HELP--What Would You Do
 

Ok I have been given a something. Has been quilted-I think on a long arm BUT no guarantee to this. It is not hand quilted, so the long arm is the most likely. It is white thread on white fabric. It has been cut at sections and I had to also trim it to make a double bed size as It was chopped badly when originally cut by whoever. The pattern is very nice but would have been better in a color (in my opinion). There is also NO binding.

I received it from the senior center, and it has been sitting here for about 2 years as I am not certain what to do with it. I will state this fact—It is VERY warm under it. I have been sleeping under it as the outside temperature dropped overnight from the 40’s to the teens with a wind chill below zero. No white rain just extreme cold. Normally I use a simple flat sheet here with the air/heater set at 75d year-round.

I want to do something to give it some kind or color but since it is already quilted would it be better to applique or embroider a design on this. I’m posting the only good picture I have of the quilt to give you all an idea of what I have to work with. Thanks for all input. I really want to get this one finished as a twin bed size quilt.

I think I would just square it up and put a binding on it hopefully, close to the color the fabric is already. I don't like to do handwork so I wouldn't embroidery or do applique on it. I would just use it as a warm quilt!

Is it a whole cloth quilt? I would just bind and enjoy!

Is it cotton? You could dye it any color you want if you have a large enough tub to do it in.

It definitely looks like a whole cloth white quilt. They were quite popular a few years ago, but they were hand quilted. Maybe it is someone's practice for machine quilting? Personally, I would not add any applique to it, unless it has holes. Just bind the quilt and try to match the fabric, use a natural unbleached muslin maybe? Keep it as a utility quilt or give it away. Since it belongs to you, just do what makes you happy.

Are you positive it's a handmade item - does it actually have a backing fabric? Hard to say from the photo, but it could be a matelasse bedspread that someone cut. Otherwise, I agree with those who mention a wholecloth quilt or possibly a practice piece.

A thought: appliqué antique Doillies or hankies to add the color you want or go in a totally different direction and applique orphan blocks randomly on it!

Like what Terry in ADK has to say, those antique hankies would look great, maybe not too hard to do !

Yes it is a whole cloth. Both sides.

Yes, this.