Reviving A Vintage Quilt || Watch Me Transform And Repurpose This Beauty!

[@dcharlton162]

Table runner, cover for a bench seat, use blocks behind glass in an old vintage window pane with wood grid of 6 or 9, cover a lamp shade, put in little picture frames, or in those clear cubes that display pics on all sides…use to hold pens or other quilting tools. Lastly, book or journal cover - you can list details about each vintage quilt you have found …date, where, recap what you did with it. Any changes, etc, add before and after pic, etc. memory book of sorts. Ok. I’ll stop. lol. Loved those videos and your enthusiasm of bringing someone else’s creation back to life. So meaningful. ❤

[@SewtheDistance]

GREAT ideas! Thank you so much! You are so sweet! 🥰 So happy you enjoy my videos.

[@allisonmccullough6082]

Chris, I just found a treasure in an antique store Saturday 😊 It is a 42 x 46 small quilt with LeMoyne Stars all hand quilted, no batting and the maker made a binding at the top about 1.5 - 2 inches wide. It has some staining, the back is falling apart and some of the seams will need repair, so I knew I would have to put in some time with it but I couldn't pass it by and I love it. I have been wondering what to do with it, this is a great idea and others mentioned! Thanks for the video!

[@SewtheDistance]

YAY! So happy this video and these wonderful comments have inspired you! Love that you saved this old beauty! Thank you so much for sharing!

[@chrisbernard6811]

Beautiful job taking care of an old quilt. We love our history of quilts. Great job thanks for all the tips on saving old quilts. Love your small projects giving a new life and purpose to an old quilt that was obviously made with love.❤

[@molliemoxie5276]

I'm so happy you remade this quilt as I did the same for an old quilt top I purchased from a thift store. I was was suspicious of dry rot so I was more extreme than you. I actually washed the whole top first in the bath tub. The water was solid brown - yuck! Then I did the unthinkable - I washed it in the machine just like I would if I had finished it. It was swiss cheese when I pulled it out the washer. I did the second unthinkable - I tossed it in the dryer! No regrets because I was able to see what was left to work with. This was a 30 block, a 16 patch feedsack top. I saved 25 blocks, 4 I had to piece togather from partial ruined blocks. I replaced the sashing with new fabric as close to the original color. The design is the same as the original top. I always tell people it was a collaboration with me and the women whom I don't know up in heaven. I want to believe she's thankful I finished HER quilt.

[@SewtheDistance]

I love this so much! Sometimes you have to take a deep breath and go with your gut, which is sounds like you did. LOVE that you finished her quilt. What a wonderful way to honor the maker. Thank you SO much for sharing this!

[@ccreel64]

I think that whoever made the quilt would be pleased to see their work repurposed just as they repurposed the blocks and batting. ❤

[@SewtheDistance]

Thank you! 😍🥰 I really hope so. That is always my goal. I am disappointed that I didn’t have enough to make a quilt.

[@marcellarodriguez7955]

@@SewtheDistance I noticed that after writing the comment;)

[@ccreel64]

@@SewtheDistance Me too. That said, those in the past understood that material only lasted so long before discarding to another purpose whether another quilt or to the rag bin.

[@saffronflora]

Kris that zipper pouch is beautiful 😍 Who knew that these old blocks would make this. Thank you for your inspiration.

[@SewtheDistance]

Thank you! I love it! I haven't played with the rest of the blocks yet, but I hope to do that this week. It is my pleasure! Thank you so much for coming on this journey with me. ❤️

[@b.a.erlebacher1139]

If the blanket inside is wool, you can felt it by washing it in your machine with very hot water, or even boiling it in a canning kettle. It will shrink and get very thick and somewhat stiff. Wool felt can be hard to find and quite expensive so it's nice to get some for free! Wool is pretty easy to dye, too.

[@SewtheDistance]

I have done this before with sweaters for mittens. Thanks!

[@csparks9602]

I just found your channel. Thanks for sharing. I just started working on my great-grandmother's quilt she made for my parents. They really used it, so its quite tattered. I soaked it in the tub to get get the dirt and awful smell out. It took 5 soakings😳 then laid it out to dry. I'll get going on it soon. You've given me some ideas.

[@SewtheDistance]

Yay! Love that you are saving it! I know what you mean about the smells. Oof! So happy you enjoyed this and it has helped inspire you! Thank you for sharing!

