A Prim Quilt…the REST of the story!

I thought it would be helpful to me and maybe a few others to compile some of the tips I got in my comments about my “prim” quilt. My first post on the quilt is HERE !

I still feel like I need a ‘disclaimer’ before I take credit for ruining the old quilt. It had already been washed and the cotton was lumpy and the fabric was very soiled and rotten. The cotton was falling out of the squares before I washed it. But I did wash it….and rinse it until it was clean. I would not have anything in my house unless it was clean so if I find an old one again that is in better shape but dirty, I will have to ‘count the cost’.

So here are some of the helpful hints and tips that I appreciate so very much! It’s really been a learning process for me!

Pam at Antique or Not  “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.”

I even had an anonymous comment come through that was good! Anyone want to take credit for this one?

Anonymous said... “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!”

And which comment stood out in all of the 65 that I got? This one…

the real mia said... “It's so lovely. I'm sad to think it can't be a quilt again.”

So what did I do with it?

I put it back together. I have never made a quilt…..and most of you will say that is obvious.

I bought a new fleece blanket for $3.99 ( Vee suggested this! ) and an old white sheet at the thrift store ( and yes, I soaked it in detergent and BLEACH ) washed it and dried it with a Downy sheet. I layered it all, put some ties back into it to hold it together and stitched it around the edges.

It is the measurements of a full size blanket so this worked great!

Now I need to insert the truth! I did it wrong the first time and called my sweet cousin, Cindy and she told me to layer it, quilt top right side down, and sew three sides and turn it. Then I stitched the fourth side (the end) by hand! And then tied it! Thanks Cindy for helping me through that! (she’ll be surprised to find out I took it apart and did it right! heehee)

So now it is not only a ‘prim’ quilt….it’s a ‘make do’. I worked on most of the squares to repair them by hand.  Only 3 of them are beyond help but that’s OK with me. I may work on them sometime, too and replace the fabric.

 

I knew when I saw it that I wanted to keep it so now I am happy with it. Now it can go on the sofa in the lanai for me to enjoy! WHEW!!!

I’m joining Time Travel Thursday

and Thrifty Things Friday!

and Treasure Hunt Thursday!

and Thursday’s Favorite Things!

I’m linking to Honey’s Potpourri Party,

AND Kathy’s Home and Garden party!

So now do you think I should try to make a NEW quilt? Be honest! heehee!