the great quilt conservation project

(originally posted on my blog at the original groupee.com social networking site.)

years ago, when my great-grandmother passed away, (1991) my family let me choose something from her estate by which to remember her. i chose this quilt.

since i moved out on my own (2001), this quilt has been in loyal service: folded at the foot of my bed, slung over the back of the couch, and used for snuggling. even the cats have enjoyed it's warmth. but because it is so very loved, it's beginning to show signs of it's age. a few years ago, i tried putting it "away", so it would last - but what's the point in storing something if you can't appreciate it? i brought it back out, and it continues to be appreciated daily.

but i know that it won't last much longer. already the edges are tearing off, and some of the individual pieces have holes worn into them. it makes me sad to think that this piece of my family won't be keeping me warm forever.

so begins the great quilt conservation project. rather than "preserving" it, which implies preparing it for storage so that it will last, i'm choosing to "conserve" it - keeping it in use, even if it takes a different form. april and i did a little brainstorming this morning, and the ideas are percolating. i have more ideas than i do fabric, of course - so i have a little decision-making to do...