This is my family's favorite quilt. It is also the one and only store bought quilt that we have in our possession. (Can I just say, "Ouch!"?)
My husband and I bought it from a discount store a few years before I learned how to quilt, so it's probably 13 years old. It certainly has seen better days, but it remains everyone's favorite. We've had many picnics on it, and spent countless summer days with it spread out on the lawn, just hanging out together. It's big (king size) and super soft and smooshy, so I really can't blame them for liking it so much. :)
The fabric is worn on both the front and back, and on the sides, too. The worst parts are shredded, as shown above. I thought about trying to repair it, but I wonder if it's beyond hope. I thought about saving the batting, but it's just polyester, so it's probably not worth it. I thought about making a new front AND back, and encasing the whole thing inside a "new" quilt (after I trim off the dangling bits) but I'm afraid that it would end up being a big lumpy mess. Again, probably not worth the trouble. On the other hand, just the thought of throwing the whole thing away almost gives me hives. I mean, it's a quilt! Throwing it away just doesn't seem right.
So, what do you think? Should I try to save it? Or toss it and just start over?
I think I'd cut it up, serge the edges, and donate it to an animal shelter.... you could spend as much... or more... time trying to repair the quilt than it would take to make a new one.
ReplyDeleteMy grandma used more than one over-loved quilt as the batting for a new one, but the new ones were always tied, not all-over quilted.
ReplyDeleteWhat do you think about creating a duvet like cover for it? I created a flannel rag quilt when first learning. So many seams do not match up. But it is the one quilt that everyone wants to use. :0) I have a feeling it will out live all of us. :0)
ReplyDeleteSincerely. Trish
My first thought was to turn it into Christmas stockings or throw pillows. That way you can have the memories even if you can't have the quilt anymore.
ReplyDeleteCut it up into useable pieces and upcycle it into other items. :D Then start making a new one in the same pattern!! Ta Da! :D
ReplyDeleteYou could just applique patches onto the worst parts. Keep adding layers, give it more character.
ReplyDeleteI'm a tosser. I'd cut out the best parts to make pillows or maybe piece together a smaller blanket to use for utilitarian things like covering your car seat when transporting a dog, etc. (you can tell I transport a dirty dog a lot that that's the first thing that came to mind!)
ReplyDeleteI say use it as a cutter quilt. Cut the worn part out, finish the edge of the usable portion, and use it as a tablecloth or something. Let your family's NEW fave be one of yours! Wow; does your family not know you are THE crazymomquilts?!!!
ReplyDeleteI would put it aside and make special gifts for your children when they are older and have forgotten about the quilt
ReplyDeleteI would never have guessed in your house that quilt would be a family fav. It made me laugh...not because they love that quilt but you make soooooo many nice ones. Anyway, I would try to cut and save what you can from this quilt and make it into other things pillows, placemat(s). Just my thought, have a good night, Denise
ReplyDeleteif it were me, i think i would cut out all of the blocks that are in descent shape and then put them back together into a new quilt by adding sashing, borders, etc. I would put on a new backing to provide some strength, especially if you use it outside a lot.
ReplyDeleteI knew someone who turned an old quilt into teddy bears for all her siblings.
ReplyDeleteI would probably cut it up and make pillows or small quilts for everyone that loves it so.
ReplyDeleteDo you have a pumpkin patch??? or a dog??? just thinkin'... :)
ReplyDeleteI would probably save any fabric I could and then use it to make a new family quilt...I'm a real sucker though so I don't think I would be able to throw away something with so many family memories tied to it!
ReplyDeleteSuch clever ideas from all your commenters. Confession time! I'd dump it!
ReplyDeleteTake a picture. Cut out one good small piece to bind and put on a table and toss the rest..... you are quilter right? there are other quilts to build new memories with, right..... so on with the show....
ReplyDeleteI vote for trying to save it, in some way, whether that means repairing it or incorporating part of it into a new family quilt to treasure for another 13 years.
ReplyDeleteMaybe try and save it? I have a quilt my great-grandmother made that looks like that in a few places. I need to attempt to repair it before winter. It's huge. On my old full-size bed it hung nearly to the floor on each side.
