Once upon a long time ago in Pennsylvania, my grandmother and her mother made a quilt.
The applique pattern is called Christmas Cactus and Rose.
This beauty won a blue ribbon in the 1873 Pennsylvania State Fair.
Sadly over time it was water damaged during storage. It was passed to my mother who just recently passed it to me. I'm the fourth generation caregiver. I've pondered what to do -- keep it as is and store it or salvage it by making some smaller projects -- pillows, small quilt, table mat. For now I ponder. Any suggestions?
Update -- I didn't point out the damage in the center of the quilt as well. You can see it in the upper right -- the darker brown stain is also a hole.
Since it's apparently still Winter and snowing I had to photograph Jack's Cabins indoors. I thought you might like to see it open. I believe the setting is called Barn Raising. As I mentioned in a previous post this is also a Pennsylvania quilt.
Both of these quilts were in the August 1992 issue of Lady's Circle Patchwork Quilts magazine. Pioneertown is a small desert community and near where Mom lives. I've had this magazine since 1992 and now I have the quilts as well.
~Piecefully, Stephanie
Update -- I didn't point out the damage in the center of the quilt as well. You can see it in the upper right -- the darker brown stain is also a hole.
Since it's apparently still Winter and snowing I had to photograph Jack's Cabins indoors. I thought you might like to see it open. I believe the setting is called Barn Raising. As I mentioned in a previous post this is also a Pennsylvania quilt.
Both of these quilts were in the August 1992 issue of Lady's Circle Patchwork Quilts magazine. Pioneertown is a small desert community and near where Mom lives. I've had this magazine since 1992 and now I have the quilts as well.
~Piecefully, Stephanie
30 comments:
What lovely treasures you have been given. I don't know what you should do with the damaged quilt. Fold it creatively for now and wait until you are sure.
It's amazing what lovely treasures you have and with documentation! The quilt is so beautiful it would be a shame to cut it up. Is it possible to rework that section?
I would vote for trying to rework the damaged section if you ever plan to display the quilt. But that might be a daunting task. How wonderful that you have such a long family history of quilt making. They are beautiful quilts.
Oh, that just breaks my heart to see that stunning applique quilt damaged. I love how the quilter appliqued through the applique part too.
I think I would just cut the brown stuff off and leave it as is.
That's so danged cool! - that you now are the caretaker of these beautiful old quilts that have such a history behind them. You are quite fortunate! I would leave the holey quilt as is. The hole is part of it's story. If you cut it up, you'd get a lot of "sequels" to the story, but would lose the main story. The first book is always the best, right?
Hello,
The quilting on the old quilt is stunning. I would cut out that bad piece and bind the hole and somehow put a piece across the spot explaining the history of the quilt. It shouldn't be cut up into other projects.
Happy days.
Bev.xoxo
I have goose bumps reading about these two precious quilts. I would leave the Christmas quilt as is or at least maybe cut away the damaged fabric and try to replace with some white and its story. I would hate for it to get damaged more. Are they labelled? That is something I want to do with my Great Grandmother's quilts label all of hers.
Those are really spectacular quilts, but my heart broke seeing that damage. I don't suppose there is any way it could be repaired even though it would not be perfect. I'd hate to see it cut up.
This quilt is incredible. Can't you make an insert piece for the damaged part? It would be a pity to cut it up.
Oh Stephanie, I've been away from the blog for far too long. I've missed so many posts!
Those quilts are simply amazing!
So sad about the damaged area, but maybe you could sew a type of patch over it that gives the quilt's family history.??
Its lovely regardless.
Kimberly :)
Oh, that 3rd picture just broke my heart. Such a beautiful quilt! Keep us posted on what you plan to do. You come from such a great quilt heritage.
OMG this is beautiful I would fix it. of course you need to do what you think is best but I think you could fix it with your skills
Kathie
Hmmm, you could try to repair it, it seems that most of the damage is in the background.
I think cutting it up might be painful, but a though occured to me. You could cut it strategically and make a couple of small quilts from it, wouldn't it be nice for a several family members to all have a piece of it, share the wealth so to speak.
The jack quilt is gorgeous all spread out.
Beautiful quilts, the hand quilting is so neat and fine. I think I would be tempted to make the damaged quilt into a smaller quilt and just applique over the smaller damaged bit. I think the fact that it is repaired just adds to the character of its age.
You're so lucky to be the 4th generation of family with the quilts, Stephanie. In the past I've read some really useful information here about quilt conservation. Hope this helps!
http://www.quilthistory.com/repair.htm
All I can say is WOW! You are so fortunate to have these quilts with their history and also the book they were featured in. I wish I had an idea for you about the damaged quilt. Maybe cut it down so your daughter would have something from it also? Maybe 2 small lap size. Good luck deciding. Will look forward to see what you do.
Oh WOW! I love the Christmas cactus quilt - what a beauty! I don't think I could cut apart such a fabulous quilt, lovingly made by 2 family members. The gapping hole is a bit shocking though - I vote for repairing it. The log cabin quilt is wonderful too.
Such a privilege for you to have inherited such beautiful quilts.
Jenny
What a shame because the colors have not faded over all that time. Reds and greens were among the first colors to go.
I wonder if it could be restored by a professional? I'm almost certain that it would be something that a museum would be interested in.
Two more treasures, Stephanie. Wow!
Hope you are able to repair the quilt - it would be so great for you to be part of your family's wonderful quilt - imagine - three generations of quilters!!!
They're so beautiful, what treasures you have now in your hands. I would try to repair the damaged areas, although it might be a difficult task.
This Family Heirlooms quilt is looking so nice thanks for the whole effort which you made for us.
Click Here for Source
1873??? Wow, Stephanie. What a conundrum. Good luck deciding what to do. I'd be really torn (no pun intended).
Both treasures!!! OMG! Love them both. I couldn't bear to cut up a quilt, so I would just fold it creatively and display. :-)
Please don't cut up that quilt! I think a quilt historian/restorer may be able to help you decide what's best. I would contact the National Quilt Study group in I believe Lincoln, Nebraska to see if they can't help you with restoration. Good luck!
Wow! I am speechless! All that hand appliqué and quilting is gorgeous! Sorry to see water damage on this precious quilt.
Beautiful colors in the Logcabin quilt! Great treasures, Stephanie!
what a treasure - I could not bear to cut it up, I would have to try to patch it *somehow*..........
Wonderful quilts ! You are lucky !
I have no idea what to do with those holes, it's a pity. But it would really be great, if this quilt could be mended
That is so cool to have the quilts from that wonderful magazine (it's still the best imo)!
Wow to the beautiful blue ribbon quilt.
What a tragedy that it has become damaged over the years.
I'm not expert enough to offer any solutions although I know I could never cut it up.
Margaret
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