Look what i got in the mail today from my First cousin who is 75 years old .This was a hand made quilt sewed by my Father's Mother (Anna)Whom i am named after .All sewed by hand.She thinks it way more then 100 years old.Not sure how to finish it .What would you do please?Thanks Noah

Hand quilting would be suitable for this precious quilt. Ask around, quilt friends, quilt shops, if anyone has a quilt frame that you could borrow. My grandmother had one she made herself. It was very similar to the one in the following link.

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by sewpam 30 Oct 2021

www.amazon.com/Frank-Edmunds-American-Legacy-5560-G/dp/B0046HJ7DO/ref=asc_df_B0046HJ7DO?tag=bingshoppinga-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=80126962059999&hvnetw=o&hvqmt=e&hvbmt=be&hvdev=c&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=&hvtargid=pla-4583726540432397&th=1

Hoops like these are what my friend Martha uses. You probably already know but after you pin all your layers together, start quilting by hand from the center out, working out from the center, until you reach the outer edge. Always working around the center. It keeps you from getting a pinch or unwanted pleat, in the backing. I know you can do this! I also like jrob’s suggestion for the unbleaced/off white muslin for the backing fabric. What size is it?

You could check it the Amish do quilting of this sort.

I can't help you with that quilt as I don't quilt and never have done it, but have a question for you: .... so your name isn't Carolyn but Anna? ::)
Hugs, Lidia

I look forward to seeing what you do with it.

I’m so glad that it was saved and that it was given to you. IF you decide to quilt it, definitely hand quilt. My friend has a large oval wooden hoop that she does her hand quilting with. Now backing, you’d want 100% cotton, I would think, but I don’t know where to look for really old fabric. There are reproduction prints like 1930’s at most quilt shops or sites. Other than that, I don’t know. Good luck!

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by jrob 27 Oct 2021

Perhaps for authenticity, get some undyed muslin. You could even stain it with tea to "age" it.

by toogie edited 28 Oct 2021

That’s an excellent suggestion. A lot of older quilts had unbleached or off white muslin. The background fabric here may be muslin.

Hi Carolyn, I'd contact the American Quilting Association and get some advice on this. I know you live in Canada, so maybe you could contact the Ontario Quilting people who could help you out there.
I, like others have suggested, would also finish it by hand. Maybe you can find some antique fabrics that would match in with it to finish it off. I love the effect of the Licorice Allsorts block, reminds me of my Grandmother when I was growing up, she always had a packet of Licorice allsorts in her dining room bureau. Love Chris

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by noah 26 Oct 2021

I love those candy lol Thanks

Wow, such a beautiful work of art! Maybe you should have it appraised before you finish it. Have you thought about contacting the Antique Roadshow, they may be able to lead you in a direction before you quilt it?

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by noah 26 Oct 2021

thanks hugs

I would hand quilt it so as not to distract from the beautiful top. You truly have a treasure.

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by noah 26 Oct 2021

Good idea :):)

I'd get Toogie's address and then beg, but I don't quilt and don't do much hand work of any kind any more. I'm sure some of these great quilters will come along and make wise suggestions. Meanwhile, I'm so happy for you that you received this lovely gift from your family's past. Still grinning.

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by noah 26 Oct 2021

Thanks "::):)

Oh, wow, she sewed it by hand! Yup, you will have to pick one of your Grands to pass it onto!! Thanks for sharing!

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by noah 26 Oct 2021

hmmmmmmmmmmm we will see

Oh my gosh, Carolyn......what an heirloom to pass on to your kids and grandkids.....it is beautiful!!

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by noah 26 Oct 2021

Thanks Vicki xx