ReplyDeleteI am going to be opposite of what others are saying and tell you to keep it and do the repairs.
ReplyDeleteMy thinking has to do with how much the quilt is loved. It doesn’t matter that you purchased it from the store. The quilt holds too many memories.
Another reason to keep it has to do with the fact that you can fix it; you have the knowledge. You may not be able to restore it to its original state but I’m sure you can repair it well enough to keep on using it. You may need to add some fabric here and there but I’m sure you can find coordinating fabrics that will work.
My last reason for keeping the quilt has to do with a mistake I made in the past. You see, many years ago I made a Sunbonnet Bonnet Sue quilt that was very plain but I loved it. We used it so much that the appliqués began pulling away and fraying. It began looking very tattered and I decided the quilt was too plain to keep and threw it away. To this day I still have regrets.
So in my opinion, keep the quilt; in the long run you will be glad.
Save what you can, dump the rest and then force your family to pick their new favourite from all the glorious ones you've made :)
ReplyDeleteReproduce it! And then I like the Christmas stocking idea :)
ReplyDeleteWould it be possible to save say enough of the blocks to make one of the large '9 block' pattern based on the original, and enough of each of the outer sashings and backing to make it into a mini quilt ? Save enough of it to have a memory version that looks like the original for the wall (or table, sofa, etc) that your family can continue to enjoy looking at and keep the memories without having to repair the entire thing. Just was my first thought. Its sentimental and it would be a way for it to be preserved without it having to be so functional. I.d hate to see it just tossed too ;)
ReplyDeleteAnd hopefully my previous post makes some sort of sense to someone other than me! Lol
ReplyDeleteI keep quilts 'til I can no longer pick up all the pieces without a vacuum. I finally had to retire one my grandma made that Mom used when she was a little girl. It was just shreds...and, I could see both of the two tablecloths that Grandma had used as batting (also in shreds)! I kept a few little squares to try to make a wee mini to remember it by. It was...dust and LOTS of memories.~
ReplyDeleteI am in the possession of a quilt that was completely encased and I love it. I think my grandmother must have done it a zillion years ago. I call it the secret quilt. It's the same fabric on front and back. But when you hold it up to the light, it's got a fun nine patch quilt inside. I say keep it and do the same!
ReplyDeleteI would turn the best part of it into a pillow, table runner, or stuffed cat and toss the rest. Maybe you could find out what about this particular quilt captured them all so much. If it is the memories associated with it, you should definitely keep part or all of it.
ReplyDeleteI made my daughter 3 quilts while I was pregnant with her. Her favorite "blankie" was a store-bought woven blanket with a vague balloon pattern with a silkie binding that I got for a shower gift. Pretty funny when that happens...NOT! LOL! (I still haven't let her forget it...I remind her of the story every time I give her another quilt!)
In stitches,
Teresa :o)
I recently revamped a my first quilt, but blocks weren't shredded but all the seams were popped. I put on a new backing and quilted the whole thing to keep the fabric down. Used interfacing in some areas. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteI vote for applique patches over the raggy parts :)
ReplyDeleteI suggest you salvage what you can and use it with new fabrics. Could be a great way to get a new look but keep all those old memories close by. No doubt that whatever you do will be fabulous! Good luck! Smiles~Beth
ReplyDeleteI really like the "secret quilt" idea! Maybe you could Pick two solid colors and a fun bold binding and then hand tie it. It would be quick and hour family would still know that their favorite quilt was tucked inside!
ReplyDeleteI would cut it into a pillow front and keep it that way.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if it would work to sandwich it in between 2 layers of a sheer fabric, then requilt and rebind.
ReplyDeleteCan you cut out good parts and use it to make something else? I've seen people make pillows, teddy bears, Christmas stockings, and table toppers. Something you would cherish out of it and then you can make a new favorite quilt.
ReplyDeleteThis is just an idea.....
ReplyDeleteI had a friend who used to cut up old, stained (but treasured) quilts and make bears out of them from a McCall's pattern. Since this quilt is so special to your kids and already holds lots of memories, what about a bear for each of them??
