It was lumpy and bumpy…
dingy and dirty…
but it was RED! And it was only $7 at the Thrift Store!
So I brought it home and washed it twice and rinsed it several times!
But more and more of this ugly ‘stuffing’ came out of it!
I’ve never seen anything like this before! Is this raw cotton?
So I decided to take it apart and take all of the balled up stuffing out of it!
I called my neighbor next door to see if she wanted to sit with me in the courtyard while I worked. We live on a golf course so the golfers probably thought I was in my courtyard quilting! lol
It was ‘tied’ together with yarn so I snipped each little tie off and managed to get the back off.
Then I could pull the batting out. Then I washed it again and rinsed it twice! And now I am happy with it! The back of the quilt is the red polka dots!
The fabric is not strong enough to put it back together to be used as a quilt. It’s nice and clean now so I could fold it up pretty…but what are your ideas?
I’m joining....Vintage Thingie Thursday
and Thursday’s Favorite Things!
I’m linking to Honey’s Potpourri Party,
AND Kathy’s Home and Garden party!
I’m joining It’s a Very Cherry World
for Rednesday for the very FIRST time! ♥
I also want to link to the very FIRST Cozy Home Party !
I found a Dotty Hop party, too!
PLEASE HELP! I’m open to ANY suggestions!
What would you do with it?
66 comments:
Wow that is a really old quilt to have that kind of cotton in it. I think it is lovely. I would try to just display it as is. I would hate to see it cut up but that is an option :( anyway its a treasure for sure.
I have a 'bumpy' old quilt too. I don't know what they used in the old days! You have done a fine rescue job.
The fabric won't hold up to going back to a quilt? I was going to suggest using your Wal*Mart blanket as a center instead of that batting and retying it. It is a cute quilt. Hope that you find some way to use it. If you can't, I'd let it return to the Goodwill because there's no sense in holding on to things that are always put away. Perhaps it would be strong enough as a table topper?
Hi Miss Lavender Dreams,
Mom asked me to comment, she is busy right now.
Well, she isn't a quilter but I bet there are many wonderful people out there that can guide you on how to preserve that "bee-u-tee-ful" use to be quilt.
Heaps of Hugs
Prudence
My opinion - could be a beary nice blankie for your teddy bears. NOT the dollies, just the bears. Giggle.
You could fold it and hang it from a dowel on the wall as a decoration OR use it as a Christmas Tree skirt.
maybe a table cover, I have used quilts as table covers and as this one has the filler removed it would lay nice and flat, that s old cotton filler, if they had quilted it closer instead of tying it would have maybe lasted longer, you are so lucky it was a ted quilt they are easy to dis assemble,, its really lovely, would be pretty anywhere even framed,
Some people call those cutter quilts. They make pillow and Teddy bears out of them. The Tablecloth, place mats, stockings, Tree skirt are all good ideas. You might be able to make repairs to it, and take it to a quilting shop for a requilt. Or you could just sew the back to the front and use it as a lap blanket to keep you warm when you read. It's very pretty and you can see someone put some love into making it. ♥~Ames
It is totally gorgeous and I know with all the wonderful suggestions, you will find a way to incorporate it into your beautiful decor - love it! Hugs ~ Mary
I have some lumpy bumpy quilts that my grandma made me...guess maybe I should take it apart....
The red looks lovely!!
I'm wondering how old it is. Maybe you could make a blanket for on of your dolls. I like Prudence's suggestion too.
Whatever you do I'm sure it will be pretty.
What a find! I have several cut-up quilts and I am constantly finding things here and there along the way to do with them. keep your eyes open and it will hit you when you see it!
Kendra
Lovely final product. Table cloth?
I can't wait to see what you do with it. I love the colors and fabrics.
What a great find. Are you going to put new batting in and have it quilted? I love its colors.
I would try to add batting to it. The colors are great though and you put a lot of effort into it. xo (I am having a Shabby Apple giveaway, please stop by to check it out)
Oh it is so pretty and there is so many possibilities for it. What I really noticed though is you are outside in short sleeves!! I am really envious of that! My husband and I were just talking this morning about how it is time for a little trip to Florida to enjoy some warmer sunny weather.
My Great Aunt is a quilter. She makes stuffed animals or door stoppers out of old quilts. You could also make a wall hanging out of it since it looks too fragile to really use. Some little stuffed animals for your dolls would be nice.
The quilt itself is beautiful and you got a great deal on it.
Thanks for being a great friend and joining my party!
I made them as a child. We would take an old quilt an put new fabic on the top or back,depenning what was worn out. I would tack it all down with yarn.Love your find.Joann
There are lots of great suggestions here, so I am just going to tell you how neat your quilt is. Great Actually!
Wow, your quilt batting reminds me of a quilt our family had long ago. It was stuffed with that type of batting.
~Judy
That is a very pretty quilt! I really like the red! I love thrift stores...you never know what you might find!
When I was growing up, I remember having an old quilt on my bed that had that type of batting in it. I know because it was old and had a few holes in it. I'll have to ask my mom if she knows what it was. I believe her mom made it many years ago.
