“A few months ago I completed my internship at the Framingham History Center and returned to school with a late nineteenth century crazy quilt from Framingham. Large areas of shattered silk and silk deterioration were present on the quilt, and my hope was to repair some of the damage in order for the quilt to become exhibitable again. After long hours and lots of blasting music while stitching and repairing, the quilt is finished. Utilizing underlays and couching stitches, each area with severe loss has been repaired. With my love for crazy quilts, I am beyond happy that this quilt can now be displayed, as it is simply gorgeous.
There are many items in small historical societies, and even museums, which have serious damage and remain in a box due to the un-exhibitable state it is in. If one person were to repair just one item, imagine the possibilities! It would be great to see historic pieces brought back to life. That is why I am so glad that I was able to help with one quilt. It is a fabulous start to repairing history!” -Catherine Murphy, University of Rhode Island.
Editors Note: Watch for news of the quilt’s upcoming return to the Framingham History Center and view the amazing transformation up close!