Brooke
My grandma's quilts were always built from older quilts. Instead of buying new batting, she would use one or two older quilts. But she grew up in the depression and would probably be disgusted with the amount of money I spend on quilts! Also, her quilts were tied with yarn, so there wasn't an issue with bulkiness.
ReplyDeleteAnd all of us will fully support the decision you make! :)
I have a quilt like that that my DXH's grandmother made. They're both gone now and I've thought about taking the intact parts of that quilt and making something from it for both my kids.
ReplyDeleteHaven't gotten there quite yet.
Make it ugly and useable!! Patch, patch, patch! Xoxo
ReplyDeleteKeep it!! If the holes bother you, patch them, if not just leave it alone.It has it's own beauty, your family might be the only ones who think so, after all beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
ReplyDeletei'd probably toss it, but i like some of the ideas that have shown up here. i think the bigger question i have for you is why doesn't your family adopt one of your homemade quilts as the new favorite? is it the king size issue? i'm not super skilled at the long arm, but i'd happily help you quilt a big one if that is the barrier to your family loving one of your gorgeous quilts.
ReplyDeletei think you should make a duplicate...
ReplyDeleteexactly the same - or as close to anyway...
with "proper" batting of course.. and you can think of re-doing that one in ....oh..26 years or so.
that's what i think...
xoxo
eva
hard for me to believe it's the favorite considering all the beautiful quilts you've made!
ReplyDeleteWhile normally I am a "simplify," i.e., throw it out, kind of person, in this instance I would keep it. It has lots of memories. I have no problem getting rid of things that don't have a sentimental attachment to them. I don't sense that this is one of those things. I agree that if you don't want to keep/repair the whole thing, cut it up into smaller things to give to your kids. They have grown up so far with this quilt...
ReplyDeleteI'm a fixer and a keeper. It doesn't look that bad in the big picture. I guess it depends on if you're willing to take it apart and cut out the bad parts and make it into something new. Putting some patches here and there would be quicker. I think that there have been some good ideas though. No matter what I'm sure it'll turn out great!
ReplyDeleteIf you decide it's not fixable, at least keep a few of the salvageable blocks to either make into something else or frame. That way you can keep a piece the family favorite blanket and remember all the good times. :)
ReplyDeleteI know someone who made teddy bears out of the good parts of worn out quilts, or you could make a snuggly pillow so you would still have memories. I think it would be fun to try to make a new quilt like it...it would be fun to try to replicate.
ReplyDeleteOh, just chuck it! You've documented it on your blog for memory sake, now let it go and allow another quilt to become a favorite.
ReplyDeleteyou can so reproduce it and make it good and stong and soft but it will be from you for your family!!!! They will love it. You can take it on a fun family picnic when you finish it. Or better wrap them up in it on Christmas Eve
ReplyDeleteYou got to check out this artist, she makes clothing from "old quilts"... http://www.heirloom-couture.com/about.html If it were me, I'd try to salvage as much of it as I could, or maybe even patch up the worn parts with a big applique piece... We all know how hard it is to make a big king sized quilt :-O.
ReplyDeleteNo, no, it's your family's favorite, don't toss it. Maybe just appliqué over the worn parts?
ReplyDeleteI haven't read the previous comments but maybe you could cut out the bits that are still OK and make some cushions.
ReplyDeleteWhen my daughter's baby quilt became badly worn I put it inside a new quilt. She called the old one her quilt's heart. She is now 35 and still has it. Of course it was a lot smaller than your quilt but it's an idea.
ReplyDeleteI'd try to save it! Why not use patches of some of your kid's outworn clothes in matching colors. It would add another personal touch and many more memories.
ReplyDeleteHey AJ,
ReplyDeleteAs it is shop bought and has given your family much comfort and warmth, I think it is time to toss it and make a brand new one...
If it were an heirloom it may be worth the time repairing it.
Take a pic of it, for memory sake and donate it to an animal shelter, they ALWAYS have a need for blanketing.
Regards, Angella from Australia :-)
From the pictures I would say, (at least) try a live saving operation. Make new patches for the really worn out bits and sew them on. It can only ad to the beauty of a real, used and loved quilt! Or use the good bits in a brand new quilt..... Certainly no tossing, never, no....
