Would you hang an 85 year old quilt?
 

One of our church members found a quilt from the 30's where the Aid members embroidered there names on a block. It was on an auction in our small town from a family that was long time members of our church. She has donated it back to the church. It is in wonderful shape, only a few stained spots. Our archive committee would like to hang it near the church organ for one day during our next anniversary. I would have to sew a sleeve to the back. I'm tending to agree with their decision because people should be able to see it. It is now rolled up and in archival paper in a dark closet. Am I missing something? What should I be careful about? They wanted to place it behind glass and have it showcased in our large entry. Thankfully the cost was way beyond what they wanted to pay. The sun would have for sure ruined it. Because I am the quilter in the bunch I have a say, but I do not have any relatives on the quilt so I feel I am open to any pros and cons. Thank you! I was so excited when I first saw it. One day I will post a picture. I didn't think to take one when we last had it out.

I don't see the point of hiding it in a dark closet for no one to see. I say hang it.

The title of this thread is longer than appears on the Recent Topics page. It shows as "[h=2]Would you hang an 85 year old"[/h]:D :D :D

I got a laugh out of it, too.

I think I would hang it with clothespins or office clips rather than sew a sleeve onto it, but I definitely agree it should be hung and admired - on a regular basis - rather than put away into a dark closet.

That made me laugh, too. Of course, it also made me click on the thread to see what the heck it was about. :D

I would definitely display it on special days. Quilts should be enjoyed.

Like Dunster, I would suggest using something like clothespins, or the small binder clips rather than sewing a hanging sleeve to it.

Rob

I would sew on a sleeve. Clothespins and the like are too easily and quickly removed by a thief.

I have volunteered at our state historical society, sewing sleeves onto antique quilts so they can be displayed at shows. I don't think it would hurt the quilt to have a sleeve and viewing for just one day. Some quilts, depending on how they're made, what type of batting, etc., can be damaged by hanging and would be better viewed on a slanted board. If you are concerned about damage, draping might be the better solution. If you do decide to sew a sleeve on, make your stitches fairly large so that the sleeve can be easily removed if necessary.