Faded quilts.
 

Does anybody have any ideas as to what to do with quilts or table toppers that have faded from the sun? I hate to just throw them away...

It will be interesting to see if anything can be done. I made a memory quilt for my parents a while back. However, over time all of the photos and fabric have faded terribly.

A badly faded quilt can be the batt for another quilt.

depending on where the fade spots are, perhaps an applique over the spot?

this is a good idea, too

Turn over and use as a whole cloth.

If quilts are used as a cover for warmth on a bed, what does it matter if it is faded? It can be covered in the day with your favorite quilt of the day which is not faded. I believe in using things up. If you don’t want to use it on a bed, how about a picnic blanket, an emergency blanket in your car or perhaps a dog blanket? What about children’s playtime over a card table as a hiding place? I couldn’t bring myself to throw away a faded quilt with lots of use left in it.

How about bright applique flowers all over it & just use quilt as muted background.

Depending upon what it is (quilt or topper) - you can dye, ice dye, markle/shiva paint sticks though stencils, inktense, bobbin work, embroider, applique, skin it or remove the quilting and re-quilt perhaps with big stitch with bright bold colours. Hardest bit is to take that first step.

HettyB

I like picnic , kids pay fort idea!! Get kids interested in quilts !! Otherwise batting... or you can make a cover , like duvet cover...

If there's no sentimental value, I would cut them up & make tote bags. I love to use totes as project bags and it wouldn't matter if they were a bit faded. That would add to the charm!

maybe tea dye it? would soften and darken some colors.

http://www.quiltdad.com/2012/02/can-...-be-saved.html
also there is a product called Restoration. annie's closet has it. says it is good. I never used it myself.
Good luck.

don't think Restoration will do anything about fading although wonderful for cleaning.

My SIL made heart ornaments out of a quilt for all of us one Christmas.

This is such an important question. I made a quilt in the late 70s. It is a king-size sampler quilt. I was trying desperately to hand quilt it (while raising 6 children and working). Hand quilting was slow and I was terribly discouraged. I had it pinned and kept it on our bed as is while I tried to work on it. I used a clay-colored fabric, which did fade. There was also a great deal of bearding, which was very discouraging too. It is the only one that did. I have that beautiful quilt in a container and have not finished it. I think it is time to get it out, machine quilt it, use it and love it. So much work already in it.

I just saw this on line the other day . They make clothes outbof old quilts!Anna
https://www.gq.com/story/emily-bode-...e-nyfw-preview

Use it till it's shredding is my motto. I have placed quilts in my emergency supply box, trunk of car for emergencies, and in my RV. Hubbie has a quilt in his truck for emergencies, too....or...If it's not sentimental, donate and make new ones.

I haven't had that problem as of yet. My Late Son used up several quilts until they were not usable anymore. He loved the quilts I made for him.

If you can't or don't want to use it, donate it to your local police department to use for comfort when children have to be removed from a dangerous home situation. It can stay in the trunk of the cruiser until needed.

I've made teddy bears from an old quilt that sold very well at a craft show. Just the other day I saw a short cape made from an old quilt. It was shaped so it wouldn't fall off the shoulders. It just looked like it would be like being wrapped in a warm hug.

Oh, I like that idea!