I think it was fairly common to put a new quilt top on top of one that was worn out. That way the batting was re-used, and the new quilt was really warm. I wonder if the backing was also covered over?
Maybe it would be worthwhile to take the quilt to a quilt museum and ask what they think. The quilt underneath might be much more interesting than the original (or not). Oooohhh, now I'm thinking of Rembrandts being painted over... (probably not the same thing).
Last edited by dunster; 07-12-2012 at 12:49 PM.