preserving memories
 

I was inspired by wendyaz (I think) who took a class and I found one on Craftsy for quilting heirlooms or something like that. I wish I'd gotten some from a garage sale for my first one but I jumped in with all fours using my own keepsakes from my mother and her mother, now of course I see so many things I wish were different! Well I didn't use them all because I have two daughters so I saved enough to do another. I wish I'd chosen a background with some color so that my treasures would show up better, I wish I'd put them closer together and made a smaller piece. I wish I had NOT used two battings, it was great before I washed it but now where the quilting is not very dense it just mostly looks wrinkled and puckery. If they were not so delicate I would take them off and redo it but I don't think the hankies would survive! The crocheted doillie I covered with tulle so the foot wouldn't get caught, that part worked well. The pansy is one of twelve that my grandmother appliqued for a quilt in the late 50s. I did some details by quilting with embroidery thread, that part went well too!

great quilt

Hi Kathy,
I think it is wonderful that you have preserved your family's work for the future generations to see and enjoy. I have some I am planning to do the same thing with.
Don't be so hard on your work. It is wonderful. Now, I know some people would not do this, but, you can steam and press the piece and take the wrinkles out. I do it all the time. I only suggest this because you mentioned that this was one thing you were disappointed about. It is a lovely sentimental piece and I am sure your daughter will love it.

Oh, Wendy, it is beautiful!!! Several important things pop out to me... 1. You jumped in and did one. 2. You made mistakes (that probably only you see). 3. That you finished it. 4. It looks wonderful. 5. You preserved some heirlooms.

Your quilt will be treasured. WendyAz took Cindy Needham's class. She is one of my favorite teachers. She offers 2 classes on Craftsy. I admire you for jumping in and finishing your quilt.

You did a great job with using the hankies.

I think what you did to preserve family heirlooms is just wonderful.

It is a lovely finish and something to be proud of and treasured.

Very pretty, they may not show up as well as they would on a different background but at least they'll last longer. You could always cut them apart leaving an edge and put sashing around them and make another quilt or wall hanging or even maybe another row of a light colored lace around the existing quilt pieces. No matter what, be glad that with it now mounted it will last so much longer and now can be enjoyed instead of packed away. Memories from the past should always be around to be enjoyed when we can.

thank you all so much for the comments, it would look better if I could take better pictures!