sewnsewer2

That sure is pretty! I would repair it by hand.

Ellen 1

Bill, How extensive would the repairs be? If it isn't much, and you made the repairs, it would last another 100 years.

Do you have to replace fabrics (???), personally I would not fix it, but that's just me. However, I would put a label on the back telling your friends story of making it and how you received it.

Maksi

This is an awesome gift and the quilt is really gorgeous! I love the ruffles in the quilt, never seen anything like this before and you are a lucky man that you get it.

I defenitly would repair it. (by hand)

pennyswings

What a beautiful, unique and wonderful gift. I don't know how to advise you on repairing it. I don't know if it changes the value of the quilt if you do repair it. If it doesn't,and you have enough confidence, then I say go ahead and repair it.

zz-pd

Ditto. I agree. God bless. Penny

GailG

I think you have to decide which is more important to you -- having an antique given to you by a friend or using an antique quilt given to you by a friend. If it will only be a possession that you will store, then I say leave it in it's present condition. If you want to use it or have it on display, then I say make hand repairs that will add to the longevity of the quilt. Remember, her intention was that you would make the repairs.

eleu16

I agree with "Marjpf"...what a wonderful gift !!!

wraez

I believe that you should repair it so that it can be used (or not) and also so that it would last longer. Unrepaired, I would be afraid that it would continue to deteriorate. You want this special gift to last for years.

Yes, definitely make a label for the quilt telling its story. There is value in the story. Who knows this might find its way to a museum many years from now.

Such a delightful gift from a cherished friend! You are both blessed to know each other.

warm quilt hugs, sue in CA

Lockeb

I have decided that I will one day make the repairs..I don't need to worry about the top because I think that I can repair that by simple stitching the fabric strips back in place...I do need to make a couple of repaires or patches to the back because there are a couple of tears in the sugar sack back..but I can perhaps just use muslin and hand sew large squares to cover the tears..to protect the back...
For washing, I am thinking that perhaps a gentle wash in the machine - line dry - or perhaps tumble try - but this one would have never seen a dryer because you don't find dryers in private homes in Cuba......
I do want to be able to have this has a completed item - that can be used...it does have such special memories - and Romaila does expect me to do the repairs.....
It certainly is a one of a kind item..I don't want to take away from the original work that she did with her MIL - but I just want to be able to have it repaired......

Beverly

Have you figured out how to make this quilt? It looks like the strips are sewn on a foundation. Are the strips hemmed? How was the pattern marked? (if it is on a foundation) Were the foundation blocks then sewn together? It is hard to see from a picture. Were the strips pre-gathered or gathered as they were sewn on? It is so interesting to me!