I just love this top. i think a narrow border of a period color solid (mabe the lavender or green) would frame it nicely. i agree, not to wash until quited.Just let it air out if musty.
Seeing tops like these makes me want to learn to hand quilt!

What a beautiful treasure you have there!!

I agree with every one about washing, but you can soak or spray it with Efferdent. It will take out smells and stains. Have done this in the past on blocks I found at garage sales and cross stitches I have done. Let it air dry after. Don't pull and tug till dry. It works wonders!!! Won't run color and whitens whites. Good luck!!! :lol:

i would NOT wash it before quilting...wait till it is quilted and bound!
i think bleached muslin would be a really good choice for the back.
it is beautiful!

You are a very luck woman to have such a treasure. The top is just so beautiful, makes me think of my own grandmother. Such memories.

Man, did you get yourself a treasure!!! I would use warm & natural (or white) and use muslin for the backing. Unless there is something that immediately needs attention on the quilt, I wouldn't wash it until its quilted. If you're concerned about some staining I would just spot clean and call good.

My mother used to salvage old quilt tops often.
Do NOT prewash it. If you want to add a border find some vintage fabric to use, same with the backing or just use muslin. Use whatever batting you're comfortable using. Warm and Natural might give it a more authentic look but mom liked the poly fiber batting and used it. Use cotton quilting thread. It's a beautiful quilt and when finished will be a treasure for sure.

Yes, 100% cotton would be wonderful and will pucker up when it's washed. Use muslin on the back.

Once you have it all done and bound get Vintage Textile Soak and wash the quilt in a front loader only on cold water. Throw in a couple of Shout Color Catchers to pick up any dye that may bleed. Lay it out on a sheet to dry or hang it on a clothesline - fluff it in the dryer for about 15 mintues on low or air dry.

You will be amazed how even more beautiful it look then!

Good luck!

Roseann

that is a treasure. I can't imagine the time and energy that went into it. woweee

How lucky you are! I would use muslin on the back, it will show your hand quilting and keep that old look. wash when finished and all should shrink at that time. I'll take it if you want.LOL