Hey there, auction fans! Spring is finally trying to peek through the clouds here….honest! We hope you’re all doing great and getting ready for some sunshine. We’ve been busy bees over here at Funky Junk Auctions, digging through some incredible estates to find the very best primitive treasures for you.
We have so many awesome goodies coming up in our next few online collectible auctions including primitive wooden dough bowls, hand-cranked coffee grinders, cast iron skillets, rustic spinning wheels, hand-woven baskets, antique overshot coverlets, vintage quilts, weathered barn lanterns, farmhouse milk cans, sturdy wooden blanket chests, iron gate hinges, old butter churns, copper kettles, hand-stitched samplers, stoneware crocks, and so much more….
What Exactly Is an Overshot Textile?
If you’ve ever walked through a historic home or browsed through one of our online auctions and seen a heavy, geometric-patterned bedspread that looked a bit like a modern pixelated rug, you’ve likely found an overshot textile.
The term "overshot" refers to the way the weaver makes the pattern. These textiles are usually made with a "ground" of plain-woven white or natural cotton. Then, a heavier wool thread (often dyed with indigo or madder root) is "shot" over the top of that ground fabric, skipping over several threads at once to create those cool geometric blocks. It’s a technique that’s as sturdy as it is beautiful, which is why so many of these treats have survived for over 150 years!
A Deep Dive Into Southern Appalachian History
While you can find overshot weaving in many parts of the early United States, it really found its soul in the mountains of Southern Appalachia. Back in the early 1800s, folks in places like Kentucky, North Carolina, and Tennessee didn’t have big fancy factories nearby. If you wanted a warm coverlet for your bed, you usually had to make it yourself!
We love the story of these weavers because it was often the women of the house who did all the hard work. They would shear the sheep, spin the wool, and even grow the plants for the dyes. Imagine the patience it took to sit at a four-harness loom and keep track of those complicated patterns! In the late 19th century, while the rest of the world was moving toward big industrial looms, the women of Appalachia kept their traditions alive. It wasn’t just a chore; it was a form of art and a way to bring a little bit of color and "southern comfort" into their homes.
The Secret Language of Patterns
One of the most fun things about collecting these in antique auctions is learning the names of the patterns. We’ve seen some GREAT ones come through our doors! Patterns were like family recipes: they were written down on long strips of paper called "drafts" and passed from mother to daughter.
Some of the patterns you might find in our online auctions include:
- Whig Rose: A very popular floral-looking geometric pattern.
- Lee’s Surrender: A design that became popular after the Civil War.
- Lover’s Knot: A classic romantic pattern often given as a wedding gift.
- Pinebloom: A complex design that looks like a simplified pine tree or flower.
- Sunrise: A bright and bold pattern that spreads out from the center.
It’s just amazing to think that these designs were created using only four simple harnesses on a wooden loom. It just goes to show that you don't need fancy tech to make something absolutely beautiful!
Styling These Primitive Treats Today
You don't need to live in a log cabin to enjoy the beauty of an overshot coverlet. These textiles are perfect for adding a bit of history and texture to any modern space.
Here are a few of our favorite ways to show them off:
- Wall Hangings: If you have a coverlet that’s a bit fragile, hanging it on a large wall is a great way to treat it like the piece of art it is.
- The Layered Look: Drape one over the end of a modern white duvet for a pop of color and history.
- Furniture Accents: Fold one neatly over a primitive wooden bench or a blanket chest (like the ones we often have in our sales!).
- Table Runners: If you have a smaller piece or a fragment, they make incredible runners for a farmhouse-style dining table.
Ready to Start Your Own Collection?
The thrill of the hunt is the best part of what we do! If you’re looking to add some of these gorgeous textiles or other primitive goodies to your home, make sure you keep an eye on our upcoming online auctions. We are always finding new (well, old!) items that are just waiting for a new home. Whether you are a seasoned collector or just starting out, there is always something special to find.
Check out our current and upcoming auctions over on Hibid! We make it super easy to bid from the comfort of your own couch, and we offer both curbside pickup and nationwide shipping (you pay shipping and packing fee). It’s a fun way to find unique items you just can't get anywhere else!
Stay funky,
Team Funky