ReplyDeleteI agree with Terri,incorporate some into another quilt and chuck the rest!
ReplyDeleteI`d use it as batting or cut it to make pillows
ReplyDeleteI agree with the others. Cut it up and make something else out of it. Pillows, throws for the kids, baby blankets for future grands. The possibilities are endless.
ReplyDeleteYou've used it well. Now it's time for another quilt to have its day. Throw this one away and move on! :-)
ReplyDeleteCut it up and make apple pincushions, or angels, or small mug rugs. Don't throw it out!!!
ReplyDeleteRepairing quilts like this is something I really enjoy! I would be happy to trade you for it! If you are just going to throw it away, then please just send it to me!
ReplyDeleteCut up a good portion and frame that block. Write a little story about the quilt and mound it on the back of the frame with a photo of the quilt. Cut up the remainder into chunks that can be used by the local humane society for animals bed. Oh and you could always make a replica.
ReplyDeleteOK, if it was me...The me who has VERY little in the way of momentos from childhood...I would probably eek enough good pieces out of it to make a framed piece of art for each kiddo. I would write each of them a letter/note/list of memories associated with it...maybe frame it with a picture of that kid with in one of the memories (assuming I had photos). Knowing me I would end up with a "pocket" wall hanging. LOL. What I would encourage you to do is follow your heart. The one thing I would highly recommend is that IF you really want to toss it...wait. Fold it up, stash it away, out of sight...and revisit the entire question in six months or a year. Again, whatever you decide to do...follow your heart.
ReplyDeleteI like everyone's pillow ideas. Or if you just wanted one small reminder you could cut and frame a favorite spot. But I would start all over if I were you. Duplicate the pattern and batting and perhaps you can figure out why in fact it was a favorite. With your talent and creativity making a new favorite that means more to your family than this one should be an easy task for you!
ReplyDeleteMy thought is to make Christmas stockings out of it, or maybe a mantle scarf. The teddy bear idea is great too!
ReplyDeleteMy oldest and most favorite quilt is one i found in a dumpster a few years before I took up quilting. (http://mishasneedle.files.wordpress.com/2010/04/my-favorite-quilt.jpg) Like yours, it is tattered, but OH, how I love that quilt. Before the tag disintegrated, I learned it was made in China. It is hand quilted. The quality is not very good at all, which is why it is falling apart, but I can't get rid of it. No way. I use it in the spring and fall as my main bed blanket. I have thought about repairing by patching over the ripped, ragged bits, but am very lazy - I will patch it when it absolutely NEEDS it, but for now I just use it a few months of the year. Probably it will end up in the bottom of my blanket chest, to be looked at every so often. I could cut it up to make pet quilts, but I make plenty of those already. I could make pillows and what nots, but I don't really use pllows. No, I like it just as it is - my favorite quilt. I have thought about making my own version of it, but that too doesn't sit well with me - it is the actual quilt that I love so much. So my advice is: Keep It! As far as repairs go, I like best the idea of applique. I like the sheer fabric covering idea, but that would completely cover the totally amazing softness, so that is out. Let us know what you do with it.
ReplyDeleteI would try to save it. Why not just do zig zag stitching over the sad parts? I like the teddy bear idea too!
ReplyDeleteRepair can take forever however you are a dedicated hand-sewer so it might not bother you. You have gotten some great ideas in the few comments I have read.
ReplyDeleteMy hope is that whatever you decide to do with it that you feel happy and at peace with it. This quilt is like the Velvetine Rabbit. Love brought it to life.
It seems that your family's heart is firmly embedded in this quilt, so I would do whatever is necessary to keep as much of it as possible. Patch it, maybe with bits of their wornout clothes!
ReplyDeleteYou've received many good ideas. I didn't read them all but I think you should duplicate the pattern and make a new one. Cut it up and donate it to an animal shelter.
ReplyDeleteCut out some of the good parts and make something out of them for the family members that are attached to this quilt. I like the bears idea, but little quilts from the big quilt would be cool too.
