This hand made quilt was pieced by my grandmother in the 1920's and was quilted by my mother in the 1940's.  |
| Yellow pieces are new, including center circle |
The fabrics are from the family's clothing, sheets, etc. Much of the fabric has deteriorated to an alarming level, so I decided to take on the repairs necessary. As you can see I was using white thread at first.
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| blue piece and black piece are new |
I decided that I had to work with a better technique and color of thread.
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| bluish triangle piece is new |
I'm trying to get the stitches to be invisible, and hope that I will get it figured out soon!
The pieces in the quilt average about 1 in. in size, and my favorite thing about the quilt are the tiny pieces. The squares in the quilt are each different in design, but are all very beautiful. If any of you are quilters, and have suggestions, please share them with me.
Oh, I really ike that quilt! I've never repaired a quilt, but I think you're doing what you're supposed to...stitching your new fabric over the damaged. Good for you, tackling this work so you can continue to enjoy this family heirloom. As far as thread tangling and breaking, you can pull it through a bit of beeswax (or paraffin). My mom taught me that a long time ago. They sell beeswax in a little plastic holder with slots in it just for this at fabric stores.
ReplyDeleteAbout the beeswax, I've been doing what you suggested but the thread still tangles, even though it's $9.00 per spool special quilting thread!
DeleteLoving the quilt. Can't sew, so no help I'm afraid.
ReplyDeleteI've sewn all my life, but this is different for me and I'm sure I'll have to redo the sections where the thread shows a lot!
DeleteI have recently become interested in quilting so I have no advice. I do belong to 2 quilt groups on facebook, you might want to post over there to see if anyone can give you some advice. These are the 2 groups www.facebook.com/groups/QuiltWithPatSloan/ and https://www.facebook.com/groups/291023511046957/. I wish you luck on restoring your beautiful quilt!
ReplyDeleteThank you for telling me about the quilt groups that are on facebook. I did join one and will try to learn from them.
DeleteI don't have any advice, but that quilt is beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThanks, and I appreciate the supportive comments.
DeleteNo advice here. I cut out pieces for a quilt and started piecing them about 10 years ago. It still isn't finished.
ReplyDeleteIt's never too late to start the REST of the quilt. I think you did the hardest part, by cutting out the pieces!
DeleteSo glad you are saving that quilt! A few suggestions that might help, cut your thread short in the needle (about 18" max!) and run through the beeswax. Slip the needle under the patch and pull through the 'fold' at the edge where you tucked the edge under. Take the tiniest 'bite' of the quilt fabric (just a few threads) and run the needle back through that fold where you came out. Poke the tip about 1/4" up the fold and back out again. Rinse and repeat. If you want a couple of pics showing what I mean, e-mail me and I'll do a short demo for you. It is what you would do if hemming a skirt or pants just on two different fabrics so if you know how to do an invisible hem it will be easier to picture in your mind. Or maybe you can find a you tube on invisible hemming which might help even more. Just know that some people also believe that mending stitches on an heirloom SHOULD show so either way it would be fine.
ReplyDeleteSue, thanks for the help. I am going to follow your advice!
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