Sunday, August 17, 2014

When I Grow Up I Want to Be Like Grandma


Ta Da! 
I've finished the butterfly quilt inspired by the one I inherited from Grandma. 
Can you tell which one I just finished? 

81 x 90
Hand appliqued and hand quilted
Grandma's was made of old clothes
Mine is made of 30s reproduction fabrics


Grandma's hand quilting....

...my hand quilting...

...grandma's butterflies (she has an extra antennae and some have some french knot eyes)...


...my butterflies. 


I honestly didn't know if I would ever complete this. 

I want to thank the folks I've met every Slow Stitching Sunday at Kathy's Quilts. They have some inspirational quilting applique skills, have been very encouraging and I've picked up some hand quilting tips. 



And now I have to decide if I should keep Grandma's quilt as is or try to repair it.   

Somewhere along the way someone machine stitched around some of the butterflies where the fabric had some loose.  Also, the muslin fabrics are showing signs of foxing. I'm thinking the quilt will just continue to deteriorate. 

So, as I mentioned, I'm torn between storing it away as is or repairing it. By "repair it" I'm thinking I would just save the butterflies and applique them to new Kona Snow backgrounds and add new Kona Spring sashings and then hand quilt it. 

What would you do? 


15 comments:

Carla A Few Of My Favorite Things said...

Wow! I would say Grandma would be very proud. It looks absolutely lovely next to hers. Although her is worn and damaged, I would keep it as it is. I would store it away making sure there is documentation with who the maker was. Who knows maybe the next generation would like to make one too, wouldn't that be something!

Quilter Kathy said...

I am so excited for you!
It's gorgeous....congratulations!
Such beautiful photos of the quilts side by side.
I would probably stitch up anything on Grandma's quilt that is easy to repair, especially the stitching that keeps the butterflies in place. And gently clean if possible. And then store it safely.
I think these quilts should be hung side by side in quilt shows to inspire other quilters.
Amazing!

deb @ frugal little bungalow said...

What a beautiful and wonderful accomplishment and finish! Congratulations! :)

Julierose said...

WOW--what a wonderful finish--your fabric choices are so close to your Grandmother's! I would agree with Prima Donna and store it in acid-free paper and perhaps bring it out to decorate during holiday time...it is so precious to think that all those stitches were hers...hugs, Julierose

Karen said...

I think I would keep Grandma's quilt as is and just try to keep it from falling apart further. A treasure.

Turid said...

Both of them are great.

Val's Quilting Studio said...

WOW! What a wonderful accomplishment and both are truly a work of heart!

Chantal said...

Congratulations on a wonderful finish. So cool to see both quilts side by side. You've made your grandma proud I'm sure.

Tanya Quilts in CO said...

Congrats on the finish! I have really enjoyed following your progress.

Nita said...

What a wonderful job you've done...your grandmother would be so pleased. I would keep her original quilt as is, for now anyway.

Vic in NH said...

Everything about your quilt is priceless, the fabric choices, the blanket stitching and embroidery, the hand quilting. Kudos to you for completing it! I agree that only minimal interference should be done on your grandmothers work.

Anonymous said...

This must be the year for reproducing "grandma's butterflies". My mom is also working on making a butterfly quilt to look like one her great grandma made in the 1930's. I have the original here at home. Surprisingly, considering how many moves it's been through, and that it hasn't had any special storage or anything, there is very little wear and tear showing on it.

My great great grandma's butterflies do not look like any other butterfly quilts that we've seen.

Deanna W said...

I would fix up Grandma's quilt best you can...and keep it as is with the fixes. It is full of history even if you are unaware of the history! It is great that you made a duplicate one...it looks great!

Deb A said...

Wow! Just...... WOW! Seeing them side by side is priceless! I'll bet your Grandma has a huge smile on her face looking down at you seeing your work based on her quilt. It has been so fun to watch your progress on this and I agree with one of the others - both should be showcased in a quilt show. I'd do minor repairs but keep the quilt as is. Also write up the history you know of it and that it inspired your quilt. Maybe a relative will want to make a replica in the future! Every time I see yellow butterfly's in my back yard I think of your quilt.... I may just have to make my own version sometime!

Cathy said...

Congratulations on a wonderful finish, Cathy. I'm sure your grandmother would be so honored. I agree that you should check some resources online to learn how you can best stabilize your grandma's precious quilt. And then store it safely and lovingly. If you do make any repairs, document those, too.