100 year old quilt top grandmother did

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02-04-2011, 02:02 PM

#11

Chele

Super Member

Join Date: Sep 2007

Location: Belle Isle, Florida

Posts: 6,668

I sure hope someone can offer some assistance. You are so lucky to have your grandmother's top. I think just touching it would be a thrill. I have my great grandmother's quilts and they are such treasures to me.

02-04-2011, 03:29 PM

#12

Murphy

Super Member

Join Date: Oct 2010

Location: Iowa

Posts: 8,816

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rose L

First of all, since you are the owner of this quilt, it is completely up to you to decide what you want to do with it. If you want to quilt it, you need to use the same type (not age) of thread that it was pieced with and you should use a backing of the same vintage/fabric type so you don't negate the value of the quilt top. I am assuming here that it is a cotton quilt......?

Restorers repair and re-quilt antique quilts all the time, it depends on what repairs are needed on the specific quilt. It's not uncommon for them to work on quilts from the 1800's and earlier. Fabrics of this vintage are still available today.

I would look over each piece of fabric and all of the seams to make sure there are no repairs needed there. If there are some block pieces that need to be repaired, PM me and I'll tell you the best way to go about making the repairs. In my opinion the quilt top should be quilted to help add to the stability of the pieced top...as long as the top is in good condition and not disintegrating. If the condition is less than good, I suggest you just do your best to display it properly and enjoy having something that your grandmother made in your home. There are several good articles on the net on how to clean, store and display antique quilts. Good Luck!

Rose, a quilt restoration student

Thanks for the detailed info on restoration. Very interesting.

02-04-2011, 06:32 PM

#13

B. Louise

Senior Member

Join Date: Mar 2010

Location: Elkhart, IN

Posts: 385

I was given an old log cabin top in fragile condition. It appears to be made from used fabrics. It smelled. I hand washed it gently and dried it outdoors on a sheet on my lawn. I took it to an Amish friend whose mother advised me and later quilted it for me. She told me to fuse light weight interfacing to all the most fragile places. It was also very crooked--wonky. This lady was able to hand quilt it beautifully and pull it all into square. I wish I knew the story of the person who frugally used the fabrics she had to piece this top. I feel very fortunate to now own this beautiful quilt.

02-05-2011, 01:05 AM

#14

Annya

Super Member

Join Date: Jun 2010

Location: Queensland Australia

Posts: 1,388

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Creative Seamstress

You could very well risk damaging the fabric as over the years if the top wasn't impeccably stored the fibers weaken. I know you'd really like to quilt it, but it really could be a gamble in this situation. Without having the top professionally appraised and looked it to determine it's stability and integrity, you could really risk losing an heirloom to your family. In my honest opinion, I think you'd be better off by cherishing it as a top only from a beloved family member. Truth be told, not all quilt tops require and/or need quilting in order to be displayed and enjoyed by everyone! I wouldn't risk it personally.

Explosive blessings, abundance and inspiration to you all!
- The Creative Seamstress

Why don't you make a copy the quilt so you can show every one what it looks like then store the original in an acid free box or mount it in a frame. Perhaps see if a quilt museum will take care of it for you. It is 100 years old and they will appreciate the donation. They are the best ones and they do have the know how. Either way talk to some one professional who can advise you what to do.

02-05-2011, 07:29 AM

#15

kateyb

Super Member

Join Date: Dec 2010

Location: Grand Junction, Colorado

Posts: 2,247

Quote:

Originally Posted by quiltsillysandi

I'm not saying your quilt group isn't knowledgable, but if you haven't done this, maybe consider taking it to a reputable appraiser, someone who really really knows about the restoration of old quilts......

Sandi
FL

I agree. Appraisers charge around (+/-)$50. If it shouldn't be quilted they could tell you how to preserve it. I think it would be well worth the price.