I haven't posted in a while. I think that my back is getting better & that I'll be able to sit here at the computer for a little longer.

These quilts were in my DFL's house so they are mine now. While I was taking care of him I saw some of 'em in the closet & asked him about 'em & all he said was they were "just covers!" So I have no history on these.

Please be patient with me as I'm slow at posting pictures.

men

Thanks for sharing ... I'll look forward to seeing the others, and hearing about any stories that you do know about them.

I have a Dresden Plate from my Mom and Dad's. As kids we knew it as "the company quilt". One that Mom put on her bed when company was coming. Likewise we had "company towels" that were only put out behind the bathtub when company came.

None of my siblings know anything else ... I suspect it was from when she was married. Though possibly older. And probably was never used other than for company to see.

I'm now thrilled that I lucked out in getting this quilt ... as opposed to the siblings getting it!! :)

And I hope you too are enjoying FILs "covers" :)

MIL was worse. When she knew who she was she Didn't want any thing 'old fashion.'
Yet these were in they're house??

Stay tuned I'm still adding pictures!!

:thumbup:

I'll keep checking back ... now the work begins for you to restore and care for them. Be sure to add some labels with what you do know about them ... and the work you do to them.

Would there be any other family members who may know something? Perhaps from your ILs generation?

These look pretty special to me! Wouldn't it be nice if someone in the family could identify where they came from-any old second cousins or?

MIL's sister says that they're not from her side of the family & there's only a nephew left on FIL's side who sayes he dos'nt know. FIL's Mother may have made these or his great aunt?????

I still have more pictures coming! Sorry it's taking so long!

Last Quilt

I just love the sunbonnet sue, I am sure you can fix them or at least most of them

Lots of treasures here, thanks for sharing your collection.

Oh, those are so wonderful. I always picture someone sitting by their lamps in the evening working on projects like them. I would love to have an antique quilt to put on a wall. Great treasures you have there.

There are none left!

Should I cover the Red Work in tulle?

You have some real treasures there!

Thank you!

Wonderful "covers" lol
How funny!!
You have some real beauties there :D:D

Just covers? My goodness. I would hang on to them for sure. Even without history, they are wonderful.

WOW!! What a great collection :D:D:D

what treasures you have.

I think a lot depends on whether you want to preserve these quilts as historic quilts for collectors, or whether you want to fix them up to actually be used (if even lightly). Since these quilts were not masterpieces and were actually used enough for the binding to wear out, my inclination would be to repair them to be used. However, this could damage their historical value to a collector. You might want to call around to museums to find if there is someone who can tell you whether these would be important quilts to preserve or not.

One historical preservation technique is to applique fine toile over damaged areas.

For me, I would probably simply repair any obvious rips or tears with fabric that coordinates with the style of the fabric being repaired. (You could also search out authentic fabrics of the period, but that would take a lot longer.) Bindings can be removed and replaced or you can bind right over the existing binding.

Once the repairs were made, I would use http://www.retroclean.com to get rid of the stains.

You have found a real treasure!

What treasures you have, especially the Sun Bonnet Sue and the Double Wedding Ring. Thanks for sharing your photos.

Thank You!!

I know that these only mean anything to my family. They were a part of my DFIL's life even if he only thought of them as covers. I want to repair 'em for me.
The wedding ring is in the best condition & I'll use that cleaner asap.

The mock wedding ring only has a few small holes. It was folded wrong side out then the edges were basted down. The holes were created from the basting thread!!

I don't know whether to take the upholstery fabric off of the top of the sunbonnet sue or not. It's probably damaged underneath.

I know that I can rebind these with muslin & your affirmation in this area was comforting. I really like your idea about finding matching fabric to applique over the tears on some of these. Since I have no idea how old these are I have no way of finding time period fabric for these.

The red work is falling apart yet I wonder if it was his childhood quilt. I guessed that thats why he kept it after all these years. This one has me puzzled the most.

Again thank you so much for all your advice!!!

I would replace the upholstery fabric on the Sunflower Sue with a more appropriate fabric.

I'll do that!! I appreciate all your advice :)

Wow, they are wonderful! Look at all that handquilting. Enjoy your heirlooms!

Family quilts are so very special. I am the lucky recipient of about 10 from DD's family. My very dear MIL,her sister and their mother did them. I treasure them. One is about 110 years old and in perfect condition.

Isn't it lovely! I treasure these "covers!"

Awesome!! I wish I knew more about these!