Ok so here’s the story…
My Mom made this quilt in the late 70’s. She gave it to me when I moved to NYC (on my birthday!) in 1990.
It is comprised of clothes that my entire family wore in the late 60’s and 1970’s. For real. Come on, check out some of those awesome patterns! See the pieces with the little green frogs? From a set of 3 sundresses that my Mom made. Yes, she dressed us up in matching outfits – often.
Mom isn’t a quilter, this was her first effort. There’s no fusible on the back of the fabric and it’s starting to (literally) fall apart in many sections.
Here’s what I’m thinking:
Take off the backing (it’s attached to an old store bought quilt and a flannel sheet) and adhere patches to the back of the truly ripped pieces. Make them look ‘whole’ as much as possible. Attach fusible to the back of the entire thing (anyone want to suggest a weight?). Attach a soft cotton (solid) fabric to the back. Sew a grid to truly attach back & front. Trim. HAND WASH. Wall Hanging?
Anyone? Silver is waiting to hear from you. Maybe I should hand this over to a pro?
November 9th, 2009 at 1:48 pm
If you know how to applique, the best solution might be to applique pieces on top of the worst sections. Do you have any fabric that matches the original? I have some of those fabrics (uncut and unused) if you are interested in a care package.
Because this only dates to the 70’s, the fabric might still be okay, but as it ages it will become fairly fragile. You might want to test areas before quilting too much. Good luck, looks very cool.
November 9th, 2009 at 2:02 pm
I have no idea how to save it, but just wanted to say that it’s crying out to be used & loved. Don’t hang it! xoh
November 9th, 2009 at 2:19 pm
Heidi:
I know, but as it has a lot of my Dad’s shirts in it, I’d be inconsolable if something happened to it.
November 9th, 2009 at 2:36 pm
How big is it? That may determine what you can do with it.
Fusible backing is relatively “new” on the quilting scene. It makes some things easier, like handling delicate, old, or stretchy fabrics (jersy t-shirts), but it will add overall weight to your finished piece.
I agree with the applique suggestion from Linda. That would be a good choice if you have enough mad sewing skillz to do it.
Also, once you get the top separated from the rest, you could remove a row from one of the edges, use those pieces to patch the worn and ripped areas, and just have a slightly smaller finished quilt when you are done.
I think quilting it in a grid is a good idea. By stitching the three layers together you will give the fragile top some extra strength, though it will still be limited by the fragile and thin clothing fabrics you are using (plus that makes it technically a quilt, when it is attached by stitching the three layers, not by ties or other things).
If you do quilt the grid, start by drawing your grid at the center, and then work your way out. Which means, do one row of stitching each horizontal and vertical so they cross in the approximate middle of the quilt, and then work your way out to the sides, smoothing the fabric as you go. Working from the middle out helps you to have no “bubbly” sort of places in your finished piece, where it bunches up unevenly.
Quilter’s trick: baste the quilt top to the middle and bottom before actually quilting. Instead of using straight pins to hold your layers together (which are likely to stab you as you move the fabric around), use either safety pins you can close up, or take long, loose stitches like an inch long across the whole quilt. Remove the stitches or safety pins after you finish quilting.
November 9th, 2009 at 2:50 pm
I love the sentimentality and history of this beautiful piece. No suggestions, just good wishes!
November 9th, 2009 at 3:47 pm
You know I am of no help to you on this, but I will back you up on how cute and cozy this quilt is. Most definitely worth figuring out.
If you want I can drink wine and offer moral support as you toil away;-)
-Sarah
November 9th, 2009 at 4:03 pm
It’s bigger than a twin but smaller than a double. Hmm. I’m terrified! LOL
November 9th, 2009 at 4:05 pm
The idea of taking off a row to patch up the rough pieces is awesome. Super Awesome!
November 9th, 2009 at 5:25 pm
Good luck love Ma.
November 9th, 2009 at 6:30 pm
I Ithink if you use all the suggestions here you can do it yourself & add more memories to pass on through the family.
