quilt.

That is what I was wondering too, Chickie. I don't remember what it is called, a whisker guard or something....

Becky--I couldn't recall what it was called either. Some were fancy with lace or embroidery while others were plain utilitarian muslin. Some old quilts are permanently stained on an end or extensively worn.

updated for spelling

It also could have been for economical reasons or practicality because pretty pillow cases were made and had gorgeous embroidered and laced edging... that part of the quilt at the head of the bed was not seen...since the pillows covered it...so there was no point making an added part that was pieced because it wasted both time and fabric...
it could also have been a protective drop primarily for the pillows if it was made during the dust bowl in that area...Sonya.

Finished a long note for all of you and hit a wrong key, and it was gone. Seems like I do this too much. Anyway - could pillow has money or coins it in. If it is from Depression years, people hid what money and treasures they had



Helen