ReplyDeleteDon't try to save it, not worth it. Either keep it for those "throw on the ground" moments, or make it into small treasures like a teddy bear, stockings for Christmas, tote bags, etc. Obviously, someone will wish down the road that you hadn't tossed it, if you have all those great memories attached to it.
ReplyDeleteI think the idea of making it into other things for each family member is great, that way they can take a piece of it with them when they move out/on later in life. They will still hold all the dear memories of it, and seeing the quilt in their item will still remind them of it.
ReplyDeleteI don't know what you should do with your beloved quilt. I'm new to the quilting world (2 years or so), and I don't actually know enough to give you advice. :) However, being way sentimental (and I think you are, too!), there is no way I could throw the quilt out. Maybe take it out of the "rotation", but never throw it away!
ReplyDeleteMostly I just wanted to tell that I appreciate your blog so much. I read it (almost) daily and draw so much inspiration from it. I'm always using your "Quilt Making Basics" to get started or finish up or on any part of the quilt I'm working on! Thanks for putting it all out there so clearly and with so much detail. You'll never know how much it's used! I just couldn't stand being a lurker anymore, so I decided to say thanks.
Hope you find a wonderful idea for your quilt!
If you decided to throw it out, you could instead keep it in the back of the least reliable car you have, for the rare occasion that someone needs to change a tire or otherwise lie on the ground in the mud/rain to get under the vehicle. Or save it to pack with when moving.
ReplyDeleteI think I'd cut it up and use it to stuff some homemade pillow forms...and then make awesome pillow covers for them and display them on my couch. just my 2 cents :)
ReplyDeleteKeep using as is.Still makes a good yard quilt or tent.haha.Wig.
ReplyDeleteWhat first came to mind is that you should recreate the quilt. You can do it! Then make small objects like pillows from the better parts of the old one. Although I am a sucker for saving old quilts. My grandma was a quilter and there are still some of her quilts in existence that have patches appliqued over the bad spots.
ReplyDeleteI have a few very old and ratty looking quilts that I love, a couple of them are from someone very special and I have them folded so you only see some nice side and they are all stacked on top of each other in a cabinet with little doors. I can open the doors to enjoy looking at them or I can close it if I want. Either way, I don't spend time trying to fix them and I will always enjoy the look of those six quilts!
ReplyDeleteI have a quilt that my mother made for my by making a new front and back and then putting a worn quilt inside. I think there is actually a third quilt inside of the inside quilt. It is not too lumpy, but it's extremely warm because of all the fabric layers in addition to the batting.
ReplyDeleteThat's what I would do with this quilt, and I would make the new top in either the same colors or the same pattern as the quilt inside. Good luck!
create/cut out a wall quilt of part of it for your back hallway. worst parts included. just a statement of love over the yrs, even if it wasn't from your hands, you understand their love affair with that old rag!
ReplyDeletethrow the rest away. liberate yourself.
You could cut it up and throw the ripped parts away. Use the good parts for pillows or placemats (or something like that). That's what my mom did with our old picnic quilt when it started falling apart.
ReplyDeletelook at this recent post on SewKindofWonderful's blog.
ReplyDeleteIt may help you decide what to do.
http://sewkindofwonderful.blogspot.com/2011/09/ratted-old-quiltfixed.html
Reuse, recycle or repurpose. Too many wonderful memories to just throw out.
ReplyDeleteTake a few more photos, then toss it! It's a favorite because it was "there" for the picnic, etc. Make a soft, squishy quilt to replace it. Either the same colors, or something everyone participate in....
ReplyDeleteI made a cover for my husbands favorite quilt. He was so pleased that I did that instead of just getting rid of it or trying to remake it. Now our boys love it and use it too.
ReplyDeleteThink "outside" the quilt and turn it into something entirely new - maybe some pillows, smaller mini quilts or even frame part of it in an old window frame :)
ReplyDeleteSomeday far in the future, your children will look at this well-loved quilt that you made--and no matter the shape it's in--they will remem ber all the fun times, sick days etc they covered up in it--and most importantly YOU hang onto it it is a memory box.....Sincerely Julierose
ReplyDeleteFrame a small section or make a pillow. Then toss the rest. Then make a new one. Or better yet, pick one of your many ones to be the new much loved quilt.
