CRAZY QUILT RESTORATION

[karen f.]

I have never made a crazy quilt, but brought home one from 1892 last night to "help" a friend restore it. I just need some basic advice to point me in the right direction. the stitches aren't really the problem(yet), just the best way to replace fabric, or cover(?) it. HELP! and thanks. :P

[karen f.]

I guess my first question would be...how is the quilt to be used?
Will the repairs significantly affect the value of the quilt?

To replace pieces...I would applique the reproduction fabric OVER the area. Sometimes cutting out the area will weaken the quilt more.

Here is an article concerning basic quilt repair and restoration
http://www.quilthistory.com/repair.htm

Perhaps others here have other ideas...

Good luck with your project!!

FW

[karen f.]

If you are going to replace fabric here is a hint I heard once. See if you can find a patch of the same fabric in good condition somewhere on the quilt. Place that section on a flatbed scanner, scan the fabric, and print it onto new fabric. This way you have a replacement patch that matches not only the original pattern, but the natural aged patina of the original quilt.

[karen f.]

Great ideas. I think I'll begin by photographing every block and assessing how bad the damage is and doing it block by block. It belongs to a client of mine, her grandmother made it, they were potato farmers on Long Island and she just wants it maintained for the familial value.

[karen f.]

By the way, how do we get ourselves into these projects? Someone knows you are a quilter so they assume you know all avenues of quilting, although, I must admit, I have never been drawn to crazy quilts, but hmmmmm.....this just might be interesting. Here I go..............