When we took my dad back home last week after his visit to the ophthalmologist, he asked if I’d like one of the quilts my mom made. I said “yes” so fast, I swore it made his head spin.
I have a quilt that my paternal grandmother made and several that my MIL made … and now I finally have a quilt that my mom made.We looked at the quilts, and I chose the appliqued butterfly quilt. He said that it was his favorite, and while I’m not a fan of those old appliqued quilts, my mom liked them … and they remind me of her. So choosing this one was kind of like getting the best of both of my parents.
I didn’t open up the quilt before choosing it, but I did notice a little fraying of the outer border … I thought it would be easy enough to add binding that would cover the fraying.
Unfortunately, I opened the quilt up when I got home … and noticed that the fraying is more extensive than I originally thought. There’s fraying in the top row of blocks, too (that darker gray is actually the batting showing through).
My first thought was “what in the world can I do???” But after some thought, it appears that my two choices are to keep the quilt as is or to remove the top row of blocks and then re-bind the quilt. Neither choice is a perfect one, and while removing the top row of blocks and re-binding the quilt won’t restore it to usable or even display condition, it will at least get it close enough so I (and eventually DD) can cherish this memento of my mom. So that is what I think I will do.
I'm sure that once you are done with it, it will be beautiful and you will the knowledge that both you and your mom worked on the quilt.
ReplyDeleteThat is always the hard part. I think I would love it as it is and love it because your Mom made it. It is so nice you have it and that you have others from the other family members. How very sweet.
ReplyDeleteOne thing my grandma used to say when she gave hers away was she made them to use. Not to be put away and saved. I am still very careful with mine that she made, but I am sure your Mom used hers. That is what makes it so special.
I wish my Mom had quilted. That is so special. Thanks for sharing it with us.
Oh, wow...what a treasure to have your mom's quilt, Kathy! I've told you before that I have the quilt that my paternal grandma made for me when I turned 18 and I wouldn't trade it for anything. I'm sure you'll find just the right way to make it look restored and fresh.
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful that you have it! If you remove the top row, is that fabric useable? Maybe some small pillows or sachets? I've also seen parts of quilts framed. Anything to keep things that are precious to you. Good luck! - Jeanne
ReplyDeleteI think that quilt is very beautiful and I'm so glad you were able to get one that your mama made. I'm sure with all your quilting skills you'll be able to fix it to your satisfaction and enjoyment.
ReplyDeleteI love the quilt! Frayed or not, I'd treasure it with all my heart.
ReplyDeleteOh I love that you were able to get one of her quilts. How cherished it will be by you and eventually your daughter. I am sure whatever you chose to do, it will look wonderful!
ReplyDeleteIt just shows that the quilt has been well loved, which is what we want for our quilts. I would think whatever would restore it to a condition where you can actually have it out, where you can love it some more would be the way to go - however you feel comfortable doing it.
ReplyDeleteI am sure the quilt will be beautiful when you are finished with it.
ReplyDeleteJust love seeing pics of your quilting work. So beautiful. I'm having a blog giveaway. Drop by and say hello to be entered. God bless, Viola
ReplyDeleteThat is so cool!
ReplyDeleteOne of the exhibits when we visited the National Quilt Museum in Paducah was about what someone had done with old quilts. Some he added to the quilt, some he used the blocks and made a new quilt. It was interesting.
After that trip we visited my in-laws and my father-in-law offered me a quilt that his grandmother made. I tried to answer yes calmly, but my husband said he could tell I was jumping out of my skin with excitement. Several of the fabrics had deteriorated. I chalked that up to age.
My mom has several quilts that my grandmothers and great-grandmothers. She won't give them up. :( (Believe me, I've asked a few times.)
It's lovely....
ReplyDeleteI would fix it so it can stay in the family for many more years.