IAmCatOwned

So sorry for your loss. I say use them until they are falling apart. The two quilts made by my great-grandmother (in the late 40s) were falling apart and unusable. I took a good photo of each, took 2 square feet of the largest section in best condition and tossed. The 2 square feet wre bound with the binding taken from the quilt (another good section). Nobody in my family is going to care after I'm gone. I keep the sections for my sewing room (which is still dismantled, but hopefully will reappear by next Spring). Unless you are a preservationist, the fabric will just continue to deteriorate. Get good photos, professionally done if that is important to you, and then enjoy the work of your Mom.

It's no different for my own quilts. I will just make sure that family knows to select those that they will use and either donate the rest (children's hospital or social services for disabled adults) or auction them with the proceeds going to a local animal shelter.

ragamuffin

When my Mother died back in 2004, the trunks held 8 quilts. Since there were 8 grand children, I pulled them out and put numbers in a hat and on the quilts, then each one pulled a number. My one nephew who already was married and had lots of quilts from his wife's family, asked to return his quilt for one of the trunks. I thought that was fair so I allowed it as executor. We did the same with the dishes in the china cupboard. My neice returned the antique blue and white and asked for a modern piece. I loved the blue and white so that was okay with me because I was willed all of them. Kids of today do not want good china, silverware and stemware. I was told if you have the space, keep all the dishes, etc. that are of less value now, and they will be of value later on. What goes around, comes around.

quiltingshorttimer

my neighbor asked me to advise on the very same matter--I called the owner of a LQS that collects and restores quilts. She said to find a location--like a bed is best, to lay the quilt out for show only--no direction sunlight, pets, etc. and to refold so no creases form about every 3-4 months. If the quilts have worn places, just fold them into the quilt so not seen. Best advice ever!

ksdot417

The ones that I have that are quilted have a home on a quilt ladder in my sewing room so I can enjoy them. My grandmother made the tops. They bring me great joy.

luvstoquilt

I would hang the crazy quilt and use the others!

NJ Quilter

I agree wholeheartedly! Use those babies. Gently, if needed, but at least display and use them to cuddle on the sofa or your favorite recliner and bask in the memories.

Pam S

Label those quilts! You may know who made them but when you're gone nobody else might. Name of the maker, where she lived, her birth and death dates, when she made them if you have a reasonable idea (circa 19xx, etc).

SusieQOH

I agree with the others. It reminds me of heirloom rings. My Gram left many and only a couple of us wear them. The rest sit in peoples drawers. That just doesn't make sense to me! I wear her diamonds every single day and not only do I enjoy looking at them, but I think of her. It makes me happy and I know she would be thrilled. She loved bling

salederer

Do these quilts have labels on them? If not, I would make one for each of them, with as much info as you know about them. Such as who made them, approx. dates made ect. And display them for sure!!

just janet

Please take the time to label these quilts. I have a quilt that was given to my Mom as a wedding gift from a lady who belonged to our church. While she was alive she told me the ladies name but now that my Mom has passed and I own this lovely quilt I don't remember the name of the person who actually made the quilt. I've asked in my church if anyone knows of someone who quilted years ago but unfortunately, no one knows. I was thinking maybe I should make a label saying it was given to "name" by a participant of Our Saviour Episcopal Church, "town" in the early 1930's. Would that be acceptable?