I think you should leave her stitiches in. While it may not look perfect, in years to come, they will be HER stitiches and you will have fond memories of the hard work she did. It may not wear as well, but if all you wanted was a blanket, you can find that at Land's End. I think so much of quilting is the work of the person who made it, and you should consider that in your decision. But at the end of the day, if it will always bother you to have stitching that shows - then the work to redo it is worth the time.

why not leave her stitches there and work your invisible stitches around them?

I would always wash it with Synthrapol and immediately lay it out flat to dry. Synthrapol suspends unset dye particles in the wash water so they get rinsed away instead of settling into other fabrics. That way, even if the reds run, they are likely not to stain the other fabrics. Also, I would never soak the quilt, to prevent dye transferring from direct contact -- just a brief washing in Synthrapol immediately followed by rinse immediately followed by laying out flat to dry.

For drying, I would lay a large sheet on top of grass and spread the quilt out on that. I'd anchor down a sheet on top of the quilt to keep the fabrics out of direct sunlight (to prevent fabric fading).

or, as in my own case, to prevent birding.

I agree with Connie about the effort and time your MIL put into this quilt. Also as someone else stated, it is a part of her history of applique.

I also agree with others that the stitches look fine.

I would like to add another view point. If I followed you correctly, it now belongs to your MIL's mother. If this is the case, I think it is more important to leave it as is. I know if I got my hands on my daughter's first attempt at something like applique, I would want it as she did it. Just my opinion of course, but then I am very sentimental.

Oh, yes. I forgot about the birds!

What have you decided to do??Now we all prob want to know...I know I do:)LOL

I think I agree with the majority. I like the "folksy" stitches and they go so well with the blocks. I wouldn't change a thing and just echo quilt the appliques. It could become a family heirloom.

Try using polyester (not nylon, which will melt as soon as an iron touches it) invisible thread and machine applique it.

Perhaps you should hang it and look at awhile before "redoing" it. It may grow on you. You may want to find some one who appreciates it for what it is. What ever your decision, enjoy the process and honor the spirit of the original creator! Many of the really great quilts have 500-800 hours in them. If you want to redo it, be prepared to spend the time needed and enjoy every minute of it. Don't machine applique it! Make a duplicate if you want to machine applique.

I have to admit, after seeing both of your applique stitching, I myself would have done invisible stitching. But your MIL's stitching, though visible, is consistent and really looks fine. I would leave it - after quilting it, you will love it.

Gosh I love this quilt!!! I am currently doing the exact same one. It is from Eleanor Burns quilt in a day. I think the applique stitch looks fine although I am making much smaller stitches in the one I am doing. To be given this top is a real treat.

I'm sorry I wouldn't change it either....her stitches are big and show but they are very even....