For those of you who think quilts are made to be used - Did I do a good job? The first quilt was totally handmade by my grandmother in the early 60s. A lot of the fabrics were from dresses she had made for me when I was a child. I used that one on my bed. I was so heartbroken when it became worn, that she made me the second one a few years later. I used that more sparingly - my children remember being allowed to snuggle with it when they were not feeling well.

I wonder how many stitches Grandma took in her lifetime. Her quilts were done totally by hand. She was still quilting ten days before her death at 104 years old.

I've never been able to cut up the first one to use the good parts for anything. Today I'm thinking it would make a great table cover to go under the old Singer machine I just purchased (it's in the background). Can I do it?

What beautiful treasures! Your grandmother was very talented.

Wow! Those are beautiful. It would be hard for me to cut it up, too. But, you may get even more enjoyment out of it that way. I would just snuggle with it, like a doll! lol

Both are beautiful

I just love those older quilts - I agree, it would be hard for me to cut them up too.

Very pretty!

Wow, what a story about your Gram!!!!!!! :)

If you wanted to cut it up, maybe you could use it together to make a teddy bear for your kids, grandkids, or even yourself. That way you could still hold it and have it sitting out to remind you of her.

I would have a hard time cutting one like that, but, it all depends on how you would feel getting to see it being used onyour table. Maybe you would enjoy it even more!

What beautiful quilts. I hope I'm still quilting at 104. They both hold wonderful memories for you .

Treasures for sure!

The table cover sounds like a perfect way to use this much-loved quilt, keep the wonderful memories right there with the new/old Singer :)

Ditto on the hoping we're all quilting when we're 104! :thumbup: :thumbup:

Lucky you, beautiful quilts.

Happy New Year to you and yours. I'm hoping for a great one.

You can cover the worn areas with tulle and preserve that is left of it. Hang it up or keep it on a bed to look at.
Both are precious and beautiful.
Janie

way to love them

I think cutting the ragged one and using it where I can see it would be an incentive to be a sixteenth as productive as the women of that generation, especially my grandmother. I can use my orthopedic problems and my computer for an excuse, but the truth is that I could do much better.

When we know better, we do better. Thank you, Grandma.

I was thinking the same thing, use the very fine bridal tulle, it's softer. Stitch or tack it into place over the damaged parts. I wouldn't put anything heavy on top of it.

If you did cut it up, you could frame the good parts (using acid free papers, mats and uv glass) and put all the info about the maker, picture of her, you in some of the dresses,, the 5 w's etc., and it would make a great legacy for future generations. Something to share with your siblings or children.

I also like the idea of making some of it into teddy bears. I know I would love that and so would my kids.

Wow!
Your grandmother did great work.

My 'new' old machine is very heavy cast iron. Grandma wouldn't care. She'd like the quilt to be used. I would still have enough to frame for any of my children who wanted some of it. Each quilt fit a full size bed generously.

The tulle doesn't feel right. It's a manmade product and the quilts are all cotton. Plus, it negates the fact that these were made to be used.

I really wanted a Drunkard's Path. She had templates made of steel so they'd stay perfect. That was the quality of her work. The colors were stronger. That generation believed red haired children belonged in pastels, so I got the pastels.

my daughter got me a pig for christmas made out of a very old quilt, she found it at a antique mall,i love it ,its so cute my son has my camera ,as soon as i get it back ill send a picture of it

Gorgeous!

Wow! That's a lot of work and they are beautiful!

I'm not a crafter by nature. I have made teddy bears for hospice from the patient's clothing as remembrances for their family members, but I'd rather do clothing or now, quilting. But a vest for my Teddy Bear would be a good idea. She and her friend sit up high on a shelf just in case my dogs can't tell my bears from theirs.
A table runner under my antique machine to remind me to be more like my grandmother, a framed piece for each of my five children who'd like one, a vest for my bear - sounds like Mamie's Star is going to have a new life. Mamie's Flower Garden can hang out on the back of the couch for a while.

This sounds like a great plan to continue the longevity of your very special quilt. Keep inspired!!

beautiful quilts