stamped marking on vintage quilt
 

A friend has asked if I can finish a quilt begun by a grandma, who is now deceased. Not sure how long ago grandma died, so don't know how long the quilt has been sitting around.

She used pre-stamped quilt block panels and cross stitched and embroidered over.
Two problems: 1- she didn't stay on the lines always, 2- she didn't cut the blocks correctly, so info that should have been within the seam is visible. See pic.

I tried a simple wetting down of a small spot to see if it would come out, and it didn't seem to effect it. So, if I am completely unable to get the blue marks out, I am hoping perhaps I may get some suggestions how to best finish it.

Since it is unfinished, I cannot soak the parts that are pre-stamped, to see if more water would dissolve it or not.
But, assuming the blue doesn't come out, I think I would need to add another layer of sashing around the blocks to hide that. But, what color as she already has pink, burgundy and light blue borders? And what about the other places that the blue shows (mid block or border)?

As you can tell, it is a beautiful quilt, and it would be wonderful for them to have grandma's last quilt finished!

I'm probably going to be in the minority, but I think the print sort of adds a bit of whimsical charm. If it comes out in the final washing, then great, but if it doesn't its reflective of grandma's work.

I had though to that too, I didn't want to rip out anything she did, just complete it. But, I also don't want to "point out" that there are errors. Hmmmm.........

My thought too. I would not worry. Just try to the best with what you have been given.

I have some very old blocks I've never done and wondered about the blue markings. On her quilt, I'd leave them if they are difficult to get out. I did read here about some product called Restore , i believe. Might look into that.

You didn't state how old you think the squares are but back in late forties and early fifties I did embroidered pillow cases etc. Used them within the family and I don't have any recollection of the blue staying after a couple of washings. That being said I'd leave them for charm as suggested earlier or add sashing to cover. Either one creates a save and preserves the quilt and your friend's treasure and memories of her grandmother. They have already kept it all this time. My money is on it washing out once finished because the early fifties was when they first came out with the laundry markers that faded over time. Permanent markers came along a bit later.

Grandma didn't seem too worried about the blue lines showing, so I'd just finish it and, as they said, if the blue comes out - great, if not - also great. Grandma will be happy it is finished!!

The old blue stamping marks on my dear beloved Aunt's cross stitched quilt has never washed out - been washed dozens of times. I have never bleached it though - so don't know how that would work. She actually did a wonderful job on it but the X's behind the embroidery thread is still visible - yellow thread.

I would try to leave it as she made it. Grandma wasn't perfect either. What a wonderful remembrance and the quilt is beautiful with all that hand embroidery!

I found these: https://www.anniescatalog.com/quilti...=609&type_id=T
http://www.novascotiaquilts.com/2013...from-kits.html

A friend said: "I’m very interested in what you find out from others about the Grandma’s quilt that needs finishing. I too have several quilts in this same situation. (Embroidery was therapy for my mother and sister.) I’ve washed one finished quilt numerous times thinking the blue would come out over time (perhaps it has lightened a little, but not much). One of them I just went ahead and finished, ignoring the blue ink, but it really disappoints me every time I look at it! I have enough blocks to finish another one, but I’ve shelved it, because I don’t want to waste my time only to be disappointed. I would love to hear what you learn!"

this is what I meant. someone here used it and was very happy http://retroclean.com/retroclean/

thanks, I will check it out

I recently finished a quilt top that my mother had made (and stuffed away in a chest) before she died. It was a huge broken star pattern and was beautiful. But on closer inspection I found that her seams didn't match well and the top didn't lay flat in some areas, others it was fine. I really didn't want to change or fix anything she had done, because that would have made the top my work and not hers, so I did what I had to do to get it finished. It wasn't perfect, but that was ok....my mother made the top and I was grateful to be given the opportunity to finish it. My family is able to admire her work (not seeing the mistakes like I do) and enjoy the quilt on their bed!

I agree with others. Do what you can with her touch still there and add yours. You could add a label about her work if there isn't one and just add completed with your info like "Carrying on the love or continuing the love"

The marks aren't going to come out, back in the day they figured your embroidery thread covered them. Especially since the fabric is a poly blend. I would not try to change/ fix her work. Simply finish it and return it, she didn't ask you to fix it, she asked to finish it.

That would be a tough one for me.

Are you getting paid for this? or is it a labor of love?

I think I would suggest to the family that the blue stamp marks will probably not come out, but to change anything on this quilt at this point would be a major undo of grandma's work.

I think I would just mention it, and then suggest binding it, or whatever is needed to finish it off.

I have one my grandmother made and it does finally go away after several sashings. I think it is beautiful just the way it is.

I'm sorry if this sounds harsh...it is a BEAUTIFUL quilt, yet the smell from the age must be a bit bad since it's never been washed!? I've restored several older quilts - washing one will usually take that blue out. Guess it's a matter of preference.

I would leave it as it is. It's a beautiful quilt.

My only other thought when I looked at the quilt was that I would consider putting a sturdy cotton lace by the sashing to cover the words printed there. I think a quilt like this will not be washed frequently.

I would ask the owner what is preferred and go with that.

The quilt is lovely. I would leave it as is, and it will be a conversation piece. I don't remember when poly/cotton blends came out, but one block is stamped poly/cotton. Of course, I have heard that a quilt is thought of as an antique when only 25 years old, so I would just finish it and love it to death.

It's a wonderful reminder of a family member. Great embroidery. I would leave the mark alone- the family won't notice it.

Yep, the dog got the quilt with the blue markings that would not come out! I was very disappointed! Now I wish I had just left it alone.

I would leave it the way it is-quilters don't make mistakes (leaving the info on) they make design decisions.

I just finished making 3 quilts. Blocks were all made before 1981 and found only 16 years ago. I carefully washed and nothing changed. Had to square blocks the best I could then design quilt & washed ready to use. Owner was thrilled and all went better than expected. My recommendation is to do the best you can and they will be appreciated for what they are. Got the photo's from camera but can't post for an unknown reason.

Somewhere in time, I read/heard (?) never to touch an iron to the blue markings...a hot iron will make them permanent. Bad for me 'cause I press everything before I load it in the machine. I would not press blocks with those marks however, since I heard that.

Beautiful family heirloom quilt. I think the blue will wash out.

I've been embroidering since I was 10 and that's a long time. All the embroidery patterns I have that were made before 1990 were permanent. And I have tried everything on one particular quilt to remove the marks. Newer pre-stamped embroidery pieces I bought were water soluble IF you do not iron. Once ironed they too are permanent.

I agree with you

I think I would leave it as Grandma as done it and just finish it so the quilt is finished. Like several have said, if the blue washes out fine and if not fine also.

Why not just ask your friend about what her expectations are? Does she just want it done? She can see the flaws for herself. Some people just want the memory and are not concerned about perfection. My niece's husband told me about 2 quilts his grandmother made him that he loved! He used them constantly and are threadbare. She is long gone and so he cannot get another one, so he said he is sorry he didn't take better care and saved them. Told him, i bet his grandmother is happier knowing the quilts were well loved.