ReplyDeleteI would definitely keep it. Not sure if you're aware of the boro craze on the internet right now. If you google boro, you'll find lots of information/quilters that boro for inspiration. Fixing this would make it even more special.
ReplyDeleteI'd keep it and work on it a little bit at a time. Start a collection of similar fabrics and use the quilt while you repair it.
ReplyDeleteAll your commenters have great ideas! In the olden days ratty quilts were used as battings all the time. But those quilts all had cotton battings to start with. Don't know if the poly would make a difference.
ReplyDeleteOr what if u made a new quilt with the same pattern or something? Keep the memory alive that way? I am a nostalgic person and understand the desire to keep it alive. :)
Since it holds so many family memories, why not make Christmas stockings from the good parts? That way it "lives on" in a way :)
ReplyDeleteI think I would fold it up and give it a place of honor somewhere for memories sake...and then break in a new favorite.
ReplyDeleteLove, love, love your blog and your talent!
I like what Tara said: make it ugly and patch patch patch! Or, cut it up into fourths and everyone chooses how they want to remember their quilt, in a photo, as a pillow, or as a blanket for the animal shelter, etc.
ReplyDeleteBut I still don't understand their choice, memories notwithstanding!
Machine-applique a patch on it and it'll be good to go for a few more "miles". :)
ReplyDelete"This is my family's favorite quilt." Find a way ... this statement says it all. It's worth saving!
ReplyDeleteI would fold it up, AS IS, and stick it in the back of a closet somewhere.
ReplyDeleteThere will come a time you will want a nasty old beloved quilt. You will want to eat spaghetti on it for movie night with the kids. It will make a backyard fort, or teepee, or tent over a rope.
I don't think that remaking this quilt, or making it into something else will really be the same.
When the family loves something like this it's often for qualities we can't fully identify cognitively.
Just keep it.
Toss it! But reproduce it first as close as possible.
ReplyDeleteThank it for its years of service, say bye bye and pitch.
ReplyDeleteI have been thinking about this for a day or so and I would either do nothing and just keep using it or I would probably patch it. Not trying to fit it in with the pattern or anything, just patch it like a pair of jeans. Looks like you have a lot of good advice in these comments and I'm sure you will find a good fit.
ReplyDeleteI would cut and keep the pieces that are in "good condition" sounds silly but frame a piece for each family member to have in their room with a poem about families/quilts or a picture of the family member(s) under the quilt...any other pieces you can always use for a doll quilt for your girl :)
ReplyDeleteWith our old quilts that I can't bear to part with, I take new pieces of fabric and sew them on the top "ticker tape" style, as learned from you. They end up a little scraggly, but that's the nature of the old quilt, and the top stitching keeps everything in place. Even overlapping, so that it ends up looking like something of a collage, so that you can still see the old, bu there's all sorts of patchy new.
ReplyDeleteNever throw it out--not if it's wear and tear is the result of love.
I have one on my bed that started falling apart with the first washing. I put the fabric that is torn back in place and zigzag over the edges to sew it down. I have some areas that the fabric fell apart and I took an old t shirt ans sewed it over the area to fix the hole. It isn't pretty but it is so soft that I can't throw it away.
ReplyDeleteI would say toss it. Your family will find a new quilt to love, and there are lots of choices in that quilt cupboard of yours. If you need encouragement to do that...watch an episode of Hoarders. :)
ReplyDeleteIf you decide to try and make it into a 'secret' quilt, and it becomes too lumpy you haven't lost much other than time and some fabric. You could then cut up the quilt while following a different idea on what to do with it.
ReplyDeleteI have an old afghan that my grandmother made me. When it fell into shreds, I used it as the inside to a new 'quilt.' It makes me happy to think that it's still in there.
You could selvage the best parts and make little doll quilts and / or pillows?
ReplyDeleteI say use it until it falls totally apart, lol.
ReplyDeleteNooooooo!! Don't throw it away! I have one exactly like that. Check it out...
