That sure is pretty! I would repair it by hand.

Bill, How extensive would the repairs be? If it isn't much, and you made the repairs, it would last another 100 years.

Do you have to replace fabrics (???), personally I would not fix it, but that's just me. However, I would put a label on the back telling your friends story of making it and how you received it.

This is an awesome gift and the quilt is really gorgeous! I love the ruffles in the quilt, never seen anything like this before and you are a lucky man that you get it.

I defenitly would repair it. (by hand)

What a beautiful, unique and wonderful gift. I don't know how to advise you on repairing it. I don't know if it changes the value of the quilt if you do repair it. If it doesn't,and you have enough confidence, then I say go ahead and repair it.

Ditto. I agree. God bless. Penny

I think you have to decide which is more important to you -- having an antique given to you by a friend or using an antique quilt given to you by a friend. If it will only be a possession that you will store, then I say leave it in it's present condition. If you want to use it or have it on display, then I say make hand repairs that will add to the longevity of the quilt. Remember, her intention was that you would make the repairs.

I agree with "Marjpf"...what a wonderful gift !!!

I believe that you should repair it so that it can be used (or not) and also so that it would last longer. Unrepaired, I would be afraid that it would continue to deteriorate. You want this special gift to last for years.

Yes, definitely make a label for the quilt telling its story. There is value in the story. Who knows this might find its way to a museum many years from now.

Such a delightful gift from a cherished friend! You are both blessed to know each other.

warm quilt hugs, sue in CA

I have decided that I will one day make the repairs..I don't need to worry about the top because I think that I can repair that by simple stitching the fabric strips back in place...I do need to make a couple of repaires or patches to the back because there are a couple of tears in the sugar sack back..but I can perhaps just use muslin and hand sew large squares to cover the tears..to protect the back...
For washing, I am thinking that perhaps a gentle wash in the machine - line dry - or perhaps tumble try - but this one would have never seen a dryer because you don't find dryers in private homes in Cuba......
I do want to be able to have this has a completed item - that can be used...it does have such special memories - and Romaila does expect me to do the repairs.....
It certainly is a one of a kind item..I don't want to take away from the original work that she did with her MIL - but I just want to be able to have it repaired......

Have you figured out how to make this quilt? It looks like the strips are sewn on a foundation. Are the strips hemmed? How was the pattern marked? (if it is on a foundation) Were the foundation blocks then sewn together? It is hard to see from a picture. Were the strips pre-gathered or gathered as they were sewn on? It is so interesting to me!