BellaOnline Forums Hobbies and Crafts Sewing Enduring Patchwork

The terms cozy, rustic, Americana, and old-fashioned come to mind when considering patchwork items. The fabric patches are all of the same size, usually squares distinguishing them from "crazy" patchwork designs where pieces are of asymmetrical sizes assembled in a thoughtful yet random design.

Enduring Patchwork

my mother love to quilt - designs mostly. I have a patchwork quilt made by my grandmother. My mother once said she recognized one of the squares as a piece of fabric from a dress her mother had made for her as a child.

I have inherited an appliqued quilt made for my mother by her sister-in-law many years ago. I know it needs to be repaired in many places as the cotton thread used to attach the flowery appliques has deteriorated and many of the flower motifs are now loose and in danger of becoming detached. The quilt intimidates me as the extraordinary skill originally used to assemble the quilt top demands more than I am ready to admit to. A dilemma for me as to how to proceed. I do not dare to have the quilt cleaned first before I even think to attempt to work on it yet, it does need cleaning after many years of storage. Sigh. Any suggestions?