Monday 26 October 2009

Decision

Last year I was given an old hexagon quilt which had been found in the loft by someone when her mother died. She gave it to a quilter friend, who gave it to me to be made up for Linus. Unfortunately, the quilt was in poor shape, literally, as mice had been nibbling at it, and it had lost a large piece which had been undone and several patches had also been partially eaten. It was also not at all suitable for Linus, as when I turned it over, many of the papers were still in place, and from the copperplate handwriting and some postmarks, they appeared to be letters and envelopes from the 1890s. Here is the quilt and if you would like to see some closeups, go to September 2008.

I didn't know what to do with it. Part of me thought it should be given to a museum or collector, but another part of me felt for the original maker, and wanted to complete this quilt and not have it consigned to a box, to be seen by very few people. I took it to a Quilter's Guild Area Day, where a member knowledgeable about old quilts said it was 'not of museum quality'. So, I wrapped it carefully in acid free tissue and put it on top of the wardrobe.

Last week I reached a decision. I have decided to complete the top using reproduction and sympathetic fabrics, remove the papers, scan the most interesting ones and print them onto fabric to be used as the backing of the quilt. This way, the quilt is completed, but the history is not lost.

This is the progress I have made on the top, so far. Looking good!

5 comments:

Andrea said...

Definitely a labour of love - good on you xx

Sew Create It - Jane said...

What a wonderful way to bridge to two sides together...very creative!

Contented Caroline said...

How wonderful. It's looking great Lynda, I think this one should definately be a keeper, perhaps something to snuggle up with of a cold winters evening.

Unknown said...

What a wonderful way to complete the project - love the idea of scanning the papers onto the backing fabric - inspired!!!

Mama Spark said...

Looks great, keep it up. You *know* the original quilter would be happy that you are finishing it rather than allowing it to languish away in a cupboard unloved and unused. You will be blessed by her and her family.