The Antique Mile sponsors LAVENDER FAIR on FOURTH STREET

In a collaborative effort along with the Lavender in the Village event and weekend (www.LavenderintheVillage.com),

the Antique Mile is sponsoring the first ever

 LAVENDER FAIR ON FOURTH STREET.

This event will promote Fourth street businesses and commerce, as well as, provide a venue for the many talented Artists and Crafters in the vicinity.  Fourth Street businesses will participate by providing great discounts, sidewalk sales, free parking and a "Fair-like" atmosphere during the event.  As this is the first year, the sky is the limit.  Who knows what deals and surprises you may find.  Mark Saturday, June 26th from 10:00am - 5:00pm on your calendar.  It's happening on Fourth Street between Ranchitos Rd and Osuna in the Village of Los Ranchos de Abq.

 Click on the map at left for better directions or look for all the Lavender and Purple!! 

If things go well, the party may continue all weekend long.

 Check it out - the more the MERRIER!!

For more info contact the Lavender Fair Chairperson, Donna at 505.344.7300.

An Introduction to TRANSFERWARE

Transferware is a style of ceramics including pottery, dinnerware, and other delicate items. It uses transfer printing, a decorative technique which was developed in England in the mid-18th century, particularly around the Staffordshire region.

The process starts with an engraved copper plate similar to those used for making paper engravings. The plate is used to print the pattern on tissue paper, then the tissue paper transfers the wet ink to the ceramic surface. The ceramic is then fired in a low temperature kiln to fix the pattern. This can be done over or under the glaze, but the underprinting method is more durable. The process produces fine lines similar to the engraved prints in old books. Before transfer printing ceramics were hand painted, a laborious and costly process.

Twentieth century major English manufacturers include Crown Ducal, Enoch Wood, Royal Staffordshire, Royal Crownford, Alfred Meakin, Spode, Johnson Brothers, and Mason's. The most actively sought-after patterns, are: Crown Ducal's "Bristol", "Calico", "Castles", "Charlotte", "English Chippendale", "English Scenery", "Friendly Village", "Historic America", "Italian", "Liberty Blue", "Old Britain Castles", "Rose Chintz", "Tonquin", "Tower", Vista", and more. The process was popular in other countries including Germany.

How to COLLECT ANTIQUE QUILTS

Are you intrigued by the idea of collecting antique or vintage quilts? Perhaps you love the idea of the fellowship of quiltmaking. Do you imagine the women who made them and appreciate the time that went into piecing a quilt together? Each genuine article is a piece of our history that connects us to our past. Here are some tips to help you spot antique quilts among the imitations.

Collecting Quilts

If you are considering beginning a quilt collection, approach the process as you would if you were collecting in any other area.
There are really just two rules: collect what you love and always do your homework!


Think about:

• What kind of quilts appeal to you (size, color, fabric, pattern)
• Area of specialization, if any (regional, historic time period, ethnic origin, contemporary)
• Whether you plan to use your quilts, display them, or store them
• What price range you can afford
• Whether you have the time and means to care for them properly.

Want some tips for buying antique quilts, and getting your money’s worth?

Tips for Buying Antique Quilts

Price tags for antique quilts can run into the thousands. Remember that fabrics will deteriorate over time, and with use. To make sure you’re getting value for your dollar, always consider these factors:

• Condition (pay more for good condition)
• Quality of repairs (if any)
• Age (as with any antique, the older the quilt, the more valuable it is)
• Beauty
• Rarity (an unusual design is typically more valuable)
• Craftsmanship (the quality of design, piecing, stitching, use of appliqué or other embellishment)
• Provenance (pieces that are signed, or attributable through history to a particular family, will bring a higher price).

Always establish the credibility of the source you are purchasing from, as with anything of value. Many antique quilt dealers are members of state-specific or regional antiques associations.