I think it would be pretty as a topper on an accent table.
I have a quilt that was made by my grandmother, that has some fabric that is literally falling apart. I fold the quilt to show the good parts and drape it over a curtain rod in front of a pretty mantle that I found in an antique shop basement, for very little money, years ago. It looks beautiful, and everyone thinks it is covering a fireplace.
nancyr
What a rescue! I didn't read everyone else's comments, but I would probably fold it up and use it for display or...and I hate to say this. make placemats, Christmas stockings, a teddy bear. It is really pretty colors!
Cathy
lovely red quilt pattern for Valentines day decor. maybe a tablecloth or a bunch of pillows???
- KAT -
Thanks for leaving a comment on my blog! I have lots of these cutter quilts too....sometimes I cut them down to a table topper size and really enjoy them that way. I like to use a sheet blanket for the batting. You could just re-tie it or if it's small and you feel like quilting it you could either quilt it by hand or machine. If you look back at some of my older posts you might see some of my table runners...I really enjoy my red and white one from Christmas thru Valentine's. Email me if you have any questions.
Love the polka dots on the back!
Brenda...the Farmer's Dotter
well hello there, diane! So good to see you at my blog today! Thank you so much for linky up to Dotty day!
Well I can't believe no one has suggested this for your quilt yet so I will. I think you should fold that quilt up, put it in a box and mail it off to meeeee! Ha-ha-ha! :)
Whatever you do, have fun! ♥
Wow! You are one determined lady! Right away though I'm thinking how pretty this would be as a tablecloth. Maybe if it's too 'beat up' you could top it with a lace cloth and the prettiness would still peek out through the lace. That was some pretty nasty looking batting :)
Are you planning to re-stuff it? I love the colors in it....
Apparently the quilt had been quilted with cotton as a stuffing. You cannot wash quilts that have the old fashion cotton. It balls up and will ruin the quilt.
What a sweet quilt! I'm so sorry the batting matted and clumped on you. I think pillows or a wall hanging would be a fun reincarnation for it.
Happy Rednesday!
That had an old kind of batting in it. The newer once are processed so that they don't fall apart like that. I think you could get a new batting (pre- washed, of course) and tie it back together with a backing fabric.
Love those red polka dots ♥
Thanks for stopping by and following me and the nice comments on my kitchen collection! Yes, that is a big conch shell under that cloche. There's a piece of coral under another one! I love the shells you are using too. And don't you just love a good thrift shop find! The quilt (once destuffed) is fab. Following along!
Kelly
It's pretty! Can you use it as a tablecloth?....Christine
hi there, I really like your charming find. I took one apart too once and inserted a mattress protector,(you know the cotton quilted type,but with the elastic removed) into it and put velcro on the ends, or buttons could be used. At least it would give the quilt body,then folded and displayed over a chair
Thank you for visiting me and for your kind comments. xx jeanetteann
I am now one of your new followers
How about framing the squares? It's such a pretty color of red and Valentine's Day is coming up - heart pillows!
Great job with the rescue "red cross." lol Looks great and perfect color for Valentines Day coming up!
I am really surprised with all that washing that it survived, LOL, and that you didn't plug your washing machine up or something. That batting looks like the real old stuff that Mountain Mist use to make and sell. It was about the only kind of batting you could buy until the poly bat came out. The old stuff was always warmer but tended to lump up. I think that is why a lot of the older quilts were hand quilted to death. I looked through some of the suggestions the other gals have written and a lot make good sense. I too save older mattress pads and thin blankets to use as fillers for quilts. My mil even use to put sheets in between her heavier quilts, like the ones she made from blue jeans. I have a bear made from an old quilt and there is always making pillows for on the bed or couch, that is if there are holes in the quilt top and you can salvage the good sections. It is always fun to think of new ways to save the old vintage stuff.
Susanne :)
My goodness, you have a lot of suggestions here! All I could think of when I saw the quilt was, "Wow, somebody worked really hard on that a long time ago, and you got it for only $7.00? What a steal!"
Next time you get an antique quilt, you might want to just soak it in your bathtub with baby shampoo, then let the water out and run clean water in it to rinse it. These old quilts don't take to washing machines too well; they are much too fragile.
Hugs,
Pam
Would it be possible to iron on interfacing to strengthen it and then make it back into a quilt - I'm sure the fab vintageyness would make up for any imperfections...?
Sarahx
Only $7 that is amazing. However it sounds like you have done a lot of work and it will pay off. Overall what a great find and enjoy!
Wow! What a terrific find - in the south I am sure very old quilts were filled with cotton - we have a couple from our great-grandmothers! Most likely this fabric was remnants from their own clothing! You have a treasure there! I am not a quilt expert - but, I am sure there will be one out there! Very excited that you shared with Home and Garden Thursday!
I appreciate you!
:)
Blogging Buddy,
Kathy
Hi Diane..
WOW what a big difference it made - you knew just what to do. You find the cutest and most unique things at thrift stores...My husband worked in your city about 12 years ago and I went to a couple thrift stores there...always found something. When we go out of town we always look for a thrift store. I just thought of something..I think I remember you posting a red sofa..how does your new quilt look with the sofa?