[@9001012]

Kris I love that old quilt. I am so glad you brought it back. Love that ventage shade of green !

[@SewtheDistance]

Thank you! Isn't that the greatest shade of green? I have a swatch of it and have been on the lookout for that shade in a solid. I haven't found it yet, but I hope to! Thanks so much for watching and for your kind words. 🥰

[@lindy4462]

Ideas for more stuff to make: a sewing machine cover or a sewing mat for retreats, a pincushion with the smaller salvaged pieces, an ornament for your tree, a needlebook. Love watching your channel!

[@SewtheDistance]

OHHHH! LOVE these ideas! Thank you!!!

[@livingweirdestherc6644]

I love that you rescued this old quilt and made new projects with it. I hope someday someone rescues my old quilts.

[@SewtheDistance]

Thank you! I hope so, too!

[@JoSews-t6m]

Your enthusiasm is contagious. 😁

[@SewtheDistance]

Awww! Thank you so much!

[@FoD2001]

I love what you did! Hard to believe that such bright colours aren’t modern. Absolutely beautiful! Deb x 🤗

[@SewtheDistance]

I agree! Everything old is new again, right? Thank you so much!

[@jeanielipskey1272]

Oh Chris, I love that you took the time to do this. Love the zipper pouch. I hope way in the future, if someone comes along & finds one of my quilts, that they would do the same. What an honor that would be!

[@SewtheDistance]

Awwww! Thank you so much! I love that you love this. What a nice thing to say. 🥰😍🥰

[@sewterie]

I enjoy your channel and content so much. I especially love the vintage quilts you find and how you treat them. That little pouch is adorable. I think what I would do with some of those blocks is frame them. Small frames and either scatter them around your room or group them together in one area. I just feel I would put them in a place where I could see them. JMTC. Thanks so much for sharing this. Keep it going.

[@SewtheDistance]

That would be so cute! Love this idea! Thank you!

[@rsislandcrafts]

I love watching you save quilts. I know It can be controversial but I think better saved and turned into a zipper pouch than lost forever. When I see older fabrics I always think drawstring pouch.

[@SewtheDistance]

Thank you so much! 🥰 I wish I could have saved this one but it would have been a mess. I hope I honored the makers. I want to dig into more projects with the blocks. They are so bright and happy! LOVE the idea of a drawstring bag! Thank you!

[@rsislandcrafts]

@@SewtheDistance You have saved It, just differently. One quilt for one person. Because you had to take apart the quilt now several people can share in what the maker created. I think you did a wonderful job honoring them.

[@SewtheDistance]

Thank you so much!

[@annettejohnston8653]

I love that you are rescuing old quilts it just warms my heart😊

[@SewtheDistance]

🥰 Thank you! It is a labor of love!

[@Yt-hb4wh]

I love this video, and your persistence!

[@donnagraham2802]

Love the zipper pouch!

[@gisellejones1139]

Really nice project...made with love...and patience ❤❤❤

[@SewtheDistance]

Thank you! 🥰

[@CarolynAndrews-fd2ki]

A wonderful video on deconstucting an old quilt. How about making a small wall hanging with some of the blocks. Love your videos.

[@SewtheDistance]

Thank you so much! Great idea! Love it!

[@ransomdaniels8395]

Just FYI: you might also consider using soft tulle to stabilize your blocks and dont wash them until you stabilize them and finish hour project. I know, i know, it will make you crazy. I work almost exclusively with vintage and antique quilt tops and blocks and since i hate iron-on stabilizer, i tried other things instead. I found that once i repair a block, or a top, i use a soft tulle in a cream or black or brown, depending on the color of the top or block, and cut a piece about an inch larger than the block. I iron everything, then I sew around only the rim of the block, as narrow a seam allowance as possiblewhen i join the blocks together with sashing or just to other blocks, the tulle can take the stresses of handling and help the stability of the block. I can trim away the excess fabric and tulle andi even ise it on the sashing and borders, by taking either a wide-width tulle or overlapping a couple or three widths. Usually i baste the layers together and treat the repaired top with the tulle as one piece, then add the batting and backing. The tulle is so light you never know its there and when the project is completed i can wash it in the machine on gentle or in the sink or a tub by hand without worrying.

