I'd leave it alone.

It's old. Many old things break down. It's earned it.

Perhaps find a way to display it without further damaging it.

A restorer would probably just applique bridle illusion over the worn pieces.

:lol: :lol: It's the same with people!!

Love the quilt, but I also would say to leave it alone and simply display it in an acid free environment. It's much too beautiful not to display, and you are right about the rest of the fabrics continuing to break down. The fabrics they used just do that over time.

I have an old Crazy Quilt block that is absolutely falling apart, but I love it!! I have it displayed in my sewing room, and everytime I go in there I look at it and think of the woman who made it. I just wish I had the rest of the quilt. I purchased it at an antique mall. Evidently, the blocks were taken apart either by the owner or the dealer and then sold individually. By the time I saw them there were only two blocks, and I bought only one of them.

I agree with you, Julie. What a shame, so much work went into it! Still, a great display piece, maybe??