I don't think you would want to expose it to too much light or it would fade a lot. If you do frame it, use a UV glass.

You are right - I will make sure to protect it from the light. I will probably put it on the wall in my spare bedroom where I have furniture, etc that belonged to my grandmother. It should fit in there nicely.

Looks like that little black and white patch matches the same fabric that is next to the navy piece.

It is similar, but not quite the same.

I would definitely have it framed. It would then be protected!

i like your idea of using it as a mat for your family tree...definitely a shadow box...and definitely uv glass...

will be a little expensive but well worth it...

what a wonderful find

What a treasure! I'd frame it or shadow box it and put the legend of where it came from on the back, along with old pictures of your great grandparents. I also love your idea of using it as a backdrop for your family tree.

I'll bet the original quilter was removing stitches she didn't like, or dropped her scissors on the quilt while working on it, and created a small hole in the fabric. She went to her neighbors who also were quilters, and showed them the small hole. She was very upset about it. One of the neighbors told her to applique a small patch over the hole, and it will look like she intended it as part of the design. And so, her hard work was saved.

Hi AnnMarie,

I would have the whole cloth piece framed. I would not cut up the piece at all. I would not use it as a mat either. You want to be able to see all of the different pieces of fabric.

There is uv protection glass and you can have a small shadow box frame and need to use acid-free paper and matting. Your local Hobby Lobby and frame stores can give you suggestions. I would check out several with their pricing. There are some that let you frame your own.

What a wonderful heirloom that's probably from past family members. The wedding dress is an heirloom as well. There are places would love to have such as item if you really don't want to keep it in the family. Do you know any of the history of the dress? Handle it with care and don't do anything to it until you talk with an expert. Keeping it intact without cleaning keeps the value and integrity of the dress.

Good luck with your treasures.

Pam M

I'm sure that one of the Universities in Michigan has an extensive quilt collection -- I remember seeing a magazine story about it once. If I can find something on the Web I'll send it to you.