One of the Inner Circle Newsletter Readers wrote in with this question:

“What can you do with signature quilts such as a 50th anniversary quilt for parents that are now gone? Or birthday quilts etc.”

So I asked the Inner Circle for some suggestions, and this is what they said:

Regina writes:

The question of what to do with signature quilts is a tricky one – and definitely a case by case basis – but  you never know who might be interested unless you ask. Although immediate family might not be interested, there are those whose signatures are IN the quilt that might be interested in giving it a home.

In our situation, we have a wall hanging given to my mother that was made of appliqued hand prints of all those in the family. It’s a snapshot in time – some are no longer part of the family, some are deceased, and later grandchildren are missing. We are taking the wall hanging apart and turning each handprint into a throw pillow to go back to that family member. Cutting the quilt apart has the blessing of the original maker, but I don’t think there’s any shame in cutting a quilt. I think I’d rather cut and give it new life and purpose than have it hidden away.  But I know that’s a controversial opinion.

Libby writes:

As far as I’m concerned, the best thing you can do is USE it. If it means something to you it will bring back memories and comfort you with those memories. It could also bring up conversations with others and raise appreciation for our wonderful art. My husband has great memories of using quilts as forts when he was young. Yes the quilts are works of art, but they are meant to be used.

Elizabeth writes:

I am afraid that those type of quilts are going the way of great grannie’s china. Nobody wants them. That said document, document, document the background of the quilt and figure out a way to keep that with the quilt. At least that way whomever has to decide the fate of said quilt will have come context about what it means to the family. The other thought I just have is to have it photographed and along with the history of it, goes into the family photo albums. But then I have the family photo albums and I don’t know what I’m going to do with them either! Growing old sucks sometimes and “stuff” goes by the wayside.

BTW I am keeping 4 place settings of great granny’s china, make it the everyday dishes and going to figure out an art project or two with the rest of it. Because nobody wants it…even at auction 72 piece collection is going for less than $75.

Sandy writes:

A lot of people are repurposing quilts into coats/jackets to wear. I know that involves cutting them up but the result is something very useful.

Jennifer writes:

I often will purge my “collection”😂 of quilts by donating to people experiencing a climate emergency… I do it as soon as I hear the call from stores/guilds, etc.

I also make quilts for students graduating from high school or college (I especially love to give to young adults/teens I have given baby quilts to!). There’s something so fun about giving a blanky to kids as they go off to face the dragons of life.

Finally, I have so many great nieces and nephews that I love to have them take one or two so will be happy when my favorite quilts will go to them—even if only for car quilts.

Janis writes:

I gave them away (while I was alive) to cousins who had children … and (at least) the possibility of keeping them in the family

Dianna writes:

What to do with old quilts: make bags, make coats, make purses mixed with other materials like leather or cork, make pillows, pillow covers. I believe it is ok to reconstruct them. Ask family members what they might like to have. Cut smaller pieces. Frame it and add pictures of your family to it with some adhesive, make Christmas ornaments. We can’t keep all the things forever and ever. Do take really good pictures of it and make several copies adding any history

Su writes:

On who may be interested in or actively wishes quilts, after we are gone, adding a handwritten list to a will is binding, according to my attorney who prepared our wills. I approve the term binding as appropriate for a list of quilts!

Dusty writes:

With regards to the question of what to do with signature quilts (or any item being passed down to people who might not understand their significance), I suggest you write a “letter” addressed to future recipients explaining both the item (quilt or any heirloom) and the person who made it and why. Include the circumstances of the gifting and how the recipient(s) felt about the gift.  It is the story that goes with the item that makes the item valued. Without the story it is just another quilt or another knick-knack. Make sure the recipient is the person who will understand the value and will keep the letter with the item.  Handwritten and on preservation paper will also add to the value of the quilt or heirloom. I have several things that my mother passed to me but I only have her verbal story which I plan to capture in a letter for my daughter and granddaughter.  he quilt I am referring to was made by my mother’s aunts for her when she left for college. That was eighty years ago.  I’ll also include how to care for the antique quilt.

Robin writes:

My husband’s gma cut up a quilt and put cut pieces in frames for all the children and grands. It is a nice memento for all the kids.

Linda writes:

If the family doesn’t have anyone who might want it, think about a museum. You know the story behind it, and who it was meant for. Maybe even some of the people who signed it! Something that has so much documentable history would be very desirable for a lot of places. Think how many times you look at something on display and wonder about why it was made/when it was made/who it was made for. It may not seem that big a deal right now, but if it is a good museum staff, they will appreciate how much it means to have it. I know I have things that I wouldn’t bother with, but because they are part of history I do. Give them a chance to enjoy sharing it with others!

Marilu writes:

My sister-in-law and I made her parent’s 50th anniversary quilt. It was a snapshot of time, it was a double irish chain pattern that we placed their original wedding photo in the center and then it was the six kids names, DOB and then the grandkids beyond that. Another sister-in-law has the quilt. I am sure it will get pass down to the next generation.

My husband’s aunt did a signature quilt for our wedding. Since we got married later in life and have no children, maybe a niece or nephew will take it for the nostalgic flair of it or at least place it among the quilts and blankets they or their house guest would wrap themselves in. Not a 100% that today’s generation understands that it is our love wrapped up in that quilt they received from us. I try not to get too tangled up in their shallow responses to my labor of love.

So that’s the wisdom from the Inner Circle! I hope it helps you find new ways to use the quilts!