I have an antique velvet crazy quilt top circa 1880's. It has been in a hope chest for the last 60 years. It has not been backed; is it too late? I would like to "finish" it but I'm a little afraid to handle it.

Wow, I'm not sure. Are the fabrics delicate? Do the stitches seem delicate?
I'm by no means an expert in this, but I would think the original quilter meant for it to be finished one way or another. I would definately put a backing on it and maybe hand quilt it, if you're really worried about putting the fabric through a machine to quilt it. Or else, maybe you could tie the quilt instead of quilting it, but from the back of the quilt, that way you don't have little bits of yarn or floss distracting from the work on the front of the quilt.
Can you show us a picture? I'm sure other people will come along with more ideas or suggestions for you :)

Congrats on your baby! Is this your first?

Thanks for getting back to me on the quilt. It was made by the Mary in the "Mary Had A Little Lamb" poem or so I've been told. I will try to get a good picture to post. The work is just wonderful. She spent a lot of time on it but didn't finish it. Too bad.

PLEASE POST THE PIC AS SOON AS POSSIBLE....

i love crazy quilts. thank you so much in advance

This is our first :) thanks!

you could put the backing on like "birthing a quilt" style. lay it on top and sew around, leaving an opening to turn the quilt. then turn right side out and stitch the opening closed. then perhaps you could "tack" the quilt down in corners. that way you wont' ruin any of the blocks since it's so old. good luck. :)

Most curators would recommend to leave it as is.

I think the idea of NativeTexan to back it without quilting it will provide more protection to the exposed seams in the back.

Picture, please.

Maria

Baren*eh*ked_canadian congrads on your pregnancy.

Thanks - I'm thinking I might take it to a professional -

It's such a shame that it's just sitting in a cedar chest.....