amma

WOW!! What a great collection :D:D:D

MOMBASIL53

what treasures you have.

Prism99

I think a lot depends on whether you want to preserve these quilts as historic quilts for collectors, or whether you want to fix them up to actually be used (if even lightly). Since these quilts were not masterpieces and were actually used enough for the binding to wear out, my inclination would be to repair them to be used. However, this could damage their historical value to a collector. You might want to call around to museums to find if there is someone who can tell you whether these would be important quilts to preserve or not.

One historical preservation technique is to applique fine toile over damaged areas.

For me, I would probably simply repair any obvious rips or tears with fabric that coordinates with the style of the fabric being repaired. (You could also search out authentic fabrics of the period, but that would take a lot longer.) Bindings can be removed and replaced or you can bind right over the existing binding.

Once the repairs were made, I would use http://www.retroclean.com to get rid of the stains.

quilttiludrop

You have found a real treasure!

skydiver70

What treasures you have, especially the Sun Bonnet Sue and the Double Wedding Ring. Thanks for sharing your photos.

dublb

Thank You!!

I know that these only mean anything to my family. They were a part of my DFIL's life even if he only thought of them as covers. I want to repair 'em for me.
The wedding ring is in the best condition & I'll use that cleaner asap.

The mock wedding ring only has a few small holes. It was folded wrong side out then the edges were basted down. The holes were created from the basting thread!!

I don't know whether to take the upholstery fabric off of the top of the sunbonnet sue or not. It's probably damaged underneath.

I know that I can rebind these with muslin & your affirmation in this area was comforting. I really like your idea about finding matching fabric to applique over the tears on some of these. Since I have no idea how old these are I have no way of finding time period fabric for these.

The red work is falling apart yet I wonder if it was his childhood quilt. I guessed that thats why he kept it after all these years. This one has me puzzled the most.

Again thank you so much for all your advice!!!

Prism99

I would replace the upholstery fabric on the Sunflower Sue with a more appropriate fabric.

dublb

I'll do that!! I appreciate all your advice :)

Jates

Wow, they are wonderful! Look at all that handquilting. Enjoy your heirlooms!

Novice.for.now

Family quilts are so very special. I am the lucky recipient of about 10 from DD's family. My very dear MIL,her sister and their mother did them. I treasure them. One is about 110 years old and in perfect condition.