Looks like no one wants me to cut into it. I will have to learn how to repair it and also how to hand quilt.
I got the idea for a jacket at the International Quilt Show in Houston last November. I saw some very pretty jackets made out of old quilts and immediately thought of this quilt. My mil is always cold so I thought a jacket made out of the quilt her gm made her would be perfect.

I don't think it could handle the washing or the wear.I would repair it. :)

The fabric may not hold up to the rigors of being sewn together for a sweatshirt if it is 70 years old. Our local quilt shop is owned by a quilt historian who says that sometimes old quilt tops will be ruined if sewn into a quilt because the fabric is so weak. If you have a local quilt shop nearby, they may be able to give you some advice on what to do with this beautiful top.

I too would try to salvage and repair what I could rather than make some new item out of it. I know that's very time consuming but well worth trying to preserve this antique beauty.

Well put. I agree.

Make her a jacket out of a quilt YOU make her. Make her a QUILT out of the quilt that her GM made her!

Like Fiber Artist said, if its coming apart already at the seams from just sitting around it will REALLY fall apart once it is turned into a jacket and used all the time plus washing it....would be a nightmare! And all your hard work would be down the drain!

Your MIL would have it in the trash by now so don't fret over using it. I think the sweatshirt jacket is a great idea. It's not like your MIL will be tossing it in the washer after each wearing.

no help,just wanted to say i LOVE your avatar!
dar

Like many before me has said, it is your decision, but I would never be able to cut it up, its a part of family history and someone put alot of work into making it, I personally would repair it. Good luck on your decision, I am sure it cannot be an easy one.

OMG! Cut it up? No way!! That thing is too valuable to cut up. Fix it, make it smaller if you have to, but don't cut it up!