MarySews

Once you start looking, you can usually find old-looking fabric. Remember, you are not trying to convice anyone that these quilts are perfect and you are probably not goiing to try to pass them as antiques. I imagine you want to make them usable or even 'display-able'. Museums often display pieces of sculpture or pottery with obviously new material added so you can see what you are looking at.
I have had good luck appliquing fabric over the old. That way, you not destroy or remove what is old, just repaired so it will not destruct any more.
A previous person suggested tulle -- I use grey or at leasr not bright white over areas that are obviously weak, with maybe a few tiny holes. Again, not destroying, not making new, just pringing it to a place where use will not destroy.
It will be a labor of love.

romanojg

I just resqued an old quilt (1920's or 30's). I was told I could repair and replace where needed. It's all hand done so yes, that's what I will do. I was also told that each time I fold it to fold it a different way to prevent the yellow folding lines (mine already have some) I now need to find out how to get some stains out of it. I know the washer isn't the answer. When the lady comes back in town she'll let me know the approx. year it was from.

partsalot

I have read that you can take the damaged parts of the quilt to a color copier and reproduce that fabric on paper, then copy onto white fabric backed with freezer paper or purchased prepared fabric for this purpose. The fabric and color should then match so that from a distance it is not obvious.

BettyGee

I would love to be able to tell you how to repair your beloved quilts; however, I don't feel qualified to do so. I know someone on the board will be able to help. You do so much for us and I'd sure like to return the favor.

sosewbusy

The thing that makes any antique more valuable is called provenance. Which of course is when you have the documented history of ownership and the makers information. You have that and we all need to write things down to document what we know and what we do. I always think I will remember later (like old photo info on the back). The value of these wonder quilts is the sentimental value to you as well as the info you know. Repairing or not is not the real issue but documenting what you do to it. I try to remember that my life is short and fleeting and my daughter or son may want to know the provenance. As for where to find materials....I often have purchased for repairs at local antique shops. They ofter see a value in yardage or sacking fabrics. Good luck with your awesome gift of family and history.

gypsylady5

I too have some quilts to repair. This is not for the monetary value, but because my mother made them! Can I use newer fabics to replace the worn out fabrics? Mom used a lot of clothing to make her quilts with and I loved seeing my old dresses, etc. appear in a quilt. Many are more than 50 years old, so I would love to restore them for my grandkids to enjoy. What is your opinion of doing this?

Rann

I have one of my grandmother's that only the red has worn out. I have looked for years for red to replace it. It's about 50+ years old.

Lee Benedict

I have repaired some of my greatgrandmothers quilts and have done a few for others. What are our needs? I got my repair patches from old quilts at yard sales and a couple auctions. Saved what I could for repair work. Often repair
fabric can be found in clothing at goodwill.

whinnytoo

I have a large box full of very old fabrics. If you post a picture of the sections that needs repair, maybe I have something that will match.

emlee51

I, also have a few "cutter quilts", and some vintage fabrics...would love to see the pictures to see if I can help inany way.