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Old Fragile Quilts- Repair Ideas?

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T O P I C R E V I E W
nancypo	Posted - Jul 28 2011 : 10:33:03 AM I have 2 old quilts my Grandma made during the depression(?). They're really fragile in spots, with a few thin, torn squares. Some of the edging is also frayed. I've always wanted to display/use them, but don't want to damage them. BUT I don't like them just sitting in a closet, buried where I can't see them. I thought I could repair them, by covering with new fabric sections, but not sure how that would look. I could also rebind the entire edging. Any ideas? Should I just hang them on a rod? They're both double size quilts, thin with ticking backing, probably for summer use. Pictures below. I never knew my Grandma, she died when I was a baby, but you can see all the hand stitching on each section. She did a nice job! Thanks! Anyone know what the 2 patterns are called? Be the change... http://littlehomesteadinboise.blogspot.com/
12 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First)
nancypo	Posted - Aug 01 2011 : 6:16:45 PM Thanks, good ideas... Be the change... http://littlehomesteadinboise.blogspot.com/
JojoNH	Posted - Aug 01 2011 : 5:35:39 PM The appraising is not for the purpose of selling, rather it's to protect what you have. So many women have them for sentimental reasons, pass them down to the next generation, etc. However, many have a real value outside their intended use as quilts. An appraiser will give you a wealth of information for your quilts, including age, value, pattern, fabric content etc. They will also let you know if it's advisable to go ahead with the repairs or if they are better left in their current state. They will also have recommendations as to how to display them, how to care for them and how to store them when not in use or on display. Truly you have some wonderful quilts that are worth finding out a little bit more about them. Then you will also have the documentation to go with the quilts for future generations! Joanna #566 JojoNH www.countrycents.com http://www.etsy.com/shop/CountryCents http://CountryCents.Blogspot.com www.JoannasHomeStudio.com "Keeping traditions alive a stitch at a time" http://twitter.com/NHJoanna
nancypo	Posted - Aug 01 2011 : 10:46:05 AM Thanks for the repair ideas! I had though that too- just recover the bad spots. I don't know where I could find fabric that old. I might "weather" something similar. I don't know if I'd bother appraising them, since I'd never sell them, but maybe... Be the change... http://littlehomesteadinboise.blogspot.com/
JojoNH	Posted - Aug 01 2011 : 04:41:40 AM I have repaired several old quilts for folks. You want to leave the original fabrics in place and stitch the new fabric over the damaged area. Try to find fabric from the same time period for the repair, if you cannot find any, there are a few fabric companies that specialize in reproductions that will match the original fabric. You should also put the new binding on over the original. The reasoning behind this method is to preserve the original quilt in it's original state. The repairs can always be removed without destroying the integrity of the original work. As always, it is advisable to have your quilts appraised before doing any repairs. You might have a quilt or two that are extremely valuable and any type of repair could devalue them. Hope this helps! Joanna #566 JojoNH www.countrycents.com http://www.etsy.com/shop/CountryCents http://CountryCents.Blogspot.com www.JoannasHomeStudio.com "Keeping traditions alive a stitch at a time" http://twitter.com/NHJoanna
nancypo	Posted - Jul 31 2011 : 09:54:11 AM Yes, I had thought of that too. She's was in Nebraska, a bit of a drive from Boise :) Be the change... http://littlehomesteadinboise.blogspot.com/
FieldsofThyme	Posted - Jul 31 2011 : 08:52:03 AM I am donating my great grandmother's quilt to the historical society in the county she grew up in. They are able to display it there, and I can go visit it any time. We have not had a break from the garden, to take the road trip yet. We were surprised with an opening to tour an organic farm also. Just seems like there is always something going on here. Farmgirl #800 http://pioneerwomanatheart.blogspot.com/ http://scrapreusedandrecycledartprojects.blogspot.com/
