11 November 2011

To Upcycle, or not to Upcycle?





HOW could it be upcycled? and if not, HOW do you throw it away?

I couldn't just put it in the bin, I couldnt take it to the tip, maybe I should put it in a Good Will bin and let them deal with it, heartlessly, but out of my sight?

Mum made this quilt for me around 15-20 years ago, it has been my favourite for many reasons. I love the colours, it is very warm and snuggly and the perfect size for keeping warm on the lounge. As you can see I have loved it to death! Look at those tears and frays, and every corner has damage, and the binding is wearing thin ...

oh, what to do?

8 comments:

  1. I've got one in similar condition. Owner has 'ordered' me to repair it.
    It's one I made in the 70's out of fabric from my dressmaking. She 'raised' her 3 kids on it.

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  2. Ahh, so how will you repair it then?

    There are so many seams broken along the stitching line, holes in some patches... I am afraid mine is beyond repair

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  3. I'd repair each block that needs it then get it quilted all over, it might make it last longer. Question is how did the quilts of 17, 1800, 1900's last so long, were they not used?
    Margaret lee South Australia

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  4. Please dont throw away , it's surely with a lot of love. PLEASE repair.

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  5. Put it in a vacuum storage bag and put it away, one day you might just want to look at it and remember......

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  6. You are all correct, I can't throw it away.
    I think I will ask Karen Fail (NSW Quilt Study Group Coordinator - and former DUQ editor) what her opinion is ... stand by, I'll let you know. Meanwhile, it is freshly washed, folded and in the cupboard.

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  7. Anonymous, good question. I suspect many have antique or vintage quilts may have languished, or rested?, in attics and cupboards. This quilt, on the other hand, has been continuously used and washed. The fabrics in it are no more fragile, probably even more robust, that former decades, so I can only put the wear down to my rough loving!

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  8. an idea would be to take pictures of the quilt with people who love it, crop, phototransfer to cotton, free edge applique over holes, then cut the quilt into smaller pieces, sash these together, requilt and bind and you have a new quilt or part of the old quilt within a new quilt. Also, I have seen people cut up the quilt, place it and a picture under glass and give these picture frames to people who have loved the quilt so they all haave a little piece of the cherished quilt
    hugs,Lynda in Canada

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