Hope you have a great day.
Smiles and huggs from your friend
Maxie
I have one that my grandma gave me years ago that does this one a few squares. Boy this is a lot of work and the finished project is wonderful. Great price too.
happy VTT
Ann
It's so lovely. I'm sad to think it can't be a quilt again.
A girl after my own heart -- I would so have snatched that quilt up for that price. Think of all the hard work that went into it. I think it's lovely just as it is -- not sure if it's big enought for a coverlet -- but I'm sure you will find the perfect use for it. :)
A beautiful treasure Friend!
Don't cut it please..Decorate something with it. Add new batting.
Or simple enjoy it as is. LOVE!
Hugs to you
Trace
www.grannytracescrapsandsquares.com
It is a lovely find. I like the many suggestions to use it as a table cover or perhaps even a picnic "blanket." I've always wanted to have a picnic with odds and ends pieces of vintage china!!!
It would be pretty as a table cloth or thrown casually on a chair. I love red quilts!
You diligently set to work! and the end result is wonderful! How nice is it that you have salveged something someone else made with love!
Ciao Bella
Creative Carmelina
I bought one very similar and had the same stuffing inside. I actually took it apart because it looked like it had bugs in it, but maybe not!! I made lovely bags out of it and ornaments. My family loved them, I still have the bag I made my mom.
Di@Cottage-wishes
thank you for stopping by for my giveaway.
When you find an old quilt you should never wash it until you repair the parts that need repairing. Old quilts need to be washed gently, without strain, by hand in a bathtub, not in a washing machine. I use Orvis to wash mine. They should be rinsed several times and the water should be pressed out. Never twist or spin old quilt!. You should lay the quilt flat to dry. If you do it properly, you would not have frayed fabrics and lumpy batting. Another tip—never wash a quilt top before it's quilted!
What a mess cotton batting makes, right? I had a sofa with cotton batting under the upholstery - very old sofa. It made for comfortable sitting and was durable in those days. Thick and not so comfortable later on, huh? Wonder what you'll do with it? Placemats? Runner? Love the reds. I'm traveling with Liz and Time Travel Thursday. Nice to meet you! Jenn
I really don't know what I would do with it - however - I sure do admire you - first of all I probably wouldn't have bought it and then I wouldn't have known how to even take it a part! And yet it is so beautiful. sandie
I have several like these from my Grandmother. I just display them because I have tried to wash one before and it clumped.
Anxious to see what you do with it.
*hugs*deb
Wow yes that is old cotton batting. Great old quilt. Too bad you can't put it back together. It would be a great quilt.
Jocelyn @
http://justalittlesouthernhospitality.blogspot.com
Well for $7.00, you got a great buy, too bad it pulled and lumped. I had one do that. The amazing thing is it didn't run. Red is usually the worse to bleed. You already have a great lot of suggestions, hope to see what you decide. I love the red.
It's lovely. I'm a lover of red, too. I didn't take the time to read all of the comments above me, and I'm sure it was suggested already, but I would use it as a tablecloth. If you have an outdoor eating area, it would look especially inviting outdoors. And if you ever get up the nerve to cut it, square pillows would be an idea.
Enjoy it! That's the best advice.
A perfect cloth for a picnic, or table cloth. Turned out beautifully, well worth your effort. Thank you for participating in the Thursday Favorite Things hop. xo
I love that you saved a small piece of history. I always think of how much time was put into the quilt and then it was just donated. I am glad it has a new home! If you want to use it as a quilt, I would use a blanket at the batting and then retie it. Or use it as a duvet cover with it. Thank you for sharing with us at TTF and I hope you have a great weekend!
What beautiful colours! Your probably better off with the old filling out of it. I'm it would make a wonderful topper for a bed or sofa as it is.
And yes, it is sunny here but very cold today. Methinks I'm getting too old for this type of Winter. LOL!
Ali x
LOL! The cotton batt crumbled like that because it was a tied quilt. Quilting would have held the batt in place when it was washed but after many years and many washing the batt just fell apart.
Have you sewn the back back on? You could use as a summer spread. I've folded a too worn to use quilt on the foot board of our guest room bed...every guest comments on it.
What a wonderful find! At only $7.00, it truly WAS a steal! AND, as an added bonus, you had sunny weather and could sit outside to work on it. I so miss being able to sit outside right now.
Thanks for linking to Time Travel Thursday. I love having you join us. ;)
Blessings,
Liz @ The Brambleberry Cottage
If you were able to wash it that many times it should withstand hand quilting if you know how, a good cotton batt or bamboo has a nice drape to it and is quilter friendly.
I've never had the heart to cut up old quilts makes me sad to see.
Whatever you decide enjoy it
Lori in AZ
My goodness, you have so many wonderful suggestions, here. I can't wait to see what you decide. I would kinda hope you preserve it as much as possible. It is a beauty.
Blessings,
Susie
What a treasure you have here. I think it would be so cute just folded up and displayed on a shelf.
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