nancypo	Posted - Jul 28 2011 : 2:35:56 PM I did find these recommendations for dispalying old quilts- Displaying Your Quilt- If you want to hang your quilt, there are several accepted safe methods, three of which are described below: 1. Sleeve Method: Sew a 4" wide unbleached muslin sleeve along the whole width of the top edge of the quilt. Use stitches which go through all three layers of the quilt. Insert a 3/4 inch or 1 inch wooden dowel (sealed with polyurethane varnish) throughout the sleeve and hang the dowel on the wall or from the ceiling. 2. Velcro Method: Attach a 2" wide strip of the hook side of Velcro tape onto a wooden board which is slightly shorter than the width of the quilt. Then machine stitch the remaining portion of Velcro tape onto a 3" wide washed cotton strip. This strip is in turn sewn onto the quilt using stitches that go through all three layers of the quilt. The Velcro/cotton strip is then attached to the Velcro strip fastened to the board. 3. Mounting Method: The most protective way is to mount the quilt on a fabric-covered wooden framework. First stretch a piece of washed cotton cloth to a sealed wooden framework (similar to a support for an artist's canvas). Both the cloth and the framework should be larger than the quilt itself. Secure the cotton cloth to the back of the frame with rust-free staples. Then attach the quilt to the cotton cloth by hand-sewing in zigzag patterns which run parallel to each other throughout the body of the quilt. A piece of Plexiglass could be used to cover the quilt as long as the Plexiglass does not rest against the quilt surface. The Plexiglass and frame should not be airtight. Ventilation in the frame system will prevent mold and mildew from forming. NEVER hang a quilt in direct sunlight. NEVER hang a quilt with clip-on metal curtain hangers. The weight of the quilt gradually creates small tears where it is clipped. NEVER hang a quilt by directly tacking or nailing it to the wall. Quilts that are hung should be rested periodically, because of the stress that occurs over extended lengths of time. Quilts that are hung in the open should be periodically vacuumed to keep dust from damaging the fibers. http://museum.msu.edu/glqc/quiltcare.html Be the change... http://littlehomesteadinboise.blogspot.com/
nancypo	Posted - Jul 28 2011 : 2:17:08 PM Thanks. No room on the floor for that kind of rack, would have to go on a wall. I started thinking this afternoon, maybe I should make some pillows out of the good sections? I could give 1 to each of my 3 girls. Don't like the idea of cutting them up though.... Be the change... http://littlehomesteadinboise.blogspot.com/
beekeepersgirl	Posted - Jul 28 2011 : 12:04:18 PM Hi Nancy - I wouldn't try to repair the quilts. I would just fold them across the foot of the bed or put them on a quilt rack (not the kind you hang on the wall - the kind that sits on the floor). Hanging them would be apt to pull on them and damage them more. The upper left quilt is called "Bow Tie". I'm not sure of the name of the other one. Enjoy them! Luanne beekeepersgirl #691 Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.
buffypuff	Posted - Jul 28 2011 : 11:20:21 AM I'm looking for some info too, as I have a quilt made by my Mom (who can't repair now..as she is 93)& a quilt I found at a Goodwell store for $3.99. I wish I could help, but I will hopefully glean some info because of your question. Thank you! Buffypuff/ Claudia ~ Farmgirl Sister #870 @}~~ "God sends no one away empty except those who are full of themselves." DL Moody
nancypo	Posted - Jul 28 2011 : 10:48:56 AM Thanks... Be the change... http://littlehomesteadinboise.blogspot.com/
farmmilkmama	Posted - Jul 28 2011 : 10:36:34 AM Oh I hope you're able to repair them! I'm not sure what the patterns are called but they are beautiful. I love old quilts, such an awesome part of history, especially when from a relative. I have a few old quilts here that I am supposed to repair but I don't really know how to do it. I will be interested in seeing what comments you get here! --* FarmMilkMama *-- Be yourself. Everyone else is already taken. -Oscar Wilde www.farmfoodmama.blogspot.com www.thehmmmschoolingmom.blogspot.com

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