Originally Posted by illinois

If there are others who would also treasure this piece, it might lend itself to being cut into maybe 4 smaller tops for sharing and more appropriate for hanging?? Consider the paint spots part of the quilt's story. It has one to tell! I, too, quilted a very old top but was told it no longer was an antique since the quilting was new. Perhaps it needs to be folded and displayed that way but, like you, I felt the aging fabrics needed some support and am pleased that I did quilt it. I feel safer handling the aging fabrics. You have a personal treasure since it was pieced from your clothes so you should do whatever it takes to really enjoy the quilt and your great-grandmother's efforts. You will reconnect with your g-gma as you, too, put stitches into it--and those tucks will disappear. Only you will recognize each fabric so enjoy it. That's what she hoped you would do.