How long will our quilts last??
12-13-2011, 08:14 PM
#21
Super Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Mabank, Texas
Posts: 8,780
I think it depends on how the quilt is used and how it's cared for more than the fabric that is used in making it. I hate to say this but, many people today have been spoiled by the easy come - easy go style of living and simpley do not take care of anything. Therefore, a quilt placed in their hands will not last very long compared to a quilt placed with someone who takes care of their things. I have quilts made by my Mom and my Mother-in-law that are more than 50 years old. They have been used on a regular basis, washed many times and are still in great shape.
12-14-2011, 04:25 AM
#23
Junior Member
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Gainesville, Ga
Posts: 198
For me personally, I want my quilts to be enjoyed and used. If they last 100 years that's great, but I would much rather the ones who I give them too would have fond memories of all the times they were comforted by having a quilt to use. Guess I would say I make Linus quilts for kids and adults.
12-14-2011, 04:36 AM
#24
Junior Member
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Naples, FL USA
Posts: 254
I believe longer than those of my Granmother's days. I have quilts that I use from my Grandmother, I wash and use again. These were made with the cotton of the 1930s and 1950s and most are sewn by treadle machine and all handquilted. The colors are faded and I have redone some of the quilt bindings, but the quilts are still in good shape for the daily use. Grandma made quilts to use NOT to sit in some chest and keep till - LATER.
Today with stronger fabrics and threads and with more care with washing etc, our work should last.
My Grandmothers quote: "I hate to cook, because all I have to show for my efforts is dirty dishes. When I sew, it is for a lifetime,"
Wise lady!!!
Today with stronger fabrics and threads and with more care with washing etc, our work should last.
My Grandmothers quote: "I hate to cook, because all I have to show for my efforts is dirty dishes. When I sew, it is for a lifetime,"
Wise lady!!!
12-14-2011, 04:39 AM
#25
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Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Brisbane, Australia
Posts: 3,453
12-14-2011, 04:54 AM
#26
Super Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Campton,Kentucky
Posts: 1,397
I disagree with that to some degree because of the quality of fabric and useage of the quilts.Make on out of polyester it will be around for 200 years i think that stuff is thick and hot and last and last and last a very long time.Personaly I don't like polyester quilts they are too heavy and hot for me.I gave one to a couple whos house burned down years ago,when my daughter was only 7 she is now 25.
12-14-2011, 05:24 AM
#27
Super Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Wisconsin
Posts: 2,137
I don't think the ladies of the farms and prairies really gave that a thought. They were just trying to keep their families warm. :-) So I hope that whomever I give a quilt to, loves it and uses it. (Relatives made quilts for our sons when they were born and the kids beat them to death. They did become a bit threadbare, but the boys loved them. That's what counts).
12-14-2011, 05:58 AM
#28
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Rocky Mountains of Idaho
Posts: 1,454
I think one variable is that people wash their quilts more often these days than they did back before every home had a washing machine/dryer.
The less often you wash a quilt, the longer it will last.
Personally, I don't routinely wash my quilts...only when they show signs of being dirty. That said...since it's just DH & I and we are both clean people, my quilts don't get washed very often.
I learned this from my aunt who quilted all her life and died at the age of 92. She said to only wash the quilts when necessary.
The less often you wash a quilt, the longer it will last.
Personally, I don't routinely wash my quilts...only when they show signs of being dirty. That said...since it's just DH & I and we are both clean people, my quilts don't get washed very often.
I learned this from my aunt who quilted all her life and died at the age of 92. She said to only wash the quilts when necessary.
12-14-2011, 06:21 AM
#29
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Cedar Hill, TX
Posts: 430
helenquilt
I have a quilt dated May 19th 1867. It has a few very small holes where rust once was. I think I washed it one time to many trying to get it white again. It was purchased at a garage sale very dirty about 30 years ago.
12-14-2011, 06:28 AM
#30
Super Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Oregon
Posts: 1,904
I feel that the type of machine they are laundryed in makes a big difference in the life of a quilt. But the fabric also is a key. I have a quilt that my mother made the blocks for and gave me 65 years ago, they were stored for at least 40 years before I made the quilt.
This was due to a # of reasons??? the point is it is a butter fly pattern, the first time I washed it all of the black body fabric fell apart.
none of the others were damaged, figure that one out. I made new bodies for the Butter flies these I did on the sewing machine Mom had made all of it by hand, my hands can't operate needle and thread due to tremors. All looks great but have it stored in a quilt box, to admire and protect it.
This was due to a # of reasons??? the point is it is a butter fly pattern, the first time I washed it all of the black body fabric fell apart.
none of the others were damaged, figure that one out. I made new bodies for the Butter flies these I did on the sewing machine Mom had made all of it by hand, my hands can't operate needle and thread due to tremors. All looks great but have it stored in a quilt box, to admire and protect it.
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