Melody

Those are so wonderful. So much family history in each of them. I have one quilt that is over 100 years old that belonged to my husband's grandmother. It's in terrible shape, or at least 1/3 of it is very bad. I feel helpless to fix it or even know what to do about it. I almost feel guilty for just leaving it in the trunk.
Cherish those, at least they are all in one piece.

SuziC

Wow... those quilts are so filled with history. What wonderful stitching! I would either applique the worn spots or treasure them as they are. Either way you are very lucky to cuddle under one of those!

shaverg

They are still beautiful. I have some of my grandmothers. One is in really bad shape with top fabric missing on some of the star points. But I cherish it all the more.

grammyp

They are fabulous, even with the damaged areas. What a treasure you have been given. While you can, gather as much information as you can about each and write it down, along with a picture of the quilt.

It may be possible to re-attach some of the borders and re-bind some of the areas. If the edges are frayed, just re-binding may be enough.

For the ones that have holes or missing fabric, try looking for some old flour/sugar/feed sack fabric at yard sales and flea markets (or possible some old quilts you can cut up) to get fabric to repair the holes. I would carefully wash them if they need it, then air dry. Use the fabric and applique over the damaged areas where possible.

There are people who specialize in re-storing, but I understand they are expensive. It may be necessary to just love them as they are. And they are beautiful.

Harmony

Wow, these quilts take my breath away. All that beautiful hand quilting--your ancestors must have had the patience of a saint! I have no idea how you could fix these, but I think I'd try to get some professional advice.

I loved your choice of your favorite--I think you have triangles on the brain right now!

alaskasunshine

Oh Karla, what a wonderful reasure you have there. I believe Eddie on this board is involved in a historical quilt society of some sort perhaps he will have some suggestions on ho or what to do with the tattered spaces in your treasures. Just a thought! :thumbup:
Thanks so much for sharing those beauties with all of us. What a huge blessing for them to be given to you! :-D

Born2Sew

Such beautiful work in all of them. They are indeed treasures. I'm glad they passed them on to you, whatever you decide to do on the repair work.

Jim's Gem

What beautiful treasure you have been given!!!!

Charlee

Wonderful treasures! I'm so glad they came to you..someone who knows and appreciates quilts!

roselady

How wonderful your quilts are. I just started attending a quilt class with some ladies that restore old quilts, I happened to see one that was fixed and she said not to try to put new fabric on old, it wouldn't last long. I can't remember what she did ( I didn't have a reason to listen to closely, at the time) I will try to get some information for you if you would like me to. It will be a couple of weeks before I go back to the class, though. I have no quilters in my heritage, so no old family quilts either, but my sister found some appliqued and embroidered blocks that my grandmother had made, looks to be '30's fabrics, and she gave them to me. I will have to finish some of them. Even those mean so much to me. So happy for you.