November 9th, 2009 at 7:23 pm
Don’t you want to throw some batting into that sandwich, too? It will give it some body. Then maybe send it out for some quilting if you’re short on time. Otherwise, I’d hand quilt myself, using little pick stitches, over the winter. It’s lovely!
November 9th, 2009 at 7:57 pm
Following along with that idea of removing a row from the edge to use it for pieces… Try to think of the quilt as just pieces sewn into rows. If you can see the rows, you can see how to take it apart.
I think if you tried to remove individual pieces you would be fighting against a small space and awkward angles. So, instead of that, just remove the entire row that has the damaged piece. This will make it easier to fix and reassemble the quilt.
Basically you remove the two seams on either side of the the row with damaged pieces, remove and replace the ripped pieces, and then sew the fixed row back to the rest of the rows. Voila, it’s back together and you were only ever dealing with squares and rows, not funny angles and tight spaces.
And remember, the seam ripper is your friend! If you don’t like it, rip out that seam and do it again.
This is a pretty good reference for putting a sleeve on the back of your quilt to hang it from a rod: http://www.craftandfabriclinks.com/TIPS/hangsleeve.html
Let me know if you need more info. I can try to walk you through it or find you better quilting references.
November 9th, 2009 at 8:02 pm
I met a woman in Oklahoma last summer who restores quilts…ancient quilts. She does mostly applique or finds newer fabrics that compliment the old fabrics and sews them in. If there are any fabrics that you love it would be wonderful to add to the quilt and making some “new” history. Good luck. I love love love it.
November 9th, 2009 at 9:03 pm
Oh, I love the quilt. Whatever you do, make sure it’s in safe and capable hands (or paws.) Did I tell you that Greg’s mom had a quilt made for his 40th birthday – out of his childhood Snoopy sleeping bag?
November 9th, 2009 at 11:01 pm
Oh I love it! And jeez…based on the patterns I reckon your family could be seen from blocks away.
Do you have any of The Fiance’s shirts that you could sacrifice to patch up some of the really rough spots? I love that your dad’s shirts are there (so beautiful) and I’m thinking wouldn’t it be lovely to bring the past and the present together? Sort of a tapestry of your life, you know? I know, I know…a little sentimental tonight, what can I tell you.
My shorehouse neighbor is a CRAZY good quilter and I’d be happy to share pics for a “consultation” if you think it would help you at all.
November 10th, 2009 at 7:35 am
My MIL (mother-in-law) made my daughter a quilt using vintage fabric scraps from her MIL’s scrap bag. She didn’t have quite have enough so was able to find new material printed to look like pieces from the 30, 40s and on up. It is very hard to tell the difference since it is all mixed together in the flower garden pattern.
You might be able to go that route and not have to significantly alter what your Mom did. Just remove the row that has a square that is falling apart, then remove the individual square and replace. Good luck!
November 10th, 2009 at 8:21 am
Am also contemplating dismantling the ENTIRE quilt. Trimming all the squares so they are the same size and then using the same process I used to make these pillows:
http://renovationtherapyblog.com/?p=4809
It’ll be a much smaller blanket but it will be tight & solid.
I have 2 weeks off around Christmas. Guess that’ll be the big project.
November 10th, 2009 at 9:12 am
Jean Martha,
Then getting the website up and running! lol. sounds simple, doesn’t it?
Hi. I am a quilter, have been quilting for 20+ years. My friend and soon-to-be business partner, Asu, is an expert at hand quilting and antique quilt repair/restoration. We are in the process of starting a business doing just this kind of thing as well as custom quilting services, and other stuff. (Our only problem at this point is deciding on a name!
At any rate, I LOVE your quilt. If you want to turn it over to a professional, contact me and we can talk. I can also offer advice/guidance if you really want to tackle it yourself as well.
Either way, a few suggestions and some questions:
1. IMPORTANT! Take Linda (11/9 1:48pm post) up on her offer of a fabric care package. Whether you decide to fix it yourself or get the help of a professional, having fabrics that match is a real BONUS!
2. I would try to keep the quilt exactly as your mom made it as much as possible. Even to the extent of keeping the commercial quilt “batting” and the flannel fabric backing (what a warm, comfy feeling!).