[@SewtheDistance]

Great advice! I have done this, too. Personally, I hate the feel of it, and since the quilt blocks were so tattered and thin, the best option for these (in my opinion) was the stabilizer, especially with them being made into small usable projects like these. I have done this, however, on other repaired. Admittedly, it isn’t my favorite method. 😊 Each situation and quilt is so different. My goal is always to honor the maker and this is the best way I found to do it. It is a great idea/technique however, and I am sure it will help others. Thank you so much for watching and sharing this great tip!

[@carolynforehand3490]

I have a tub of old quilt squares and my grandmother's doilies I intend to make bags with. Thanks for the inspiration!

[@SewtheDistance]

Yay! You are so welcome! It is so rewarding.

[@jeanettewithrow9641]

It's amazing how those blocks are still very pretty and colorful!

[@SewtheDistance]

Isn’t it? They are wonderful! I got so excited when they started coming together! Thanks so much for watching.

[@DottyKupsky]

Thanks so much for sharing how you deconstruct and wash old quilts. I'm glad the heart of that quilt will live on in useful ways and I'm sure the maker would be tickled that you did this.

[@SewtheDistance]

You are so welcome! I hope so! I try to do my best by the maker. I am in love with the finished pouch and have plans for the rest, too!

[@sewbeitquilts]

Great job! Daisy is so sweet. Love the zipper pouch!

[@SewtheDistance]

Thanks, Fallon! Daisy is a pretty good helper. 😂

[@peggycarper4040]

I think it’s great what you did to save this old quilt. I have my Grandfathers childhood quilt that was made in 1896. I need to see what I can do with it 😊

[@SewtheDistance]

Thank you so much! I love that you have his quilt. Such a treasure!

[@fransak2723]

Very intriguing. I do like the yellow you tried. If it were me I’d make a small quilt similar to the original, sort of an ode to the original. But obviously it is your choice. I’m sure whatever you do with the rest will be amazing. Keep us posted.

[@SewtheDistance]

I’m sure you just commented early but keep watching. I show what I made and discuss why I didn’t make a quilt. 😊

[@peggymcatee4950]

I'm so glad you were able to salvage so much of the quilt great job of upcycling!

[@SewtheDistance]

Thank you! It was a fun project!

[@deenagraham5488]

Kris, your enthusiasm is infectious!! 😀. I don't know if there's enough blocks left, but a nice table runner or table topper would look great! Waiting for your next video!!

[@SewtheDistance]

You are so sweet! 🥰😍🥰Ohhhh! Love that idea! I have about 20 left. I could do that! Thank you!

[@patriciaallen3138]

I think was wonderful.

[@SewtheDistance]

Thank you! 🥰

[@suekelly840]

I’m sad that this old quilt is no more. It would have made a lovely wall hanging. Thanks for showing all your deconstruction tips.

[@SewtheDistance]

I understand. I wish I could have made a quilt. Here’s where my head is at: The blocks are so small it would have made a super small quilt and I really don’t like or use many wall hangings. My goal is always to honor the maker. This is the best way I know how to do it. I still have about 25 blocks left so I think I am going to make cute tote. I will definitely use that. Thank you so much for watching. ❤️

[@DH-qz2so]

What a great series! I would have set up a chair and table outside to take apart the smelly quilt! Lol!

[@SewtheDistance]

Thank you! Great suggestions! I would have done just that if I could have gotten the right lighting for recording. You can see in the clip where I am outside washing it, I am blown out. Love the idea!

[@dianehuntley2493]

Great save Kris! Its wonderful you could repurpose the blocks😊

[@SewtheDistance]

Thank you! 🥰

[@janicelam4125]

Thanks for sharing great job

[@SewtheDistance]

My pleasure! Thank you so much for watching!

[@kimr6683]

Love this! So cute and great to see how you did it!

[@SewtheDistance]

Thank you! 😊

[@3catmom]

What a treasure! You were able to save so much of this beauty.

[@RoseWaddell-jj7oe]

Make a matching bag. Do you have a tutorial on how to make the block Northern lights 😊❤?

[@SewtheDistance]

Not yet but one is coming! Stay tuned! 😍

[@joalicebressan637]

I really enjoyed watching your process and enthusiasm. Thanks for taking us along on the journey!

