csharp

It is not difficult to take a picture and reprint it onto special 81/2 x 11 pieces of cloths/paper sheets found at most quilt or hobby shops. You can then do as suggested with pictures of your Gma too and make a small wall hanging for those you want to share with, but I'd ask them first if they were interested before going to all the work. Here is a picture of a memory quilt I made with pictures that I either scanned into my computer or that were already on my computer.
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sailsablazin

I have a friend (who does not sew or quilt). Her grandmother passed away. Grandma had a beautiful quilt from her mom or grandma (so it was VERY OLD and beautifully hand pieced and quilted) and the family wanted to share it.. (Hold your breath---). They cut it into 4 pieces and my friend framed her section. (Makes me sick).

quiltmom04

How about passing it around and letting it " visit " the families who are interested in it? Keep a journal of where its been and how it's been loved with photographs. If it eventually wears out, your family will all have a wonderful history of that great, meaningful quilt.

danlynmartin

check the fabrics well before deconstructing it. They may be deteriorated. and you will not gain anything by doing it.

gramadona

I haven't read all the replies to your post yet so perhaps someone already suggested this...
You could take the quilt to a photographer and then have copies made into stationery and send each 'sewing sister' a note on your grandmothers birthday. They can have the card framed and save the memories or toss it, but you will have shared the quilt with them.
I have had cards made using photos and they are inexpensive and delightful. www.snapfish.com does a great job and so does www.costco.com There are many websites that do stationery and/or large, frameable prints.
Whatever you decide, I hope you will leave the quilt intact. It is a treasure.

Pepita

I don't know if you have a genealogy of your family. A photograph of the quilt for the cover would be awesome. If you have different branches, a photograph of the square that represents that line would be appropriate. That way you have a meaningful gift for each of your family members, you haven't broken up the quilt, and they each share in the quilt.

brendadawg

I also would make duplicates or even a photograph. I definitely would not take this lovely bit of family history apart.

Eileen De Ville

How very fortunate you are to have been given such a wonderful gift by your mother, the owner of the quilt.
Taking the quilt apart would truly be the wrong thing to do. I agree, taking a picture of the whole quilt, or individual blocks, and presenting them to family members would be a good solution. I love the quilt and the history behind the making of it. Sister's working together, with love, for their mother. What a treasure.

KarynneStorm

Thank you again for all the wonderful ideas. I really like the idea of sending it to 'visit' with each part of the family and writing about and if it wears out, at least everyone would have some time with it.
I wanted to share it because most of the work was done by my Aunties. And I'm sure at least one of their kids would get a big kick out of having it or spending some time with it.

I am very glad I asked here, I knew I would get great ideas. Thank you very much.

charsuewilson

I like the idea of the photograph accompanied with explanations. Then everyone can enjoy it.