The uneven blocks in rows that she did is part of it’s charm and kind of reminds you even more that these patches were from favorite family clothes (not just fabrics of the time). Your mom may not have been much of a quilter, but it’s obvious that she put her heart and soul into this piece. If it were me, I would want to preserve it exactly as she made it, a family heirloom.
(Of course, this is YOU, so you may want to do something else.
3. You don’t say how the three layers are held together. I can’t tell from the pics either. Is it only sewn together around the edges? or is it tied?
Contradicting myself above, if the three layers aren’t anchored at all in the middle of the quilt, I WOULD definitely do something in that area. My first suggestion would be to tie it. (This is more in keeping with your mom’s abilities and the style of the times.)
If you really wanted to quilt it (or have it quilted) I would suggest quilting “in the ditch”. Basically keeping to the seams of the patchwork, rather than stitching in an arbitrary grid that will cut across the interior of some patches. It appears the rows are straight, but the width of the patches within the rows vary, so the seams do not match up with seams between patches in other rows.
If you have never done any hand quilting (or any kind of quilting) on a piece this size, please note that you can’t “wing it”. You will need to do some reading up on how to do this correctly or you could botch it and it will be yukky and you will not be happy.
4. I would not hang it. You would need to heavily quilt it to be able to support the weight for hanging without putting undo stress on the fabric. Even then, it will stress the fabric and if you want to preserve it as an heirloom, this will shorten it’s life.
5. If you can get matching fabrics (as in 1. above), and you want to do this yourself, you should cut a piece (square/rectangle) at least 1/4″ bigger on each side as the “square” being replaced. The easiest/best way IS to applique the piece over the torn/worn piece. Turn the edges under 1/4″ on each side and iron them. Use a slip stitch to sew it directly over the worn piece.
6. Another method of preserving a “square” that is “almost” going it to applique a very fine netting over the piece. A fine, clear, tulle would be the best – not changing the color or look of the fabric being preserved.
7. Taking out rows means it won’t fit over the “batting” of the commercial quilt your mom used so you will have to do a lot more work resizing the whole thing. I would avoid it if you can. It sounds like you aren’t an extremely experienced quilter and this is a daunting project for you. (But I could be completely wrong about THAT!)
8. As you can probably guess, I would NOT recommend taking the whole thing apart and cutting same size squares (like your beautiful pillow) and making an entirely new quilt. Again, this is ME. I love the idea of preserving something that my mom made with such love – a family heirloom to pass down with stories and memories. But, good luck to you in whatever you decide to do with it!
KT
November 10th, 2009 at 1:25 pm
Hey Jean – thought you might like to know about this sale and besides my in-laws youre the only one I know in NY and since I dont have your email, I am leaving it as a comment:
PS: have fun! L, M
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November 10th, 2009 at 5:10 pm
It’s a lovely quilt full of memories. I remember on the 1950’s,my grandmother would visit in the winter and the summer from Iowa…bring her fabric bits and “repair” our quilts after a year’s wear and use. And those quilts were “old” then!
Miss her.
~Mad(elyn) in Alabama
November 10th, 2009 at 6:26 pm
Thanks so much for all the suggestions and shared memories.
November 10th, 2009 at 7:03 pm
What a priceless treasure! Some of the patches look like fabrics that I wore way back then, too!
My grandmother made almost all of my clothes.
I wish you could frame it…
November 12th, 2009 at 7:43 pm
Funny – I just posted about my guerilla repairs to a quilt that my mother and I made before I went off to college. I’d fix yours with applique, no fusible stuff.
And I swear that I recognize some of the fabric in yours – especially something pink floral-ish with a black background…
November 15th, 2009 at 12:37 pm
Those patterns scream 70’s so loud, I can hear the Osmonds.
November 15th, 2009 at 4:17 pm
My mom dressed us in matching outfits too. Still haven’t gotten over it. Swore I’d never do it to my kid. Which is easy since my kid is a dog. But I did buy Father-son football jersey’s for my brother in laws favorite team one year for Christmas and they LOVED it. They even had a professional photo taken in them. Now the former toddler jersey is framed on my nephew’s wall in his room. Apparently no dress alike trauma there.