It's beautiful, like the idea to use a backing too.

i've always thought that the gathered side was the top but I must admit you can see the fabric much better from the other side. good question, maybe some one will tell us.

Stunning quilt. The gathered side is the top. I would back it. Don't know about hanging it. From my experience yo-yo's can be very heavy.

Just beautiful. A true labor of love by your dear mother.

i think they are reversible. which ever side you like best at the time is the right one.

What a treasure for your family. I hope you will share pictures when you are done with your restoral project.

This is a LOT of work. I agree with attaching this to a backing. It is such a labor of love and should be shown as safely as possible. Good luck and do post pics when you have completed this.

This quilt is gorgeous!

I made a yo-yo quilt almost 50 years ago. When I finished the yo-yo top I attached the quilt to a bed sheet by tying it in the middle of every yo-yo. This helped stabilize the quilt but the yo-yos have still pulled apart in a few places. It makes a very heavy quilt. I don't think I'd recommend hanging it at all. I'd be afraid the weight would pop all of the seams.

Here's where my quilt is posted. If you look closely you can see my ties in the centers of the yo-yos.
http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-1959-1.htm

Beautiful!

Wow, that is definitely more yo-yos than I would ever want to make. Such patience! Beautiful quilt.