I fixed a sewing machine for a friend of a friend. The machine was his Grandmother's Singer 401. He inherited her house, along with most of the contents. He wanted to pay me but I don't take money to work on machines. He went in another room and came out with a Grandma's Flower Garden quilt top his Grandmother had hand pieced, he insisted I take it. I have never done anything with it because I didn't want to machine quilt a hand pieced top.

I want to learn to hand quilt and I have decided it will be my first victim. Here is my dilemma, I don't feel right keeping the quilt once it is finished. I want to give it back to him or his parents. It was his father's mom who made the top. I asked when he gave it to me if someone in his family would want it to finish. He told me "No, Gram never finished them and no one knows how to, so I'm giving them away". What would you do and how would you approach the family once it is completed?

It is good to see there are still some unselfish people left in the world! Best of luck to you with your hand quilting, your right it should never be machine quilted. as far as approaching the family your on your own there.

One of the most difficult lessons I have learned in life is to accept compliments and kindnesses. You did something nice for this man and he has reciprocated. Accept his thank you graciously and rather than trying to give the quilt back to him, pay it forward when the next opportunity comes your way. Accepting thank yous and compliments shows the person who gave them to you that you respect their gift.

I agree I'd also make sure the label had all the information you just gave us and his Grandmas name then I'd show it to your friend. I'm sure he would love to see it finished

Finish the quilt (or give it to someone who can do it justice), and pass on the blessing!

Finish it and show him. Remember some don't appreciate quilts like we do but he might enjoy seeing it finished.

How special! Please post a pic of it-I am making one (all hand-pieced and will be hand-quilted) and I always love looking at different layouts and colors!

Pay it forward. You must finish it for him. Therese

Say " Thank you very much. I will finish the top and treasure it since you gave it to me and I am sure it was made with love by your Grandma." Why is it so hard for us to accept a token of appreciation? I believe in Karma- nice things come to people who do nice things.

You mention that he had other tops that his grandmother had done that no one else knows how to quilt ...

Why don't you just tell him to pick out one of those that he really likes, or has a special connection to, and you would gladly quilt that one for him for free .... and label it with his grandmother's name as the piecer and him as the recipient ....

If he doesn't want one, perhaps his dad would, since his dad may have more memories of the quilt's origin.

I would finish it and take a photo and send a nice picture and card to the family to show them how you are caring for the piece. That was very kind of him to give it to you.

I am very grateful that he gave it to me. Believe me, it isn't that I don't appreciate it. I suppose I attach more significance to items passed down from family members or made by family. I like to see things stay in the family because I hear so many say "I wish I had my ... but it was thrown away after she/he passed.

Anyway - I pulled the top out this morning to see what I was getting myself into. I don't know how I can do this. The blocks are on a foundation of muslin, all needle turn applique and made of real 1930's fabrics. It isn't a Grandma's Flower Garden, it is a 6 petal daisy. I'll get some pictures up today. The blocks and sashing have been machine sewn together, not hand sewn like the flowers. The top is very large - larger than my Queen bed.

It is too pretty to stay in my stash tote for another 30 years

Perhaps you could ask him if he would like it donated to a charity of his choice-and see if you can get a group (or guild) that does charity quilts to quilt if for you. Just a thought-sounds like a huge job! Maybe ask to see some of the others he might have, and pick one to finish for him that doesn't require such a committment. Just a thought!

I would love to see a picture of it, even if it's unfinished or partly finished as I'm trying to do a layout for pillowcases to match my quilt top that I'm working on

I think it may be hard for us because we're the ones often giving the quilts away, not receiving them. Just my opinion