HOW TO CARE FOR AN AMERICAN QUILT

Maintaining both antique and contemporary quilts is paramount to their survival for future generations. Thelma Stone, an American Quilter's Society certified insurance appraiser, says everyday wear and tear are hard on any quilt.

"I don't recommend washing or dry cleaning an older quilt," said Stone. "The dyes in the fabric are likely to run and washing can loosen the stitches."

She advises washing a quilt in the bathtub using a bed sheet to raise and lower it. It should then be dried outside on the ground with the lining face up. Putting a sheet beneath the quilt protects it from the grass and dirt.

"Quilts can also be aired but not over a clothesline," Stone said. "Use the round brush on a vacuum and cover it with nylon netting. Go over the quilt with a one-way motion to lift loose lint and dirt."

Stone said proper folding with all of the bindings toward the center and storage in muslin or acid-free tissue paper also extend the life of a quilt.

As an appraiser, Stone examines the size, fabrics, construction and workmanship of a quilt to determine its value. The type of pattern, purchase price and any history related to the quilt are also used in her evaluation.

She had bought and sold quilts of her own for years as a part of her antique business in Chaffee before becoming a certified appraiser.

The American Quilter's Society has strict certification procedures. Stone took a one-year study course and numerous workshops and classes. The written and oral exams required for certification must be repeated every three years.

Stone said more traditional quilt patterns of the 1920s and 1930s are found at Southeast Missouri area auctions, tag sales and antique shops. Patterns such as Grandmother's Flower Garden, Grandmother's Fan, Wedding Ring and Dresden Plate are seen most in this region.

"Be wary of quilts that are supposed to be from the 1700s or 1800s," she said. "If George Washington's and Abraham Lincoln's mothers had made all of the quilts that people claim they did, they would have had to have quilted 24 hours a day, seven days a week by candlelight or kerosene lamp."

Education is the best defense against paying too much for an antique quilt, according to Stone. These factors determine the probable monetary value of a quilt: the condition, the age, the design and piecing and how well they work together, the stitch size, the straightness of the binding, any stains or tears and the life left in the quilt.

"Worn, faded quilts won't increase in value," said Stone. "Repairing a quilt is also likely to decrease its value."

Stone also quilts herself and has made many different kinds over the last 50 years. "I acquired my love of quilts and quilting from my mother," she said. "She gave me the know-how, but I really taught myself. I do it for the love of quilting and not for competition's sake."

Stone said more quilts are being made today than ever before in the nation's history. She attributes this to the growing number of local and state quilt guilds.

She herself is a member of the Cape Girardeau River Heritage Guild and offers this advice to those thinking about getting started:

"Go to a good quilt shop and take some classes," she said. "Attend some workshops at the museum in Paducah or just buy some books and try it yourself. Quilting takes time and you do need some patience. But, most of all, you have to be willing to learn."