Repairing a thick wool quilt is different that other types of quilts. Somehow it is “gentler” with large, deep stitches, and a forgiveness of mistakes.
This quilt “secured” my love of healing quilts. It was the winter of 2017 and the bright sun shining over Gagetown Creek and onto my table gave me the calling to mend old quilts.
We purchased several quilts on eBay without any knowledge of provenance. I have no way of knowing but this wool “hexi” appears to be from the 1940s and of Amish origin.
Like all quilts made from collections of fabrics, seemingly from leftover pieces from projects and even personal clothing, it had its weak pieces. Most could be sewn “tacked down” and re-quilted but all red in one fabric was already totally gone or left only in fragments.
All of the red “hexagonal” pieces had to be replaced and re-quilted around the edge. Interestingly, the pieces were not all the same shape and each one had to be traced individually and cut before sewing and quilting.
Somehow this quilt lost its way with many stitches undone and all of the red fabric worn away. This quilt was made with loving hands and worn to its ragged state. Giving this quilt a new face and stronger stitches was my gift to the unknown quilter and the one who loved it.
It served to warm guests (on a queen-sized bed) at my former bed and breakfast but now is adored on a shelf in my quilt studio up high on a hill next to an apple orchard. It is ready to go to a new owner (priced at $800.00 Canadian + shipping).
I would like to encourage people to find it in themselves to stop and heal an old quilt. In doing so, may a warm and welcoming attitude follow. The stitching is easy, no technique needed.
Lang House Quilts 