Over the years my quilt guild has been asked whether certain old quilts can be repaired. In most cases they can't. The old fabric is brittle and often just pulls apart or tears, and the remaining sections are only held together by very old and very brittle thread. I would think if you make a sweatshirt out of it, the sweatshirt would fall apart. The suggestion we have made is to find areas that still seem to be strong and cut out squares or rectangles to frame. Info about the quilt can be added to the back. These framed portions of the quilt can be given to other family members for a nice remembrance.

dito I think this is the best way to keep the quilt going for the future.

I repaired 3 quilts for an old man [90] who just wanted to "lay under my mama's quilts before I go". They were not in as good condition as this one. The batting was old picked cotton from the fields and old feed sacks backing. It took a while, but it was worth it just to see the look on his face.
I would try to repair that one, it won't be easy, but well worth it.

I would ask my MIL if she would like a shirt or jacket made of the quilt. I would absolutely DIE if I made something from it and she didn't like it! Another thought - make a smaller lap quilt for her - but ask her first. She may not like the idea of having it cut up.

You could repair it with make do patches using material close to the same color/print. I love those old quilts because you can not buy those prints anymore. Brings back memories of my grandmothers quilts where there was a piece of my dress or an aunts blouse and grandpa's old shirt.
IdahoSandy

What a beautiful quilt…such a treasure! My vote is to repair it! Best wishes with whatever you decide to do. Keep us updated when your have completed your task, whatever it will be. I would love to see!

If it's a quilt top, it would be easier to rework than an already quilted piece. I took a 75 year old wedding ring quilt top and resewed(by hand) all the seams and then I quilted it. It made a very nice quilt and I emroidered Mom and Dad's anniversary in the center ring, and my own wedding names and dates in one of the touching rings. I intend to do my daughters date also and hand it down to her. It would have been falling apart if I hadn't redone the seams, so you have the oppertunity to save a quilt to be handed down some more generations.

MIL was going to throw away.Quilt not wanted. Yours to do what you want.Sweat shirt; a very nice idea; but will not hold up to all the stress. Please concider leaving whole for awhile longer. Don't rush.Those antique fabrics are hard to find if repairing quilts, yours looks like you could repair. It's just getting older. Still, if not decided, will send my addy. Would love, love love to take off your hands! Do enjoy your quilt.

I'm always cold also I believe that is your reason to bless the one that made it with a new jacket. What stories could be told while she wears it. Go for it. Maybe a tablerunner or small table mat made out of what is left.

Great idea! Use the small pieces for mug mats or placemats, table runners, etc. That would be a really fun project