Look at this--very old DWR quilt
 

Earlier this year, my mom passed away, and today my sister and I went to help our dad clean out her clothes, etc. In looking through closets, we came across this DWR quilt. My great-grandmother (dad's grandma) made this for my parents when they got married, back in 1953.
One of my earliest memories is of laying on my parents' bed, looking at all the little squares on this quilt, marveling at the different fabrics. It is definitely worn, since my parents used it for YEARS, but in surprisingly good shape in spite of the wear. I thought they'd gotten rid of it, and was so pleased to find it. :)
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One thing I did not know--or maybe just didn't remember--was the detail on the back. My great-grandma embroidered the back side of the quilt!
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Closer look:
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The embroidery is quite worn in the center part.

Now for a question. I would like to display this quilt, just because it's a part of my history and I have wonderful memories associated with it. Should I wash it, and if so how? I don't want it to fall apart any more than it is!

I am so excited to have this!! :)

It's amazing how the simple act of laying on the quilt can bring back the memories...and all the emotions that go with it. To someone else, this quilt could mean nothing, but to you, well, it's a part of you. Congratulations on your find, I am sure it will bring you happy memories for years to come. She did a great job on the embroidery, too.

Great advice!! The quilt is lovely, and I would use a very delecate touch if you have to clean it.

How do you plan to display it?

oh my what an absolute treasure!!!!! So happy for you. It is beautiful. Thanks for sharing.

Well....it will definitely be for display only, since I am afraid of using it, and having it wear even more. Plus, hubby wants me to make a quilt for our bed--I'm in the 'fabric gathering' stage for that, have one in mind. :)

I would like to perhaps get a quilt rack to put it on. It would fit nicely at the foot of our bed, and since there are lots of blues in the DWR, it would work well in our room.

Any other ideas for display?? I am open to suggestions, and since I've never had a REAL quilt to display, I would like to know how others display theirs!

It doesn't look dirty so I wouldn't wash it.
If you have an outdoor line, I'd air it before sunrise or after sunset just to get rid of any mustiness.

wow, what an awesome quilt! i just love the embroidery on the back. look at all of those french knots!!!!

Lucky you!

I have seen many use decorative curtain rods with matching brackets and hang at a level where you want to display and decide what amount you want to show. You could show off the whole quilt or fold to desired size. I use wooden quilt racks with wood slats therefore my quilts need to have sleeves.

Absolutely fantastic! You are so very fortunate to have found it.

Beautiful DWR and lovely embroidery as well. Brings back memories for me as well. I slept under a very similar one as a teenager that had been given to my dad before he and mother got married (1938). Took it with me when I got married in 1971 and used it till it literally fell apart in the late 80s/early 90s. And the embroidery looks much like some my mom had done on pillowcases. Enjoy your treasure!

Wow, that is special you are so lucky.

Use it as a bed runner, twice a year I would refold it and shake gently to remove any dust. Things you love should be near you.

WOW - Just beautiful, terrific find, thank you for sharing. I am just delighted for you. I would put it in a tub with woollite and let it soak and then carefully get as much water out as possible and lay flat on towels to dry
Have a Blessed day
Ellen

You have a wonderful treasure there. So glad you found it.

Such a pretty treasure! Am happy for you in finding it! It is neat to see that it is embroidered on the back. :)

It's beautiful and I love the embroidered backing. Lucky finding this fabulous treasure!

What a beautiful treasure for you to have. Congratulations on finding it.

Wow, what a treasure you have there. To think that she put some much love into the front and back as well.
Lucky you. Peggy

A PRICELESS family heirloom! I am so happy you found it!

How lucky you are to have this beautiful quilt, it is definitely a treasure. I love the embroidery.

Lucky you, to have found such a treasure with so many fond memories!!

Awe, so pretty! Love it!

Oh my, what a lovely quilt & such a treasure!
Maureen

That is a real beauty!!!!!

I can't give you any advice on washing the quilt, but wanted to say how beautiful it is. I can see why your Mom couldn't throw it out!

I think the best 'display' for a bed quilt is on a bed, but only in a room where the bed doesn't get much sun to bleach the quilt.

I have a quilt top (that I machine quilted several years ago) that my Grandmother made on a bed, but it is under an old store bought quilt to protect it from the sun. The store bought quilt comes off when we have company. I do let the company use it, as it was made to be used and loved - and I get to tell the story of the quilt. It's not nearly as nice as yours, though, and was made from scraps and meant to be used. But I'm sure it was made with just as much love!!!

So happy for you that you found this quilt!

What a wonderful treasure you have! As I was reading your post, it sounds so reminiscent. My parents were also married in 1953 and I'm from PA too. Mom passed 2 1/2 years ago. Unlike you, we did not find any hand work. This quilt is amazing! So glad you have the memories to go with it - you can pass down this legacy to your children and they to theirs.

What a beautiful quilt! So glad that you can have it back to not only remember yor mom, but also the person who made it. Your quilt doesn't look too dirty, and since you will only be displaying it, I would air it in the late afternoon sun to get the mustiness out of it.

That is a wonderful find!! It is lovely and such a tresure to have!

What a beautiful, beautiful quilt! Wow, you must be so thrilled!
I might suggest that if it needs cleaning and you are able to wash it in a bathtub, you put a sheet under it. When you're finished washing it, don't pick up the quilt which will be heavy with water and could break some threads. Pick up the sheet, using it as a sling under the quilt. And if you decide to put it in the spin cycle, give it PLENTY of looseness and run it on the lowest speed. And don't even consider sending it to the cleaners, they have no consideration of quilt care. Ask me how I know...

I learned this from a quilt museum: Rotate your quilts no matter where they are placed. If you display it, you will want to do so for no more than 4-6 months. Then remove it and either place it flat on a bed or place it in storage for 4-6 months. In storage, always use acid-free cardboard tubes or crumpled paper to soften the folds to prevent creases and eventual thread breakage. Store loosely in clean cotton sheets or pillowcases; don't place in plastic as the fabric can't breathe.

You mentioned placing the quilt over a curtain rod? I suggest the rod be heavily padded as all the weight of the quilt will be on that one place. If possible, could you obtain a rack that has three round dowels for support rather than just one? That would help spread the weight of the quilt and prevent damage to those old, old threads.
I hope this is helpful :)

What a treasure! It is beautiful.

I agree with cathyvv about sunlight. I'd say follow baloontic about the washing with the sheet under it.So how ever you display it no sunlite should be able to reach it, and if it is folded for the display I'd put it on a bed to relax the folds for about 3 days before refloding it about 4 times a year.Thats my 2 cents for what it's worth.

Thanks everyone, for the suggestions. Since it's not terribly dirty I don't think I will wash it. There are a few stains, but I can fold it so that those don't show. My husband is going to make a quilt rack for it :) and we'll put it in our bedroom, where it won't get direct sun.

I was so thrilled to find this--I thought for sure it was gone! :) I also got three afghans (crocheted) that my grandma made. I crochet a lot, but not afghans--I am more a thread crocheter.

Your quilt is absolutely beautiful as are the memories it brings to you. As for displaying it, what about an old wooden ladder. That way you would see the whole quilt and you could lean it in a corner of your bedroom or anywhere else in your house.

I think it's so beautiful ! It brought tears to my eyes!

The quilt is beautiful and a wonderful keepsake.

What a lovely treasure.