dharry1215

I have had this quilt top for years and it is hand pieced by my Grandmother. I would like to finish the quilt for my niece(this would be a gift from her Great-Grandmother and myself). The problem is there are a couple of blocks that need replacing due to frayed fabric, also, the border was only attached to 3 sides. There is also on the bottom some half blocks - not sure what Grandma was thinking here.

Anyway I'm thinking I Need to remove the pink border, since it's only on 3 sides and possibly replace with some fabric that would match or just put binding with no border. Repair/replace the frayed blocks using the blocks from the last row after the half block row. Maybe remove those last 2 rows from the quilt and use somewhere else. This would still be a very large quilt with the last 2 rows removed. Currently it hangs over a King bed about 6 inches. I'm new to machine quilting so I feel a bit over challenged anyway and thought it would be more manageable to make it smaller. Plus I need some of the blocks from that last row to replace the damaged ones.

I hate to change Grandmas quilt too much but I want to make it usable and attractive.

Any suggestions and ideas I would appreciate. Thanks so much!

AnitaSt

I bet your grandmother would want someone to finish the quilt and someone to love it and, above all, use it. Your ideas sound good to me. I recently was given a number of tops and face the same decision...what to fix and what to leave as is yet still have the quilter's original work and a stable, usable quilt. Good luck.

Anita

terri123

Count up 4 9patch blocks on your quilt picture. This is where the change began to take place.

I'd leave that sashing alone and remove the part blocks that are in the next rows. Then I'd
make those 2 fowled up rows match the rest of the blocks.

You could take off the pink binding and add a small turned border around the whole thing.

It looks like Grandma got a bit confused and simply was still adding squares....maybe just
to have something to do with her hands???? With my grandma, that thought would be 'right on'.

Presently, I'm working on a double wedding ring that my grandma did 75 years ago.
Replacing the worn pieces is not easy....but well worth the satisfaction when it's done.

Good Luck!!

luvstoquilt

I agree with Terri123...take of the pink border and make binding from it..then all the fabric would be from your grandmother.

ShirlinAZ

Your Grandmother is probably looking down and wondering what she was thinking too. Make her proud. Get rid of the pink border; move blocks around as needed to replace frayed blocks; look for some replica fabrics (maybe a light or medium blue check) to make a new border. It will be wonderful.

littlehud

What a beautiful quilt. It will be a wonderful family heirloom when finished. Two generations involved in it.

jlarke

I love your ideas and this quilt is going to be so special.

dharry1215

Wonderful ideas and encouragement! I certainly had not thought about using that pink fabric for binding. This is why it is so wonderful to get other opinions. Anyone know of some good quilting ideas for 9-patch? Is there a traditional way to quilt a 9 patch such has this or anything goes?
Thanks, Donna