ghostrider

A quilt, even a top, is only as old as the last work done on it, so when you 'finish' them, they will forevermore be dated as 2011 quilts, not 1920-whatever.

Chances are, it will last longer as a vertically displayed top than as a finished quilt being used, even as a flat lying display on an unused bed collecting dust and such. The owner may get to enjoy it, but odds are her great-grandchildren won't be so lucky.

Sewfine

Wow! antique. I am not sure I understand about the "foundation pieced on newspaper." Guess I need to do some research.

jaciqltznok

IF you really have to quilt them, PLEASE do it in a more traditional way and don't McTavish them to death...doubt the fabric will hold up too much manipulation as it is. But to honor their age, use something plain on the back and keep the quilting traditional/heirloom quality.
Of course you do realize they might not quilt easily...so don't be upset by puckers, pulls, waving edges, etc..

I wish you luck. Do keep us posted when they are done!

TX GMimi

My opinion? Take the pp quilt to a business that prints blueprints for architects. I'll bet they could make a copy of the back - then you wouldn't feel badly about removing the paper. It might be costly, but I'm wondering if the dentist and his wife might one day regret removing the paper? Just my two cents worth. Good luck!

susaninmd

What an opportunity! I would contact someone from the Smithsonian on how to remove and preserve the paper.

The American Textile History Museum is affiliated with the Smithsonian. I used to live near Lowell, it is in an old textile mill right on the canal and it is a wonderful place with very knowledgeable people!

They could also give you great information on the handling of this Depression Era American treasure!

491 Dulton Street
Lowell, Massachusetts 01854-4221
(978)441-0400
http://www.athm.org/

Another possibility is The Textile Museum in Washington, DC:
http://www.textilemuseum.org/

You have an outstanding piece of history in your hands—even though it is not yours—and could be a wonderful experience.

Annette Searcy

the first two doesn't look old to me. too much bright color and never saw the pattern back then and I had a quilting Mommaw. I have a couple of her quilts from the 30's and the colors weren't that clear and bright. The old one looks like something she made out of our old clothes.

Evie

Remove the newspaper! If needed, we are advised to store our precious quilts wrapped in acid-free paper to protect the fabric; newsprint is not acid-free.

Tinabodina

I agree with the others. I would be afraid I would ruin the value. I would have them appraised first, or should I say, ask the owners if they have had them appraised. Too many people do not realize what they have.

one-and-only

Would it be possible to make a collage of news print pieces that contain dates and places, photocopy them to fabric, and use as a background for a quilt label or as the label itself for the quilt? Just an idea.

jljack

I would do as she asks. They are, after all, her family heirlooms. I don't think you can save the newspaper...it's obviously going to be very fragile. The 1920s fabrics are probably real flour/seed sacks.