[@SewtheDistance]

Glad you enjoyed it! You are so welcome!

[@michelleswistak1389]

The pouch is really cute.

[@SewtheDistance]

Thank you!

[@ChristineKrannich]

That is so wonderful! I think making vinyl front project bags from a couple old quilts as the visible lining and the back (with stabilizer on both) would be a nice way to honor the originals. I’ve been battling more health stuff and don’t currently have the stamina to sit and sew at my machine so I’m trying to do some hand finishing. Hoping for solid answers by the end of August. When I finish the hand sewing, I’ll pull out the EPP, knitting, and crochet. I found/rediscovered one of my grandmother’s early 1940s leaflets with crocheted snowflake patterns. That will be nicely portable until I find out what’s going on.

[@SewtheDistance]

Thank you so much! Great idea! I almost made a vinyl project bag for this video. It is still on my list to make with these. I just haven't had a minute to do it. Hopefully this week. We will see! I hope you are feeling better. I love hand sewing/projects because they can be done anywhere. What a wonderful project! LOVE this! I've never crocheted snowflakes but it is certainly on my handwork bucket list. Thank you so much for sharing!

[@SuzanneStutzle]

I love what you did with this old wreck of a quilt. I love the pouch you made. I thought as soon as I saw it that it would be good to put your small rulers in for when you go to retreats. After the soaking they got they even look brighter!!! Loved this video. I love my recycled pouch and use it to put my EPP things like needle dome, needle threader, needle book, acrylic hexi template etc. It's so handy.

[@SewtheDistance]

Thank you so much, Sue! I am thrilled you like it and use it. These blocks seemed to sing when I put them next to each other. I love how the projects are turning out!

[@sueharber2496]

Love to see the journey of these old quilts, so nice that you honour the maker. I would be happy for someone to re-use one of my quilts in the future. I love that backing fabric too, ❤❤

[@SewtheDistance]

Thank you so much! This is so good to hear.🥰 That is always my goal. I am loving how it turned out, too.

[@ShadowMoonFarms]

You have such patience. Thanks for sharing

[@SewtheDistance]

Sometimes. 😆 Thank you so much!

[@moonhunter9993]

exciting project!

[@SewtheDistance]

Thank you! ❤️

[@debbiedobbins6785]

Wow!!! What a labor of love Miss Kris. That was awesome to watch. Did we have an idea of how old the original quilt was? To know that lovely fabric was repurposed with such care, the original quilter would be so happy. Awesome job. Thanks for sharing. Very fun to watch. 😊

[@SewtheDistance]

Judging by the fabrics, my best guess is that the quilt tops was made in the 1950s. Even though there are many older fabrics in the quilt top including some from the 1920s, there are also some newer fabrics represented as well. My philosophy is that the quilt is only as old as the newest fabric, dating the quilt top around 1950. This quilt, however, was finished (in my opinion) later than that, probably in the 1970s. I have a Lessons from an Old Quilt on this quilt as well as blog if you want to check it out on my website. 😊

[@lindanonnenmann1112]

The blocks are adorable! What a great rescue! The green sashing might not be the best color to showcace these colorful blocks. Im looking forward to see how you put these vintage treasures together. Just take your time...the blocks are certainly worth saving!❤

[@SewtheDistance]

Thanks so much! I am wondering if you commented on the wrong video? This video does show me “harvesting” and rescuing these blocks and repurposing them. ❤️

[@lindanonnenmann1112]

@@SewtheDistance oh yes, you're right. I commented before I finished watching to the end. You did the b.ocks justice the way you repurposed them.. Great idea to back the fragile blocks with fusible web. I'm happy to see these old quilts being rescued, they are such treasures. I found one in a thrift store marked for a dog bed and was priced $2.00. I grabbed it so fast...wonderful vintage fabrics from the 50s and 60s.

[@SewtheDistance]

Love it! And totally understand! I do that too!

[@TashaQuilts]

Such a fun project! Your up-cycle came out great!!

[@SewtheDistance]

Thank you, Tasha! And thanks for the moral support throughout the making of this video! 😊

[@marcellarodriguez7955]

I absolutely love that you do this to old quilts because of how much hard work was put into making them. As you were talking about what to do after you cut the blocks off. I thought of maybe to stabilize them first with stabilizer or fresh frantic like you would an appliqué block. Since it’s hand sewn and seems to be in a rough condition or just old, the thread or fabric could fall apart like the green fabric is. What do you think?

