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Writer's pictureMegan Albright

Bringing New Life to an Old Favorite

Updated: Aug 13, 2021


The first large quilt that I ever made was this Star Log Cabin Quilt that I used on my dorm and apartment beds throughout college. The pattern was from the famous Eleanore Burns Quilt in a Day series, and my mom helped me with the whole process during the summer after I graduated.







At the time, the trend was tied quilts with high loft, polyester batting. It was also common to use a flat sheet for the backing. Beautiful 108" Wide Back cotton fabric was not available. And binding? What was that? All the quilts that my mom made were finished with the bag and turn method. So... that's what I did!


Well, the quilt had been in storage for a while but I had the idea to bring new life to it. I clipped all the ties and separated the layers. I did some mending of worn spots and repaired some holes where the ties were. I got some new backing fabric and replaced the old polyester batting with new Warm & Natural thin, cotton batting, and it was ready for the long arm.




I decided to do an all over McTavish free-motion quilting design. Leah Day has a great free-motion McTavishing tutorial if you are interested in this style.



After finishing the quilting I completed the quilt with fresh binding (I actually had enough of one of the original fabrics used in the quilt in my stash!). Now it is much more functional. Withe red, white, and blue colors, it makes the perfect summer picnic blanket.


I'm so glad that I pulled this quilt our of storage and gave it new life.


Do you have old quilts in need of a "refresh" to make them functional and able to be enjoyed again? I would love to hear your quilty stories.


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