Old quilts: use 'em and wear 'em out or save them?

[Wabi Sabi]

Dh has has a lovely old handstitched quilt that his grandmother made for him when he was a kid (a floral quilt is an odd gift for a 9 year old boy, but I digress... ). Anyhow, we've been using the quilt on our bed for the past year or so. It has probably been washed more in the last year than in the previous 25+ combined!

The quilt is beginning to fray and show signs of wear. It isn't going to be last forever which brings me to my question: with an older item like this that has a certain amount of sentimental value do you use it as it was intended to be used and just let it eventually fall apart, or do you save it as a family heirloom and not actually use it?

(Dh has no real attachment to this quilt and thinks that we should just keep using it.)

Oh, and we're not exactly the hanging-quilts-on-the-wall-for-decoration kind of folk- just not our style.

[marybethorama]

I vote use it

Especially as it doesn't have a lot of sentimental value and you're not interested in hanging it.

[MomToKandE]

Unless it's the kind of thing you'd like to pass down to one of your kids I'd keep using it. When it does get too worn to continue using you could have a piece of it framed if you want to just for sentimental value.

[2GR8KIDS]

I vote for using it. I have inherited a number of quilts and other antiques and I really try to use them. I feel badly if a rug gets stained or a dish gets broken, but I figure these things have already been in use for at least 3 generations in my family! While I am lucky to have received so many nice things it can also be a burden, so I don't necessarily aim to pass all these things onto my kids. I would like them to have a few things they treasure, rather than a houseful of stuff they aren't really connected to but feel obligated to preserve.

As one of the PPs suggested, if the quilt ultimately falls apart, you can use pieces of it to make something else, like a patchwork bag or something, if it is important to you to preserve part of it.

[happyfrog]

i believe in using what we have.

'sides, what fun is 'saving' stuff and packing it away somewhere?

I agree with pp about using even fragile stuff. the worst that can happen is it breaks - but it broke being used for its purpose. what a way to go!

Bettyann
who has many quilts in service here and they are all well loved and some are really looking threadbare but they have good memories . . . .

[Aeress]

My grandmother assures me that it is o.k to use the quilt she gave me. I have others that I use for various things and the girls have one as well. I love them. They are a part of history and beautiful, so I vote use them!

[cupofjojo]

I only have one quilt we don't use. It is very ornamental and is called a Victorian crazy quilt. We found out it was made in or around 1865. We're in the process of building a square coffee table that will have a glass topped shadow box so we can put the quilt inside for display.

Other than that, we use older quilts a lot and newer ones our friends gave us.

So I'd say unless you know it has value of some kind, use away.

[cuttiebearmom]

Definatley use it. Probably what she would have intended/wanted I think!

[woodchick]

I'd say use it as well.

Another thought for when it wears out: Once apon a time women used to take old, worn quilts and used them as batting for new quilts. So you could make a new quilt and tuck the old quilt/memories inside.

[townmouse]

Originally Posted by woodchick

I'd say use it as well.

Another thought for when it wears out: Once upon a time women used to take old, worn quilts and used them as batting for new quilts. So you could make a new quilt and tuck the old quilt/memories inside.

Women still do this

Except for one baby quilt, the only quilting I've ever done is scrap quilting. I would never spend the $$ on all new materials for a quilt (although I love to look at the newest and fanciest styles!) For me, quilting is a link to that frugal heritage. Taking old clothes and other household material to make something new, beautiful, and useful.

I don't spend $$ for batting, either. I re-cover old quilts. They are very warm I don't think a person could do fancy, intricate quilting stitches, but tying the centers and corners of squares is a time-honored tradition and works fine for this type of quilt.

[CandyApple]

Definely keep using it - it will only get softer and more loved, cherished with use.

[mommaof3boz]

I have like 15 of them. I checked into this very things. I was told by keeping them folded up and not washing you are begging for dust mites or moths and it is very bad to let dust get all in them, which it will. Also don't store them in plastic bags, it can change the colors. I would use the one you have. If anyone has a true antique, pricey one I'd display it on a quilt rack, refold it frequently, and occasionally put it in the dryer on hot for like 5-10 minutes.

[papercranegirl]

Use it and remember the grandma each time you're wrapped up in it. I love how soft and warm my old quilts are and will keep using them even if there are spots that are threadbare

[dillonandmarasmom]

My grandmother insists we wear out all things handmade by her! I have many handmade quilts, handknitted blankies, etc. I still use the ones from my childhood.
As a knitter and general crafter, it bugs me a little when I see the things I have made sitting up somewhere where they can't be used. But, it is the decision of the recipient, really. If my sister insists on storing the empty jar which once held homemade Christmas granola simply because I put a homemade label on it, so be it. Sentimental...

[binxsmom]

this reminds me of a beautiful short story by alice walker called, everyday use. if you have a moment, read it.

http://www.bow.k12.nh.us/jmcdermott/...ice_walker.htm

[Jennisee]

I really needed this thread. I have too many quilts and blankets that I am saving for "display purposes" because I'm terrified of ruining them. I need to either start using them or purge them form our home.

[lightheart]

Don't just store the quilt away use it but you may want to learn more about the proper care of quilts to extend this ones life. Also learn how to sew and if a seam gets torn then repaire it asap and you will not have a big gaping hole a month from now

Quilts really don't need to be water washed that often and if they are getting that dirty you may want to look at the cause of the grime and work on that problem. Think about not washing as often as a way to help the environment, less water, less resources!

If your sleeping directly under it where you are directly touching it, then might add a sheet first. If the problem is it's the top most covering and the dogs are sleeping on it, teach the dogs new tricks or put another blanket on top. Right now with us we have a cosleeping potty-learning bedwetter so I've taken the 'nice' blankets off to use when he's a little older, look at why the quilt is being washed so often andmaybe elimanate washings.

Also are you washing it directly in the washing machine? and drying it in the dyer? what type of soap are you using? it is okay to do this but pick the gentelest cycle or just use the machine to soak it and a quick spin to get the excess water out. Best way to wash a qult is by hand in the bathtub. Drying should be flat, preferably outside in the shade, lay a sheet down on the grass, lay the quilt down and another sheet on top to keep sun fade and bird do-do off. You can hang on the line and you can dry in the dryer but remember each way will stress the quilt and cause fraying. If you hang up, might want to suprort it with a couple chairs or something to keep the wet weight off the fabric until it has dried somewhat. With a dryer use low heat.

This does 'seam' like alot of work but think about all the time Grandma put into this quilt too.

You can vacume a quilt to get the dust out or take it out and just shake it. Airing quilts refreshes them greatly.

here are some links you may want to look at, or do an iternet search for "quilt care" or "quilt washing"
http://www.quilthistory.com/quilt_care.htm
http://www.quilthistory.com/cleaning.htm
http://www.stearnstextiles.com/quilt-washing.htm
http://www.cindybrick.com/washing.htm
http://www.comfycountrycreations.com/quiltcare.htm

[crissei]

I am a quilter. I pour my heart into each one I create, and dream of making them for my decendents.
I would be honored if they liked it enough to wear it out. After all, if I wanted to make something for them that would last forever, I would have

Take a very good photo of it now, before it deterioates any further, and save that instead of the quilt.

[Jane]

I sun my quilts and blankets over a porch rail. The sun isn't very strong here, so I don't worry about fading.

[hibana]

Use it, and repair as needed until it dies! S'what I do with heirloom quilts...