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TiltedEars 09-19-2011 07:44 AM

Over the weekend, I helped my dad clean-out a storage unit that was filled with everything from my Gram's apartment. We found treasures like you wouldn't believe, including my grandfather's WW2 Army uniform, in pristine condition. My dad considered looking for a museum where we could donate the uniform, but my youngest son (8 years old) really wants to save it. Just wondering if anyone has made a quilt or other project using military uniforms that might serve to preserve while being re-purposed into something useful.

caspharm 09-19-2011 07:51 AM

There is a new book that came out on making quilts from uniforms. Its called "Deploy that fabric." Here is the link for Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Deploy-that-Fa...dp/160705244X.

I have seen it at my LQS. It has some good projects, mainly totes, but there is a quilt pattern.

You might also consider making some throw pillows out of it. It would reduce how much you would have to cut it up.

gramajo 09-19-2011 07:57 AM

If your son really wants to save it, I'd keep it as is. When your son gets older (ie. maybe teenage years) see if he still feels the same way. Then make your decision on whether or not to cut it up.

johanka 09-19-2011 08:03 AM

I have to agree with gramajo. It has waited this long it can wait for a few more years.

TiltedEars 09-19-2011 08:03 AM

Thank you for that link. It looks like a great book. I'll have to build myself up to being able to cut them. There are both dress & casual uniforms in the box. I may try to create with one & preserve the other. My dad is a truck driver & it would be neat to create a throw-pillow or something for his truck bunk with the uniforms.

TiltedEars 09-19-2011 08:06 AM


Originally Posted by gramajo
If your son really wants to save it, I'd keep it as is. When your son gets older (ie. maybe teenage years) see if he still feels the same way. Then make your decision on whether or not to cut it up.

I agree - I just might wait a bit longer. My son is enamored with military personnel. We found lots of uniform patches that were removed from other uniforms already. It might be best to use those in a creation & save the whole uniforms.

PaperPrincess 09-19-2011 08:16 AM


Originally Posted by TiltedEars

I agree - I just might wait a bit longer. My son is enamored with military personnel. We found lots of uniform patches that were removed from other uniforms already. It might be best to use those in a creation & save the whole uniforms.

I think this is your best option! I think as your son gets older, he would appreciate the uniforms as they are today.

jljack 09-19-2011 09:05 AM


Originally Posted by TiltedEars

Originally Posted by gramajo
If your son really wants to save it, I'd keep it as is. When your son gets older (ie. maybe teenage years) see if he still feels the same way. Then make your decision on whether or not to cut it up.

I agree - I just might wait a bit longer. My son is enamored with military personnel. We found lots of uniform patches that were removed from other uniforms already. It might be best to use those in a creation & save the whole uniforms.

At 8 years old, you know his interests are going to change 100 times before he is old enough to take responsibility for that uniform. I'd wrap it in tissue paper and put it in a box in the closet for a few years. When he get married, you can actually ask him what he wants to do with it. Chances are it'll go to a museum like your original thought....I know this from experience!! I would not cut it up right now....

Threadedneedle 09-19-2011 03:14 PM

I would think more that twice before cutting any of them up. They are in demand by collectors and museums and can bring quite a bit of money. It can also be a link to the past for your son!!!

quilterella 09-20-2011 02:23 AM

As the others have said...your son may change his mind. I would take a couple of pictures of the uniform and make some type of memory quilt to depict your DGF history for your son, and donate the uniform and memobilia to the museum. This way it would be a win/win situation.


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