[@SewtheDistance]

Thank you so much. ❤️ About halfway through the video, I do stabilize them with interfacing before I put them into the project I show. 😊

[@jeanedougherty4404]

I updated a number of my great grandmothers quilts. From the 1930-40’s!

[@SewtheDistance]

So wonderful! Love that you have these treasures!

[@stellaunger8568]

Fun video thanks ❤️😁🌹

[@SewtheDistance]

My pleasure! So happy you like it!

[@Sewwithdebee]

A large quilt carrying bag would look awesome

[@SewtheDistance]

Ohhh! Love that idea! Thank you!

[@arvettadelashmit9337]

I tried to repair two of my mother's quilts. Mom never bought any batting to go inside any of her quilts. As I was replacing the patches on her quilts, I discovered what was inside, (old thermal underwear, old sock tops, worn out blankets, old flannel sheets.) Both of my children always said Mom's quilts were not warm. I repaired only one of her quilts. The second one was falling apart everywhere she used a certain yellow fabric. I gave up on repairing that quilt (after both of my children told me that they didn't want either one of those quilts). I gave all of Mom's quilts (that she gave to me) to an artist. The artist used bits and pieces of those old quilts in her art work. They didn't end up at the dump or used as a dog bed.

[@SewtheDistance]

Wow! What a wonderful way to repurpose the quilts. Love that your mother was so innovative with batting ideas. Thank you so much for sharing this!

[@cuteyrupert9483]

The stabilizer is a great idea to fortify those fragile blocks.

[@SewtheDistance]

Thanks! It worked really well.

[@MsAmberSunshine]

Such a beautiful quilt. Love all the fabulous colors, great contrast. Hope you’re able to salvage some of it. You’re very brave. OK, I’m gonna stop here and go back to watching your video so I find out what happens. I’m looking at this on my phone. I don’t have a laptop or computer to use. I was just wondering, is it possible for you to direct us to a link or a picture of the blocks? I tried looking up northern lights block and several came up. They were all different. I had to say I just really love this mixup colors so striking.

[@SewtheDistance]

Oh thank you so much! Here’s a link to my blog where I review the original quilt. There’s also a link to a video for it. www.sewthedistance.com/blog/lessons-from-old-northern-lights-scrap-quilt I hope this helps!

[@JeanMcDoniel]

I think that I would frame them using the material for preservation.

[@SewtheDistance]

That’s an interesting thought. Thanks for watching and sharing!

[@annettegraff8323]

I would save the small pieces for repairs on other quilts ! I have a lot of scrap 9 patches from different era's just for this purpose! I prefer to soak in plain water to hydrate fabric first. That gets rid of the dust and wood acids. Then orvus or a mild soap like soak or reti clean .You did a good job ! Ate you using a fusible to strengthen the blocks ?🎉❤

[@SewtheDistance]

Thanks so much! Yep. I show it in the video how I used a woven stabilizer and what I made with the blocks.

[@desleybartlett322]

Love that you have saved as much of the quilt that was possible. I have a question about washing. I have just made a scrappy quilt. I have never made one befor and wonder how to wash it for the first time. It has lots of colours that I am concerned may run into my white background. Should I add detergent to the first wash or just wash with colour catchers. Thanks for any help. Desley🇦🇺

[@AnniePA1960]

Hi Des!! Anne from the US here. Wash it on warm and throw in like 3 color catchers. You'll be fine!!

[@desleybartlett322]

@@AnniePA1960 Thanks Annie will give it a go and🤞😁

[@SewtheDistance]

Color Catchers are the best! I agree!

[@debbiewood7718]

You made some good choices working with that fragile quilt. Washing with the green border still on and adding stabilizer, also a smart idea. How would they look as a string of pendants?

[@SewtheDistance]

Thank you! ❤️ Pendants would be great! LOVE that idea! Thanks!

[@coreygilles847]

❤❤❤

[@SewtheDistance]

🥰

[@bbymks5]

Love this!! Now that you put stabilizer on it and quilted it, would you feel more conformable putting it into the wash?

[@SewtheDistance]

Thank you so much! Yes, definitely! I hope it gave it a nice long life now.

