Quilting has been around since ancient times in Egypt and China when a backing, batting or filler and top fabric were sandwiched together and held in place with stitches. Utilitarian for sure, but definitely a quilt. Later, around the 11th century warriors wore a similar fabric and batting sandwich under their armor. In the 18th century quilted petticoats and waistcoats became the fashion. About that time whole-cloth quilts made their way to America.
How do we know? Someone in some way documented the quilted garment or quilt. Sadly most quilts were not documented; they were simply used up and forgotten.
The Research Quilt Project
In the 1970s the Research Quilt Project was organized and quilt guilds from each state in the United States, usually in conjunction with a museum, organized quilt days. People could bring in their antique and new quilts for documentation by accredited quilt appraisers. They registered their quilts with the organization. Eventually the information was compiled and each state published a book. The idea caught on and quilt shows throughout the country began offering free or inexpensive evaluations and documentations for quilts brought in by show visitors.
Documentation Today
Today, quilters document not only the finished quilt, but the process they went through to make this new quilt. At the Lost Quilts Come Home Page they suggest saving receipts for supplies and fabrics, quilt sketches, notes, fabric swatches, and photos of the quilt and its maker. Store these ephemera in a manila folder, oversized envelope or plastic zippered bag. Use a separate folder or envelope or bag for each quilt.
What to Include
Include the following information in that folder: project name, pattern, size, the start and finish dates for the quilt, purpose of the project (a wedding gift including the names of recipients, for example). Also include the current owner, materials used, embellishments or finishing touches, any awards won by the quilt, and any stories about the quilt or miscellaneous information that seems pertinent. Maybe the maker used fabric that belonged to his or her mother or from scraps made from clothing.
Label and Signature
On the quilt itself, sign and label the quilt. Many quilt artists are signing their fabric art on the front. But most traditional quilts sport a label on the back – some of them quite fancy, many of them printed from an inkjet printer with a variety of creative touches.
Labels should be firmly attached to the lower right corner of the back of the quilt. One tip is to attach the label before the quilt is quilted, making it nearly impossible to remove the label. Yes, there are some who might wish to claim the work as their own. Quilt theft happens more often than you might think. Or if a quilt is lost in the mail or in transit, the label may be all that will ensure its return to the rightful owner.
Quilters are becoming good at including a hidden signature or identifying mark on their quilts, just in case the label is removed. Include the location of this signature with the documentation.
Photograph Quilts
After the quilt is completed take photographs. Don’t forget the backing. Pieced backs add interest to a quilt and offer another way of identifying yours. If possible, hire a professional photographer. Keep a record of the shows where the quilt is displayed and any awards it wins. There are also ways to copyright your quilt. Be sure these photographs are in good shape before sending your quilt off to any shows.
Quilts are not inexpensive craft or utilitarian scraps. One of quilt master Hollis Chatelain’s quilts won a $10,000 prize at Houston’s International Quilt Show, you can bet she not only copyrighted her original design and quilt, but also insured it.
Professional Appraisal
Last but not least, get a professional appraisal. The American Quilter’s Society in Paducah has certified appraisers and also the Professional Association of Appraisers. An official appraisal aids the quilter's efforts to insure her quilts.
With today’s technology, many quilters also embed microchips in their quilts.
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