ReplyDeletehttp://lavenderfeather.blogspot.com/2011/05/story-of-quilt.html
Ours, too, is a family favorite. My husband LOVES this quilt. He's also a civil war re-enactor, and this is his quilt of choice when he goes to battle. Mine is in much worse shape, so I am actually working on putting on a whole new top, and then just quilting it the the whole thing. I'm going to fold over the edges to make the binding. I've decided to make patches as needed for the back, and make this poor thing last forever.
I haven't made much progress on the top yet, so there's not much to show.
I hope you can come up with a good idea to save yours. I'd love to see the results!!
Heather
I have a shop-bought quilt that is looking the same as this one! I have been wanting to trim out the bad bits and applique a layer over the top - but haven't yet started! I should finish the new one for my bed, but don't really want to replace this one - it was/is just perfect!
ReplyDeleteI think you should use it as the inside of a new quilt.
ReplyDeleteThen hand-tied would work cause it wouldn't seem as lumpy!!
Good Luck in whichever you decide to do...
I like the idea of cutting the "good" parts and framing them! Sorry, but if this was a handmade quilt I think I would still cut it up. There comes a time when all things end and this quilt has come to the end! I think I would use the good pieces to frame a photo and just let it go!
ReplyDeleteI like what Impera Magna suggested but before you make all animal rescue blankets out of it keep a nice piece and frame it behind a mat with a cutout. I was in an antique/craft store years ago that had these beautiful antique quilts that had seen better days matted and hung like artwork on their walls. An example would be cut a large star out of photo mat and then have the quilt be the photo behind the mat. It was beautiful and kept those memories safe.
ReplyDeleteCareful! This is how "hoarding" starts! It might be good for something,someone and I can't get rid of it! You need to let it go! The memories are still there! Cut up the good parts, make some pillows and get rid of the rest! It has been well loved!
ReplyDeleteI'd never throw a quilt away! One friend cut up an old quilt and made potholders from the good parts as Christmas gifts for family and friends, they were wonderful. Could also patch the threadbare parts - with any old scraps - and donate to an animal shelter. A large piece in good shape could be the top of a throw pillow. Endless possibilities...
ReplyDeleteI'd use it as a "cutter" quilt. Take the parts that aren't so bad and make other things with it such as pin cushions etc. I like to use old worn quilts as quilt wings or dresses for angel dolls. I wouldn't just throw it away. If you make something out of it's pieces then you will always have those memories of the picnic and family times close at hand whenever you see the new items made from the quilt. You might have already had these suggestions but I didn't go through all the comments to find out. Love your blog.
ReplyDeleteThere was an old, tattered quilt in the basement of the house my parents bought when they first were married. It was that quilt that my mom wrapped me up in when I was sick because it didn't matter if it ended up getting stained. It was one of my favorite blankets. Eventually she took it apart (I wouldn't let her get rid of it), remade the top, and I later quilted the re-pieced top. It is currently the quilt on my bed. Long story short I would salvage what you can and perhaps make lap quilts out of it for your kids, that way they still have a part of the quilt to call their own.
ReplyDeleteI don't know that I would spend time repairing it, for the very reasons you give ( plus, I'm not big on poly batting, but I understand it has it's place...).
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of either salvaging good bits and repurposing it OR just making a duvet cover to slip over it (less muss and fuss than trying to patch it all and yet not losing its usefulness).
Wonder what you will decide to do???
Lots of great ideas but I think I'd go with either setting it aside and making something special for each of your kids or a special occasion ( graduation or wedding) or possibly making doll quilts for your granddaughters to pass the history to the next generation. You have plenty of lovely quilts the family will make their new favorite.
ReplyDeleteCan you get enough usable cuts out of it to make some placemats? That way you can still enjoy it as a family?
ReplyDeleteWhat did you decide?
ReplyDeletewhat to do,,,,,,,,,,,,,so many memories in it,,,,cant it be fixed and be a camping blanket,,,beach blanket,,,,,or fix it and donate to someone to raffle it off for money for their cause,,,,,,,many human shelters need quilts also, and would still love it again,,,,,
ReplyDeleteA friend's family had a well worn beloved quilt; they preserved the good parts, cut and framed pieces for everyone in the family... thus sharing the memories with everyone who'd loved the quilt.
ReplyDelete