[@bbymks5]

@SewtheDistance such a great idea!

[@maryseaman312]

Is the dust holding them together??? Good question! LOL

[@SewtheDistance]

😆 It could be! It was dirty!

[@yvetteborden776]

I would make an even bigger zipper bag for a project bag. I would make it as big as possible.

[@SewtheDistance]

Ohhh! That’s a good idea! I will have about 20 blocks left. I may do that!

[@annemegis]

Salad spinner or spin mop work absolutely wonderful with delicate items such as your blocks. Just be aware the blocks may fly in the spin mop! 😅

[@SewtheDistance]

lol! I have used the salad spinner before but not the mop! Love it!

[@annemegis]

@@SewtheDistance great minds think alike right?

[@SewtheDistance]

Absolutely! 😎

[@thereseborden9842]

Very very fun video! Do you think these fabrics are 40s? Or 50s? I really love the busyness and bright colors. It can be hard figuring out how to best upcycle vintage quilt blocks. The zip bag is a good fit for these blocks! You get a good close-up look at them whenever you use it! Thank you so much, Kris! I am also a saver of old beat up quilts--the worse they are, the more determined I am to figure out a way to save at leave of the old dear. You have given me some good ideas here (stabilizer, for one. Great idea).

[@SewtheDistance]

Yay! So happy this video is helpful in your quest to upcycle these old beauties! I think the fabric in the blocks is from the 1930s or 1940s. As for the quilt, I believe it was finished later, maybe in the 1970s or so. Thank you so much for watching and sharing! Happy rescuing and quilting!

[@arvettadelashmit9337]

Use your left over blocks to make a jacket.

[@SewtheDistance]

Ohhhhh! Love this! Thank you!

[@sandrahouse9322]

The inside looks like an old wool blanket. Possibly a military one.

[@debbiekeeble]

Maybe use a bonding fusible.

[@SewtheDistance]

I do this about halfway through the video right before I show the project I made with the blocks. I’m sure you just commented early. Keep watching. ❤️

[@debbiekeeble]

My internet went out, due to rain. I will go back and finish!

[@trudyward9113]

You can make a wall hanging.

[@SewtheDistance]

Good idea! Thank you!

[@donnahoefler2748]

It is hard to say what to do with the top, it is someones hard work for sure, and hand pieced which is rare and not always easy to do. Would it be bad to just leave it unquilted and display it as is and enjoy it? For me I have some old tops that I am questioning what to do with them but am enjoying them as is for now, just a thought. That top is worth saving but not totally redoing I think that would take away its beauty. Good luck whatever you decide to do.

[@SewtheDistance]

I’m not sure if you commented on the right video. I show what I do with this quilt in this video. ❤️

[@annascavezze616]

Use Orvus to clean antique fabrics. You can buy it at a feed store or online. Orvus is the shampoo used for Dairy cows. It is safe and gentle. It is also what Museums use to clean their textiles. Some quilt stores will also sell orvis and small containers. Orvus rinses out completely with no soap residue left in the fabric. Please do not use Biz. Biz is a harsh product that is used in labs to melt and remove all organic matter from animal bones and skulls. It is too strong for delicate antique fibers. Biz is not a great product for old textiles. Orvus will even work as a clarifying shampoo for us humans. It removes shampoo buildup from human hair. I use it all the time for many things. I Love that u want to try and save these old beauties, but Biz is not the right product for quilts.

[@SewtheDistance]

Never had much luck at all with Orvus. Thanks so much for your opinion on this. Since they used to use lye to clean quilts, Biz is the best choice for me, but I understand what you are saying. I just love the results I get with Biz. I’ve been using it on old textiles for 25+ years now without an issue.

[@dcharlton162]

Table runner, cover for a bench seat, use blocks behind glass in an old vintage window pane with wood grid of 6 or 9, cover a lamp shade, put in little picture frames, or in those clear cubes that display pics on all sides…use to hold pens or other quilting tools. Lastly, book or journal cover - you can list details about each vintage quilt you have found …date, where, recap what you did with it. Any changes, etc, add before and after pic, etc. memory book of sorts. Ok. I’ll stop. lol. Loved those videos and your enthusiasm of bringing someone else’s creation back to life. So meaningful. ❤