Loved Beyond Repair

Hi everyone!  Cindy reporting in from steamy Ohio.  I’m enjoying the air conditioning and looking for new quilting projects.

One project I’ve considered is restoring a quilt I bought at an antique store for approximately $30.00.  I love this quilt as it uses fabrics from the 30’s and most of the colors have remained vibrant.
Four square bright colors

Reds from older fabrics can fade out over time but these polka dots are still going strong!
Red dot bright

This black floral fabric looks almost like new.
Black square bright

Regarding restoration…a lot is needed!  Approximately 1/3 of the machine bound edges are frayed.
Frayed edge

There are several holes in the front and in the back.

Frayed edges abound and some of the hand quilting is coming undone.

A frayed edge

Bottom line:  I love this quilt but I think it is beyond repair.

What about you?

Do you have an old quilt that you love beyond repair?

 

 

10 thoughts on “Loved Beyond Repair

  1. Debbie says:

    I bought a stinky, dirty quilt at a flea market one year for $5.00! I had to wash and soak it several times to get the stink out! I believe it’s called Snake In The Grass pattern. It’s basically falling apart, too much to repair, but I love the fabrics in it and the blocks are set in a unique way. It lives in my quilt cabinet and I get it out and admire it once and a while!

    • Gray Barn Designs says:

      What a bargain and what a funny name for a block! I am so glad you could rescue it and continue to enjoy it.

  2. rl2b2017 says:

    Hi Cindy! Oh, I would have such angst giving up on this quilt. I totally agree with you – let me add right away – but. I’ve had a quilt returned to me in pieces, literally. {{Hugs}} It is a hard decision to make, and it’s not an easy one. ~smile~ Roseanne

    • Gray Barn Designs says:

      Maybe it’s our mission to rescue quilts like this! We can still enjoy them and possibly even re-purpose them. I might cry if a quilt I worked so hard on came back to me in pieces but it sounds like you made the most of it.

      • rl2b2017 says:

        We quickly made a replacement for the in-pieces quilt. There’s nothing better than having a quilt used-to-death, right?? Otherwise, we’ve used one in place of batting so the first quilt is technically still being used! Just slightly repurposed. ~smile~ Roseanne

      • Gray Barn Designs says:

        I like how you think! Using in place of batting is a great re-purpose. Quilters are so resourceful!

  3. My Sewful Retirement says:

    Hi Cindy — repairing quilts requires patience — I don’t have 🙂 Check out Carole at From My Carolina Home. She repairs old quilts and writes frequently about the steps she uses. I’m always amazed at her before and after pictures.

  4. Judy says:

    I have rescued many old quilts in honor of the person who made them. When possible, I have repaired sections that would not distract from the original fabric and quilting. If beyond repair, I fold them to display the best sections for that flea market look.

    • Gray Barn Designs says:

      Yes, the flea market look is where I am headed with this one! It’s nice to bring out every once in awhile.

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