jljack

I bought an antique quilt top online, and then had it dated. It is indeed 1880's in a Turkey Tracks pattern. The poor maker made a drafting error, and the edges of her blocks came out slightly curved, and then put straight edge sashing on. Needless to say, the whole thing puckers and cannot be made to lay flat. Maybe that's why she never quilted it.

I gently cleaned and then took apart the top to figure out how to fix it, and to be able to replace some small sections that have holes. So far I am thinking of adding some muslin along the curved edges of the blocks so I don't lose the points at the edges. It is consistently off, so I think maybe this will just appear to be part of the original pattern.

Anyone with experience in this please comment. I really want to fix this beautiful red and green quilt top and then quilt it. I want the lady to know I cared for her work. I can post pics if you want to see it..remember it's all in blocks and strips right now. Thanks. This is going to be my summer project.

Marjpf

Sorry I can't be of help, but sure would like to see pictures anyway. I'm sure someone in here will be able to answer your questions.

Charlee

I can't help either, but like Marjpf, I'd love to see it! :)

mom-6

Had you thought of laying out the slightly curved blocks on the sashing and attaching them as you would applique so that they lie flat? I'm thinking of doing something similar on one of my older UFO's that has major problems with inconsistent block shape and size.

jljack

Oh, that's an idea I hadn't thought of. Thanks!! I'll think about that one.

Moonpi

Not every old quilt was quilted. Sometimes tying them can work wonders, and after they are washed a few times and broken in, the puckers become nearly invisible.

beachlady

Oh please post a picture.

jljack

OK, here are the pictures of the pieces. I have 30 blocks 12 x12, plus all the sashing strips and border. As you can see, it makes a very large quilt. Also note that the edges of the two blocks on the right are nearly touching in the middle, but much farther apart at the two ends...you can tell how much curve there is.

I had another idea...to applique each of these blocks to the top of new 12 x 12 muslin squares, just by doing stitch in the ditch, and then put it all back together and quilt it very simply. I want to preserve it, and there are already some blocks with condition issues. Let me know what you think.

Gal

How patient are you and how clever are you?
I thought of the applique solution to but then I thought I wonder how difficult it would be to cut a template for the curved edge, to sew/add on all the corners to bring the block into line? This would give you a head ache I know, but also it would give you a sraight edge to work with. The blocks are so old, I would like to preserve as much of the originally intended design as possible. I am sure because of the mistake this is why they did not get sewn into a quilt in the first place.
I have loved seeing the pictures, do keep us up to speed with what you decide to do won't you!

Gal

ktbb

I like your idea of appliqueing them to a square of muslin or other complementary fabric..based on what you show in your photo, they all seem to be consistently rounded and that would add to the enjoyment of the final product....