Question:
So I thought I'd pop in and see what it's all about. I haven't done much reading in this forum, so I am jumping in a bit green about what types of Textiles are generally discussed here (outside of sewing, needlecrafts and quilting)
I'm an avid buyer on Ebay, and over the past couple of years I've been drawn to vintage textile items - bedspreads, curtains, runners, camp blankets, barkcloths, chenilles, matelasse weaves, etc.... and so I've been gaining a little bit of knowledge just by reading what other sellers say about their wares. Every once in awhile I take a chance and bid/win an item that (in my uneducated opinion) has been listed with wrong info (or no info) - getting it cheap with intentions to resell on Ebay one day with proper descriptions.
I was curious to know if any of you had any knowledge about some of my accumulation of goodies. Today's question is about Bates bedspreads and curtains... I just acquired some train-themed curtains that I feel sure are Bates, although I could be wrong. I'll post pics of later (if there's knowledge/interest here) - but first I thought I'd ask if any of ya'll have an interest in these types of textiles.
(really, it's just an excuse to say hello)
TwoBit
Answer:
Hey two bit.. http://community.here.com/infopop/em...icon_smile.gif
Here's a little info on Bates:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>In 1850, the Boston Industrialist Benjamin Bates formed Bates Manufacturing Company, a textile mill in Lewiston, Maine. This textile mill contributed largely in the transformation of a small agricultural village to a large industrial city. In less than ten years, this had become one of the largest textile producers in New England. The first bedspread woven by Bates was in 1858.
Beginning in 1915, Bates bought some new looms, permitting the company to weave a greater variety of bedspreads, such as jacquards, crochets, satins, brocades, damasks, and Ripplette. They continued developing new styles, at the same time rediscovering old methods of weaving, lost for generations
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
The only Bates spreads I've dealt with are the George & Martha Washington spreads. Hopefully someone can come along & give you some info.
Can you post a picture of the curtains?
..and yes..I LOVE old linens. http://community.here.com/infopop/em...icon_smile.gif
Answer:
I know absolutely nothing about Bates items, but I'd love to learn! Please show us your train curtains!
Elaine
Answer:
<span class="ev_code_PURPLE">Hello TwoBit!</span>
Are your train curtains a woven pattern? One of the first things I bought off of ebay was a pair of curtains that are like a jacquard weave of baseball players. They don't have any identifying tags but I later saw a similar pair on ebay that the seller identified as being made by Bates. And it does make sense to me since they are similar to the Bates bedspreads I've seen.
I usually just collect fabric - not bedspreads or curtains - but bought these because of the baseball theme.
I did collect barkcloth - both drapes and fabric - for many years. I was buying it when I could easily find pairs of drapes for less than $25.00 - which was my cut off. But over the last three years I have sold almost all that I collected - just saving a couple pieces that were truly my favorites. I hemmed and hawed awhile before selling but I don't regret it. I was very happy with the prices I got for the pieces I sold.
Answer:
Oh, Goodie.. some interest, so I'll post some pics and pick your brains:
Here's a seller that has some cut panels that are the same as the curtains I've already purchased (just found these - she relisted at $4.99 and they didn't sell... I may write her and see if she'll sell them to me at that price. I could make some pillows or something to go with my curtains). She doesn't advertise these as Bates, either... I'll just have to keep researching. Train panels
Here's a recently sold Bates Cowboy curtain panel... Cowboy's have more draw currently than trains do - this fetched a nice price
example of Bates cowboy curtains
There is another Bates cowboy pattern that I can not find an example of at this time, which is even more reminiscent of the train design (bronco riding cowboys stitched in white and brown on a tan background - mountain ranges and cacti in greens and reds.. .. horizontally depicted along in bands ... with split-rail fences running along the border). I see it often, but wouldn't you know I can't find any right now.
I also have in my stack of someday-to-sell, two twin Bates Queen Elizabeth Matelasse bedspreads in pink (here's one in sage that is currently up) ... seller describes this as chenille - although it is really a matelasse, but it seems to be doing pretty well in spite of the mis-tag. (ends in 4 hours, 12 bids so far)
oops - edit to include bedspread linkBates Queen Elizabeth
Mapledr - I've seen some Bates baseball ones in the past - do you still have yours?
TwoBit
Answer:
TwoBit, your train curtains are much nicer than my baseball ones. Mine are only two-color (green and white - if I recall correctly). I still have them as I never really had any plans for them but just bought them because they seemed neat...and a good price!
I see the Queen Elizabeth bedspread did pretty well...I hope the winning bidder is not expecting a traditional chenille spread. I would think your pink ones would do quite well since a lot of the "cottage" or "shabby chic" bedroom decors incorporate pink.