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Memories to Heirlooms

Remember When. . . a quilt went from fragile to functional & fabulous!

1/4/2019

4 Comments

 
To some this well loved, threadbare quilt might seem like a lost cause. It was a bit daunting when I first saw it and felt this soft, fragile, but cherished fabric. 
image of damage on the quilt
It belongs to Cathy's son and was made by his Nanny. Cathy wanted it reworked for her grandson, Silvius, to use. We discussed several ideas and together came up with a plan of how to make a functional quilt that Silvius could use while honoring, Nanny, the original maker.  ​
Original quilt front
Quilt front
Original quilt back
Quilt back
My first step was to contact a quilt expert, Susan Heydt, and ask about restoring a quilt. She educated me about sewing bridal veil netting over the quilt to hold everything in place. - the perfect technique if you simply want to preserve it. In talking to her and researching, I realized my plan was unconventional but it was the only way I could think of that had the potential of making the quilt usable again. 
quilt soaking in a tub
First I soaked the quilt in Oxyclean overnight, hoping to lift any stains and brighten the fabric. In the morning I machine washed it on gentle, handling it as little as possible because the fabric tore so easily, and hung it dry.
closeup of quilting stitches
It hurt my heart to remove Nanna's tiny, even hand quilting but it had to be done.  
close up of ripping out a seam
Next each block was separated.
image of ironing on stabilizer
I tested both woven and fused iron-on interfacing on some of the boarder fabric  to see how they would react to each other after several washings. Although both puckered a bit, the woven was chosen because it created more stability since it did not stretch. It was applied  to each square.
samples of a printed label
Cathy and I had settled on the idea of printing a block for the corner. After designing it, I printed it on Tailor Sew-In Colorfast Fabric Sheets for Ink Jet Printers. The directions said to wash in cold water with no detergent and dry flat which concerned me because the quilt would need to be washable with detergent.  Because I had never used this product I tested it by washing as instructed and washed it 6 more times, getting harsher each time, ending with a worst case scenario by washing it in warm water with my basement rugs.  Here are the results of the test, the abused one is on the bottom and freshly printed on the top. I was pleased.
comparing embroidery to a printed patch
Just to be sure, I created an embroidered block, knowing it would never fade but in the end decided on the printed option. Some fading is to be expected and that will complement the original fabrics.
measuring a patch
a patch with cutting lines added
Each block was measure and cut individually from seven and half inches to 6 inches so I could choose the strongest fabric from each block.
seams pressed to one side
seams pressed open
The top was reassembled to match the original design while incorporating the new printed block.
Because of the interfacing, pressing the seams to one side created bulky seams so I reworked it, pressing the seams open.
Silvius's name appliquéd to the quilt in blue
Silvius's name was fused down to the top and then appliquéd by machine.
Luckily I found perfect backing fabric for this project.  I layered the backing, cotton batting and top together and held them together with safety pins to make it ready for quilting. (The safety pins are designed for this. They are slightly bent so they are easy to poke through the three layers and bring back up to the top to close.)
machine quilting the quilt
Nanny did her quilting by hand. I used a machine but sewed in the seam as she did.  This is know as "stitch in the ditch" by quilters.  Kinda catchy don't you think! 
original tassel
new tassel
Ties were replaced in each corner. Nanny used acrylic yarn but I choose wool because when wool is washed it tightens on itself, forming felt.  I am hoping that the wool tassels will form cute, felted wool balls.
back pocket with a patch of the family.  The pocket holds a custom story book about the quilt
A photo of Silvius and his parents adorns the pocket on the back that hold his custom Story Starter booklet.
A quilt is made of many layers, One below, between and above. But don’t miss the other layer The one that’s made with love.
Can you guess who that baby was? Do you know who it might be? If you know, then whisper  Before I count to three!
When Daddy grew into a boy As baby boys will do GiGi put the quilt away  And dreamed sweet dreams of you.
 Silvius, your quilt started long ago, Before your daddy was born. Nanny and PopPop picked the fabric crisp, new and warm.
Yes, the quilt was Daddy's, Which he snuggled in each night. GiGi and Babu kissed him Before his dreams took flight.
One day Daddy met a woman, She was funny, kind and smart. Clearly he had met his match, Can you guess who won his heart?
Nanny poured her love in it With careful stitches by hand. Knowing she was making a quilt For a child oh so grand.
The quilt provided comfort Through laughter and through tears. The cat loved the tassels, And sucked on them for years.
Yes Mommy was that woman  And Silvius you made them three! They love you so very much, You made them a family!
Families have layers too. They are there when you reach out. They love you like Titi Cat. And protect you just like Scout.
The quilt now has new layers Which were added just for you. The love of Nanna and PopPop Titi Cat, GiGi and Babu!
May your dreams always be sweet May your adventures be true. May your heart be kind and full Of the love we have for you.
It was so much fun writing the story of his quilt for Silvius to enjoy. 
the finished quilt
I loved collaborating with Cathy on the quilt and booklet as well as testing and learning new techniques. It is such an honor to have such faith  placed in me and it my hope that Silvius loves his quilt and it will be ready for another round with the next generation.
4 Comments
Maddie
1/4/2019 06:46:45 pm

I love this quilt and story, Jean! Such amazing work.

Reply
Jean
1/4/2019 07:17:07 pm

Thanks Maddie. That means a great deal coming from you!

Reply
Olivia Bracken
1/5/2019 11:34:03 pm

Silvius and his family are so lucky to have connected with you, Jean! The new quilt is a perfect solution to preserve the loving memories.

Reply
Jean Gerdes
1/7/2019 04:30:07 pm

Thanks so much Olivia!

Reply



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    Jean is the owner and designer for Remember When Studio.  

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