Synnove

Today in the depths of a closet I found a quilt top made by my great-grandmother about 85 or 90 years ago. At one point I had washed it -- a mistake, since it loosened some of the seams. Now I'm wondering what to do with it. Should I re-sew the seams -- no small task -- and then quilt it? Or can I throw it away without guilt? I would want it to either be a quilt or go away; as I have no interest in parts of it becoming a pillow, a teddy bear, etc.

bearisgray

Is this a finished quilt? Or just a top?

I think the answer depends on the condition of the quilt.

One cold-hearted way to look at it - if this quilt was made by a stranger - what would you do with it?

Another way to look at things- if grandma baked a batch of wonderful cookies - and you ate all of them - would you feel quilty that you did have one left over to remember her by?

Perhaps take several photos of it - front and back - and you could keep them as a remembrance of the quilt?

peaceandjoy

Except for quilting supplies, I have entered the Swedish death cleaning phase of life. Unfortunately, DH seems to be moving in the opposite direction....

Do you like the quilt, or are you feeling tied to it bc it was made by your great grandmother? Other than the loosened seams, is it still in good condition (fabric and thread)? Are there other family members who may want it, as is OR finished?

If it's been in the closet this long and requires effort, the only way I'd work on it is if I like it, or know that someone else in the family will want it.

No guilt trip from me!

Do you have a local guild that may be interested in it? Or historical society?

QuiltE

Much the same thoughts here, as the others have shared.
Maybe just stated in a different way, to give you some Food for Thought on this!

* How much do you "really" like it? If the quilt was completely finished already, would you be in love with it?

* How much of a sentimentalist are you? Do you have other items from past generations?

* How close were you to your GGM?
Or if you never knew her, how close were you to her daughter, your GM?
Likewise the next step to her GD, your Mom?

Perhaps the "biggie" ... How much of a guilt trip are you putting yourself on?
Is the trip worthwhile?

And with that ... If you do finish this quilt, what are you going to do with it? Stuff it into a closet? Use it? ...

If you do finish the quilt ... be sure to add a label to honour your GGM, along with her maiden/married names, your GGFs name, their birth/death/wedding dates, and any other details that you can. I usually include the quilt pattern name.

cashs_mom

I agree with all that's been said. I have gotten rid of a lot of family things. I have tons that I've inherited and if I don't like it, I don't keep it just because it belonged to someone I was related to. The exception, of course, is the portrait of Gramma Breugh. I don't like it. She was not a good looking or even friendly looking person, but for some reason I can't seem to part with her. She spent years in the back of the closet and is currently in the corner of the guest room. I guess when I'm ready, I'll do something with her.

Iceblossom

I rather like QuiltE's comments -- am going to have to keep in mind that "is the guilt trip worthwhile" thing...

But especially, what are you going to do with this quilt when it is done? Will it mean anything to anyone? Or will it go back to where the unfinished project was?

If redoing the quilt gives you a closeness (maybe you never had) then go for it. But it sounds to me that maybe there is too much recrimination to be enjoyable -- so do away with the guilt! You have already carried it and valued it and recalled the memories and is ok to let it go.

But -- I know that many people love to rescue projects like this, sometimes they can be hard to find. Or, sometimes people want the little pieces! I was dealing more with vintage fabrics and people doing restoration level or at least wanting time appropriate pieces. But it is some people's idea of fun. Take a picture or two, post on Facebook Marketplace, or Craig's List or whatever is used in your area. Admit to having washed it, show pictures of what you consider problem spots, and let someone else take it on. If you have a quilt guild, that's a great place to offer it up.

Came back to edit -- if you just want it out of your life, you don't have to go to any more effort. No guilt!

aashley333

Perhaps cut it to make a tote bag, or two. I created a panel from cutting and moving around the pieces to create something new. Then I didn't have a use, so it just sat on the design wall-not inspiring anything. The other day, I decided to cut it in half, and I made the cutest tote bag!

ktbb

I agree with many others about your decision to keep or not. If you want to keep it, check out the work of Julia McLeod who uses sheer fabrics to cover old quilts - you retain the old top but add protection. Basically she pieces sheers, matching the block sizes in the original top, lays the sheer layer over the old top and ties at block corners. If you don't want to re-stitch the seams in the old top, this method could be used with a little extra machine or hand quilting to stabilize the areas where the seams have come apart.

If you are a member of The Quilt Show.com, check our her portion of show #3709

Synnove

Thank you so much to all of you. I especially appreciate the "no guilt" approach. I looked the quilt top over again this morning and was reminded that there are several large stains I have not been able to remove. Plus, there is so little fabric to work with in the areas where I would repair the seams that doing so would pucker the quilt. Sooo, out it went. I am currently hand quilting a beautiful Dresden Plate quilt that was made by the same great-grandmother, and I will enjoy that one.

QuiltE

How nice! You have one lovely piece you are working on, as a tribute to your GGM.

Now, let that one goooo ..... in one way or the other!