I've posted a couple of pics of an old quilt made by my grandma...probably made in the 1920's or 30's...when I got it, it was torn and very worn. My question...what should I do with it? I was thinking of cutting a big section of it to frame...but I cringe when I think of cutting it up, even though it is of little use as it is.
Any ideas? It was really pretty in its day and all hand made.

I might cut out the sections that are torn and put a wide border/sashing to connect the center with the outer sections. Then, I might use the part I cut in other ways.

I understand your thoughts. If you want to keep in intact I would "patch" the holes and applique flowers, etc over the patch with vintage cloth or reproductions.

Framing sections would also work. Making stuffed animals or a jacket are other options.

You can always display it folded so the damaged areas are not seen.

I think you could cut it in sections & bind them to make a few baby quilts. Also you could applique on a section and frame it.
Be sure to keep it in the family, it's a wonderful tribute to grandma. Everyone could have a piece of the pie. It's beautiful!!
You could make a darling vest or jacket to wear to quilt shows. It's already lined and quilted.

Make smaller projects for other family members?? and maybe include a picture of it and your grandma on the label???

Looks to me like the damaged part is just mainly the center, you could cut the center part out just beyond the damage then make a new center using the cut out part in an applique pattern then stitch the quilted center into the quilt. Hope this makes sense to you!

It's obviously of no use now, so if you did cut off a section, at least it would be appreciated in a frame or a small throw. Too bad about the holes. It sure is lovely.

Besides the big holes, it looks like the quilt on the left side of the picture is suffering from time also. Maybe you cut it and make pillows for on your bed or sofa.

sewdarnbusy..
Love the idea of salvaging the healthy parts of the quilt and making several smaller projects to share with family! What a wonderful Christmas gift. I saved the ancient floor to ceiling curtains from our parents old home. The house had been in our family for over 60 years and I believe the curtains were never changed. When I took them down I wondered if they had EVER been washed *cough cough* - yikes. But.. I envision making a throw pillow for each of my siblings just as a remembrance. The pattern is vintage art deco with giant magnolia's and wild looking leaves. I'm worried that washing (no matter how gentle) might be the end of them, but I'm going to try it. We stared at those dining room curtains for our whole lives.

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It is so beautiful and such a treasure. I guess I am with putting an applique over the area. I think I would try to put a solid fabric where the fabric is missing and then do the applique.

IMO with a quilt in that poor condition, I would cut into it and make something I could enjoy. My mom and I made Teddy Bears from battered quilts that had no sentimental value. We used her old $0.15 Simplicity pattern.

However it may be possible to "mend" it.

The fabrics in this quilt are easily replaceable with similar current 1930s reproduction fabrics.

Is it possible to restore the quilt? Granted with a great deal of work, considering adding missing batting and backing, but with persistence and determination it might be done. Think how proud you'd be of it when you could use it as the full quilt it was intended to be. :-)

Jan in VA

I think appliqued hearts over the holes

I was thinking the same thing. Is there a way to create a center block that would be a tribute to your grandmother, or a family tree block or some such thing.

That is one of the prettiest quilts I have ever seen! The close-up shows the undamaged fabric to be in pretty good shape. If that is the case, if it were mine, I think I would try to repair it using reproduction fabrics - you won't match the fabrics but you should be able to get close. It is just too pretty to give up on.

It still looks so pretty! How about old lace hankies made into butterflies over the holes or hearts as Dolphyngyrl suggested. I would also redo the batting and back. You could also try to find a picture (such as of your grandma) and have it put on fabric then use the good outside part of the quilt as a frame around the picture applying applique hearts or flowers around the picture and a few on her quilt frame to tie them together. Good luck!

It would be very difficult to match the fabrics. There are loads of current Thirties repros but wow, look at the fading. You'd need to was new fabric dozens of times, or bleach it, to get the lovely patina of age this quilt has. Your quilt has seen a lot of love.

If it were mine, I would cut it into good parts, and bind those. They could be framed or used just over the back of a rocker as something decorative.

The first cut is the hardest. I wore out the first handmade quilt my grandmother made for me. My children remember being allowed to use it when they were not feeling well. One said it made her feel loved. They are each getting a framed piece. I like the idea of including a picture of their great grandmother.

BTW, Grandma was so happy someone used a quilt that she made me a new one. I was more selective of how it was used, so it's still beautiful.

I have not read all the replys, so sorry if this is a duplicate... Can you put a pretty "panel" in the center area and leave the sides as a "frame" for a pretty panel?!? and hang on the wall or finish into a quilt?

I am not of any help but it sure is pretty.