Good point on dyes. One example is "Paris Green". The color was made with arsenic as a component. Would you want future babies sucking on that? At some point, it has crossed over from a utilitarian piece to an object of art, still beautiful, just evolved.

teehee, kinda like us 'vintage quilters', eh?

;)

I am so sorry for your loss and I would love to see pics of what you have inherited. You have come to the right place for loving hands and heaarts to help you protect and preserve your treasures!! The folks here are knowledgable and very very kind. Enjoy and carry on your familys quilting tradition!! I bless you in Jesus name

I also agree with some of the others that the quilts should be completed and if you have children/grandchildren, they may want one as a momento of grandma. As far as the silk one, I also agree that it shouldn't have anything done to it. Maybe there's a quilt appraiser in your area that you could have a look at the silk top and advise you on what options you have on preserving or displaying it. They also might tell you how to take care of it. Talk to someone in a local quilt guild, they may be able to help you find someone. And at some quilt shows they have appraisers there that could help you.

Sorry to hear about your mom. You are very lucky to have inherited so much. I can't help with your questions but was very happy to read Dorothy' s info on how to post pictures because I have not done so yet because I didn't know how. Maby now I will try it.

I totally agree with Eddie. I hand quilt old quilt tops all the time and once a lady brought me a silk apple core small quilt top. Since some of the fabrics were about to fall apart with age, I just advised her, and I did it, to just tie it in an embroidery thread that blended into the colors of the fabric so it wouldn't be distracting, and that's how I finished the quilt top for her.

there are ways to preserve an antique top with fine mesh. I totallly agree with ghostrider - if you ruin the silk top quilting it - it's ruined forever.

Hi and welcome from the sunny state of Florida!!
I'm so sorry for the loss of your Mother!! You're in my thoughts and prayers!
We'd all love to see some pics of your antique quilts! I'd also be careful about taking pics of the silk quilt(nothing with a flash). Please get it appraised and find out what they suggest about finishing it and then do what YOU want to do!!!