I have some "very" old quilt blocks that were my great grandmother's. There are enough for an entire quilt top.

These blocks are probably close to 100 years old but are in great condition. I would love to make these up into something to preserve them but not sure how they will hold up. The cloth seems to be strong still.

They are so beautiful and a family heirloom, I don't want to run the risk of losing them. Any suggestions on what to do with them?

Pictures would be nice. We will know more then. Plus there was another recient thread about old blocks and how to care for them. You might want to look that up and read through too.

Truthfully I would put them together and then hang this item behind protected glass.. make it something to look at but not wash and play with. If your family is larger maybe make four wall quilts not one big quilt and share with everyone a framed piece of the past as a gift at Christmas.

I have a quilt my mother made over 75 years ago. I just this last week cut all the yarns ties and I am going to take the cotton sutuffing out and insert the cotton batting we have today. Only 3 of the diamond blocks need to be sewn back. It is in really good shape. Your blocks should hold up. Precious is a quilt made from blocks this old. Good Luck!

I will get them out of the cedar chest and try taking pictures so I can post them. I will keep searching. I have been trying to find a thread about it this morning.

NancyA

What a great idea.

Oh please take them out of the cedar chest!! The interaction of the cotton fabric and wood will cause the fabric to yellow and weaken the threads. Fabric should never be stored in anything made from wood or wood pulp, like boxes or newspaper. Instead, wrap them in acid free paper and put them in a pillowcase, then store them in a plastic box. I'll be looking forward to seeing your mom's blocks. They indeed are precious.

Just wondering ....if it is so bad to store things in the cedar chest, then what are we suppose to use it for? I have my Mom's cedar chest and have the old quilts and afgans in it . I don't have any where else to store them. Elaine

I always wondered that too. I have a cedar chest and I didn't know what to do about the things I had stored there. So I just wrapped them in acid free paper and put the plastic box in the cedar chest. So far, so good..................I probably won't be around to see them turn yellow anyway, but my girls will. LOL I guess I should have said not touching the wood or wood fiber..............

Wasn't cedar used originally to keep moths out of winter wollens?