I agree, Irishrose. Let's just hope she doesn't burn more than just a hole in the quilt.
QuilterMomof3, don't let your kids stay at her house without any other adult supervision. Good luck and let us know what you decide.

So the question really is: do you want to repair these quilts? I have relatives who are smokers, and I still love them. If one of my smoking relatives were having this problem, I think what I'd do is make sure there was a smoke detector in the room for a real fire. And then I'd find some kind of material that doesn't burn through, and I'd make a blanket for her out of that material to put over her bedding, so the bedding doesn't catch on fire or make holes in the quilts. And then I'd patch the quilts as nicely as possible. And I'd do it because I loved her.

Has she not heard the horror stories of what can happen when you smoke in bed? I would tell her a few and offer to repair the quilts only if she stops smoking in bed. Maybe you could scatter a few yoyos around to cover the holes.

Great idea! My daughter was a heavy smoker, and her furniture and bedding were covered with cigarette burns. She is lucky she didn't burn the house down! By appliquéing a "no smoking" sy
mbol, not only have you repaired the quilts, but have let her know of your concern.

I would take the quilts back to her and show HER how to fix them (applique patches over the burned areas). If she wants them fixed, she will fix them. Then, when she burns the next one, she can fix it herself.

Appliques come to mind. Smoking in bed is a dangerous habit. I agree with purple passion.

I agree with adding batting to the areas and then appliquéing and doing some patchwork on the back. However, consider using fabric that doesn't readily blend or complement the existing fabric...may take a while, but eventually she might start to see the number of obvious patches and maybe realize that her habits need to change.

I understand she's not a seamstress or quilter. That's why I said show her how to do it. Then who knows,you might start something :) Sometimes all it takes is someone showing them something and helping them to get them started on the quilting road.PLUS if she KNOWS what it takes to repair it then perhaps she will understand the time involved. If you are willing and have the time you could make this a 'together thing' if she isn't to far away.

This may be the "line in the sand" to make her realize that what she is doing is dangerous to her, in many ways.
Those quilts are going to reek of old stale smoke. I would tell her that I don't want to have them in my house, it is all but
impossible to get rid of the smell. Sorry I can't be more sympathetic to you and to her.

I love the idea of yo-yos. It would cover the hole and wouldn't even have to match the surrounding fabric while at the same time adding a design element. One on each side would probably be enough padding that no additional batting would be needed. And if you wanted to add more yo-yos randomly placed over the top you probably couldn't tell it was covering a hole.

You took the words right out of my mouth.

My kids don't stay with anyone other then my mom & stepdad or mom-in-law if my husband or myself is also there...

I really like that idea!! I forgot to mention that almost all the quilts are her living mother's...not her's.

Sad part is, there'd be NO need to add extra yoyos...there are PLENTY of holes to cover...

She's one of those people that means well, and "tries" to help or remember to show up, but is a real flake...

She lives 45 miles away, I have 3 small children, and am the sole driver in our home.

Just an update: The quilts belong to my Grandma, not the aunt who burnt them...

Also, someone asked for pics...I only have one quilt right now...And I used a quarter for hole-size comparison...

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Most of the quilt top...I had to drape it over an wardrobe, so you can't see all of it, but you can see most of it...
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Another option might be to make a coverlet for the quilt. That could be done with sheets. I realize she wouldn't be able to see the pretty design in the quilt BUT, it might be easier/faster/simpler to do that. Just a thought.

At some point, it becomes fruitless to do repairs on some things. IMHO

Thanks for posting the pictures. How sad to see such a beautiful quilt so damaged. I'm trying to repair an antique applique quilt that is getting holes, just from wearing out. The quilt label is off. The binding is worn through. I think someone washed it carelessly. I inherited it, and don't know it's history. I'm not having good luck with appliqueing patches or using a fusible. The fusible makes the patch so thick, stiff, and noticable. The applique is pulling already thin threads. Maybe I need an even thinner needle and thread.

Anymore suggestions for repairing quilts? Let's get off the smoking rant. (Don't smoke, never smoked, but would really like to repair this quilt as well as possible.)
[HR][/HR]Brenda

[QUOTE=brendapm;5546911]Thanks for posting the pictures. How sad to see such a beautiful quilt so damaged. I'm trying to repair an antique applique quilt that is getting holes, just from wearing out. The quilt label is off. The binding is worn through. I think someone washed it carelessly. I inherited it, and don't know it's history. I'm not having good luck with appliqueing patches or using a fusible. The fusible makes the patch so thick, stiff, and noticable. The applique is pulling already thin threads. Maybe I need an even thinner needle and thread.

Anymore suggestions for repairing quilts? Let's get off the smoking rant. (Don't smoke, never smoked, but would really like to repair this quilt as well as possible.)

I should have added that someone else tried to repair this quilt before. There are several appliqued patches on the back (muslin) that have a stiff dark tan line down the middle (I'm assuming some kind of fray stopper) there are now holes beyond/outside the applique stitching of these patches. I'm thinking of finding fabric (all the appliques are solid) and tracing patterns from the quilt top to add to the backing and the quilt top where the muslin is torn. There are 2 leaves fraying off the front. If I can find suitable fabric I may replace the whole leaf.

Mother of 3 and I would appreciate any more ideas for repairing there quilts.


[HR][/HR]Brenda[When all else fails, go to pieces.]

Brenda, are you repairing it by hand? When I was repairing bridal gowns and prom dresses - it's amazing what heels can do a dress - I put tulle behind to stabilize it and used a small zigzag stitch on the machine. A ZZ stitch distributes the tension on the fabric more than a straight stitch. It sounds like you have your hands full.

Mom, my post from last night isn't here. I'll repeat - that is a lovely Dahlia quilt. You, too, will have your hands full if you decide to repair it.

There are too many holes for this idea, but on our charity comfort quilts at church we always put (applique) a cross stitched Bible verse of encouragement. With just-starting quilters, I sometimes use the Bible verse to cover that place where the iron singed a seam too much, or there was big pucker in a seam, or we found a hole in a seam AFTER we put it together. Works out Just great...... I did like the yo-yo idea. 6 Small ones in a circle to look like flowers. Then again, lots of work with no guarantee that it won't happen again. I guess it is time to go to Target or Kmart and get her a purchased comforter to damage and LEAVE Grandma's quilts alone!!!!