Hi Karla,
They are wonderful quilts. I restore quilts and have a passion for old quilts and old fabrics, however, some of yours look like they just need to be left alone and cherished as is.
I would display them so I could enjoy them! If you ever decide to try to restore them be sure to get fabrics from the period in which they were made, otherwise you would spoil their beauty. I agree that that the wear reveals a unique character to them. And yes, some dyes years ago were harsh and ruined certain fabrics, also some fabrics were stronger than others.
So glad they were given to you :D

They are all beautiful!
I don't know if I could do anything to fix them, I too would be scared.

How special! I am glad that your family thought enough of you to pass on things that mean a good deal to you, though they may not understand most of it.
I can hardly wait to see what you decide <wave>

Gee karla .. You made me cry. I miss my mom and grandma too. I only have a few pieces of my mom's embroidery, but, sometimes I get them out and hug them. Silly, I know. My grandma quilted, but I didn't get any of hers. But, I take great store in the fact that (god willing) I will see them again some day.

I love all the quilts your great grandma made. She was one industrious woman to make so many. Such a treasure.

Wonderful treasure . Show us how u will fix all that turn ones, shame not to do :oops:

Karla, I just got a book on ebay: The Illustrated Guide to Vintage Quilting by Sandra Hatch that tells all about how to restore old quilts. Here's a brand new copy for $5.95. I would get this and see what you can do.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Illustrated-Guid...item4f616c50e2

Also, here's a article about restoring old quilts. There are lots more out there too.
http://www.quilthistory.com/repair.htm

Good luck!!

I think the first thing I would I do is, wrap myself up in the quilts and just remember these very special woman in your life. Repairing can wait a few more days :) I don't know how you would go about repairing them - but I think it would be worth the effort.

What beautiful treasures, even to display one at a time would be wonderful, I saw in a quilting mag once where the old quilts were repaired with a fine layer of soft bridal 'Tulle' appliqued over the worn piecing, ( not the scratchy nylon net type) You could hardly see it at all as it comes in ivory and white and they had used the ivory. This method would be saving the quilt in it's original state, no fabrics to match, no unpicking and no added weight to the quilt as the Tulle is extra light. This is if you were wanting to use them of course to help strenghten them, if you are thinking of displaying them only, then I would leave as is.

Gal

I like Gal's idea of using tulle and I'd try to find a way to display them. I'd consider putting the oldest and most worn out in he brighter months and the ones least damaged by time and wear out in the winter months, I think that would help the best ones last longest.

Too many girl cousins in my family to get such a wealth of treasure but since you've got them, enjoy!
Jois

I love the flying geese one - it is beautiful!