09/27/2025
One of North Carolinaâs numerous textile towns, Elkin was the home to Chatham Manufacturing Company â one of the oldest textile companies in the state. The availability of raw materials, mild climate, and access to water for power provided the ideal environment for textile manufacturing.
Shortly after opening in 2017, Yadkin Valley Quilts displayed quilts on consignment from makers and collectors alike. One collector â in her 70âs or 80âs at the time â brought in a number of vintage quilts from the Brushy Mountain area of North Carolina. Most of these quilts were made from menâs shirting fabrics, likely from one of the area mills. The quilter who made them was in her 80âs or 90âs when she sold them to the collector in the 1970s or 1980s â so the quilts were likely more than 50 years old when they were in the shop.
Each of them â in its own unique way â is an example of a perfectly imperfect work of art. When looking at the whole quilt, the blocks appear to be identical. On closer inspection, youâll see that no two blocks are the same. These quilts were made before todayâs tools, such as rotary cutters, cutting mats, and acrylic rulers and templates, were available. Yet they had the appearance of perfection. Quilters before us used common items, such as a yard stick, a #2 pencil, dressmaker shears (or just a knife), discarded cardboard, and other tools to create these beautiful works of art.
Many of the vintage quilts in this area have hidden treasures stitched inside. Quilters often repurposed old worn quilts or heavy wool Chatham blankets between the quilt top and backing to add warmth and comfort during cold winter months.
We have much to be thankful for in honoring the craftsmanship and heritage left to us by the quilt makers who came before us. We encourage you to take time to treasure the treasures left by quilters of days gone by.
