Any ideas for this?
 

I got this at an Estate sale. I have cleaned it the best I can.. Now the problem is half of it is quilted by hand (beautiful job) . All the rest of the batting is gone. So should I just cut the dresden plates out and applique them on new fabric , try to add thin batting and try to finish quilting it, or rip out all that quilting and just start over?
Thanks for any help.

If you found the appropriate batting, are you good enough & patient enough to come close to the original quilting?

I don't think I would undo anything that is beautifully done.

OTOH, what is the quality of the white fabric? Are you only going to display it?


...lot of help I was...

Quiltmouse,
No I don't think I could come close to the quilting. The stitches are really really small. I just love old quilts.
It must be pretty strong. I soaked it for hours today, threw it in the washer with vinegar on hot and in the dryer on hot.
Did fine. Not going to display it, I would use it. I've had it about a year and did not know what to do with it. Anything would be better than just letting it lay around.

If it's that sturdy, I would remove the quilting and re quilt with a new batting & backing.

There is no way I would take out beautifully done hand quilting. I would try to match a thin batting and hand quilt the part not quilted. If the stitches aren't as small, no matter. It will be a beautiful quilt.

I agree with Genden. I would not remove the stitches and would match the batting as best you could and quilt away. Enjoy pondering who may have made the quilt and the hours they spent making the quilt. Good luck and happy quilting.

What hasn't been mentioned ....is there backing already on the section where you say "the batting is gone". Can you open it up to add batting? If not, maybe you could choose a very thin batting and add a new backing on just that part then quilt as you want.
It's a beautiful treasure - so the fact that you have rescued it is a great find. Good luck.

I can't imagine that when ladies held a quilting bee that everyone's stitches were exactly the same. If you hand quilt part of it, just imagine that you are the newbie at a quilting bee and enjoy the process and result.

I wouldn't remove the stitches either. Some churchs have quilting bees as a fund raiser and their prices are usually very nominal.

I would like to suggest that you contact the quilt historical section at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln and ask them about quilt restoration. I have visited the facility and looked at some of the curated events and it is absolutely marvelous. I'm sure they would be able to give you ideas for restoring your quilt.

I love this answer!

I too love this answer! Some people now don't want anyone but themselves quilting on their quilt but I think it is great to have a bee and everyone quilts away. Maybe if you are doing a show quilt it would be different.

I agree with those who advise not to remove the quilting already done. I would complete it as best I could, and enjoy it.

I would definitely try to maintain as much original as possible. Good luck.

I would not undo the stitches. I would try to match the batting. Is there a local church group or senior citizen group in your area that hand quilts? Maybe they could finish it for you.

I agree with all the others: try to "match" the batting and quilt away with your own stitches. OR is it so that you could divide the quilt with what is already done as one and make another that is your own work? Beautiful quilt and I'm glad you saved it.

For sure leave the original stitching.
Insert some batting and hand quilt the rest. THAT will make it part of the story of this beautiful quilt.

First question, do you hand quilt?

I agree. You may not be able to match the quilting but you can get as close as you can. Not all stitches are the same on any handquilting. There is always one or 2 or more short per linear inch.