Trying to save this quilt...but how old is it?
#1
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Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Texas
Posts: 18
Trying to save this quilt...but how old is it?
I got this quilt at a local consignment store and haggled down to 20 dollars. It has so much character. You can see the printing still from feedsacks(?) used to make it. The batting is still really thick and not at all lumpy/uneven. It has names embroidered into it. I really want to fix it up. I've only done small fixes before though...and this one needs a lot of work.
Are there any tips/info anyone can give me about this? My plan is to unravel (cut seams) the most damaged row and use that fabric to repair the rest. My questions are: Is this a good plan? Is it even worth this effort? Do I need to use a special thread for an older quilt? Any ideas on how old this quilt is? (Pics below)
I'm a newbie, just introduced myself in introductions. I hope I can stick around for awhile since I'm amassing a bit of a quilt "rescue" collection..
Are there any tips/info anyone can give me about this? My plan is to unravel (cut seams) the most damaged row and use that fabric to repair the rest. My questions are: Is this a good plan? Is it even worth this effort? Do I need to use a special thread for an older quilt? Any ideas on how old this quilt is? (Pics below)
I'm a newbie, just introduced myself in introductions. I hope I can stick around for awhile since I'm amassing a bit of a quilt "rescue" collection..
#3
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Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 41,538
What is it's intended purpose? Do you want it in good enough shape to use or just display? The trouble with cutting a section off is that you will have to secure the ends of the quilting threads so they don't unravel. If you do that then you could use the damaged part to repair the rest of the quilt. I would only use the extra fabric to applique over the damaged spots rather than trying to piece them in. You want to be able to save as much of the original quilting as possible.
If it's just for display, I would gently submerge it in a bathtub with mild soap and gently manipulate it and rinse it in the tub too. I'd let the quilt drain in the tub undernight so it would not be soaking wet before you try to lift it out. See how it looks after washing and lay it out flat on a sheet to dry. It's not a really practical time of year to attempt this if you live where it is cold and it might be better to wait until spring/summer when you can lay it out outside. If it's just for display I'd fold it so the "good" part was out and not bother to repair it but do what you think is best.
If it's just for display, I would gently submerge it in a bathtub with mild soap and gently manipulate it and rinse it in the tub too. I'd let the quilt drain in the tub undernight so it would not be soaking wet before you try to lift it out. See how it looks after washing and lay it out flat on a sheet to dry. It's not a really practical time of year to attempt this if you live where it is cold and it might be better to wait until spring/summer when you can lay it out outside. If it's just for display I'd fold it so the "good" part was out and not bother to repair it but do what you think is best.
#4
Super Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Georgia
Posts: 2,048
Definitely feedsack for backing, very nice find. I am always so glad to see people rescue quilts. The plum seems to be in the worst shape. Are the names complete enough that you might find descendants of the makers?
#5
Super Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: West Texas
Posts: 2,073
Are there any town or county names? Any dates?
Here in our community (West Texas), friendship/autograph quilts seem to have been popular right around 1930.
I would definitely recommend gently washing it, and then you will have a better idea of what you have. It is odd that there is so much wear on the quilt top, but the batting doesn't show signs of shifting. Perhaps it hasn't been laundered much over these years. It will be quite a project to repair this quilt -- good luck!
Dayle
Here in our community (West Texas), friendship/autograph quilts seem to have been popular right around 1930.
I would definitely recommend gently washing it, and then you will have a better idea of what you have. It is odd that there is so much wear on the quilt top, but the batting doesn't show signs of shifting. Perhaps it hasn't been laundered much over these years. It will be quite a project to repair this quilt -- good luck!
Dayle
#7
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Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Western Wisconsin
Posts: 12,930
I would probably use RetroClean on it. See http://www.retroclean.com . Not sure, but I think a more archivalist approach to preservation is to hand apply fine netting over the worn spots. That wouldn't be enough if the quilt is to be used, but is the least invasive way to preserve the quilt for the long-term.
#8
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Texas
Posts: 18
What is it's intended purpose? Do you want it in good enough shape to use or just display? The trouble with cutting a section off is that you will have to secure the ends of the quilting threads so they don't unravel. If you do that then you could use the damaged part to repair the rest of the quilt. ....It's not a really practical time of year to attempt this if you live where it is cold and it might be better to wait until spring/summer when you can lay it out outside.
Are there any town or county names? Any dates?
Here in our community (West Texas), friendship/autograph quilts seem to have been popular right around 1930.
I would definitely recommend gently washing it, and then you will have a better idea of what you have. It is odd that there is so much wear on the quilt top, but the batting doesn't show signs of shifting. Perhaps it hasn't been laundered much over these years. It will be quite a project to repair this quilt --
Here in our community (West Texas), friendship/autograph quilts seem to have been popular right around 1930.
I would definitely recommend gently washing it, and then you will have a better idea of what you have. It is odd that there is so much wear on the quilt top, but the batting doesn't show signs of shifting. Perhaps it hasn't been laundered much over these years. It will be quite a project to repair this quilt --
#10
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Texas
Posts: 18
I would probably use RetroClean on it. See http://www.retroclean.com . Not sure, but I think a more archivalist approach to preservation is to hand apply fine netting over the worn spots. That wouldn't be enough if the quilt is to be used, but is the least invasive way to preserve the quilt for the long-term.
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