Repairing a Treasured Comforter?

My husband has a comforter that is the only thing left from his mother. The batting inside is a mess, but the stitching all around as well as the seams that stitch down in intervals are still intact. The fabric is getting extremely thin in areas too. He sleeps with it every night. I do have a sewing machine, but my skills are minimal at best.

The back story of the sentimentality is when my husband was 6 years old, he was in 'charge' of his 4 1/2 year old brother and as they were crossing the street (household side street) with their 4 wheel foot scooters, a car barreled down the street killing his little brother instantly. As you can imagine the toll on the family and responsibility my husband still can not let go of.

But this blanket was his mother's and he slept with her for years due to nightmares. As he got older as did she, she kept it and prior to passing away gave it to him. So I wanted to add the heartfelt sentiments behind this blanket. I would hand sew if necessary. I know I need to re-stuff the batting some way, but can I reinforce the thin material somehow? Any and all suggestions will be gratefully appreciated.

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DCA
Bronze Answer Medal for All Time! 220 Answers

March 24, 20180 found this helpful

Best Answer

Try displaying the comforter in the bedroom, etc., as it seems much too fragile to continue use on the bed. Hang it on a wall, folded over a chair, etc.

Judy
Gold Post Medal for All Time! 677 Posts

March 24, 20180 found this helpful

My suggestion is also to use it as a wall hanging. You can spray it with starch to give it more substance.

work9311

March 26, 20180 found this helpful

Thank you. Those are both great ideas. I just don't see him letting go anytime soon. He has suffered a lot of loss in his life at such a young age. Hopefully he will let me do something to preserve it before material rips through.

And it would be beautiful over a chair or as our bedroom curtains with matching throw pillows. Thank you both so much.

cybergrannie
Gold Feedback Medal for All Time! 949 Feedbacks

March 26, 20180 found this helpful

I have thought about your question and since this blanket is tied to so many things in your husband's life I just cannot see him agreeing to making such a big change as it may seem like giving it up to him.

You do not say what type of batting/quilting this quilt has but replacing it seems like a very big project - especially if it is quilted in block squares and not a full sheet and "tacked".
If you are going to take it apart then doing some repairs would be a lot simpler - particularity if he has any other favorite pieces of material - maybe even old shirts or any clothing from the past.

If possible, I would suggest finding some material that your husband likes and cut pieces to go over the worn spots. The material would have to be larger than the worn spot (so that it is attached to "stronger" material). Hem the pieces and attach them to the quilt top. This would have to be done with your husband's full agreement/support or it would not work.
It would be a lot better if your husband would agree to moving the quilt to the headboard of your bed or if no headboard is available then you might be able to make a "stand" behind/in front your headboard that would hold the quilt "as is".
I'm not sure his quilt would hold up to being used as a hanging project but it might be placed on a quilt holder and moved to his side of the bed.

I truly believe this is a very personal item to your husband but you may be able to come up with a good solution that pleases him if approached carefully. I'm not sure very many people can image the impact a wrong decision could make.

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