Dear Cindy,
I have 2 (two) quilts. Both were made 1900-1902. Both are made of cotton shirting fabrics and are frayed and well worn. One is 77" x 77" -- album block alternating with hourglass blocks. The other one is 76" x 71' -- square in a square with triple sash and pass in the corner blocks. I do have pictures. I do not know their value or even the possibility of selling them on-line. I feel I may be better breaking them apart and framing them and then selling them as art works. I am unsure and am hoping that you may be able to help. 
Thanks, 
Fred

Dear Fred,

The answer to your question depends not only on the quilts themselves, but you. First, regarding the quilts:

• *Are they historically unusual, or do they use historically important fabrics (like centennial, presidential commemorative, etc.)? 
•  *Is either quilt top signed or dated, or has strong documentation to a specific quiltmaker? Are they strongly tied to a certain location, historical VIP and/or historical event?
• *Do either of these tops have sentimental or family value to you?
• *Would you rather have them restored or repaired, if that would be possible? 
•  *Are the tops so flimsy and/or damaged that they would not endure the handling to take them apart? If the answer to any of these questions is "yes," I would seriously rethink any decision to split the blocks up.

 Normally, I would also add the question, "Are they made of an unusual block pattern?" But based on your answer, these patterns were fairly common during the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th centuries. Having said all this, do YOU have any personal reservations about taking them apart? Do you personally feel that they will survive better for future generations if you do? If the answer to those last two questions is "no," then if you want to, proceed. After all, these are your tops and you may do as you wish with them. 

Although my personal preference is to see old quilts survive in at least close to the form they started out as, I realize that's not always possible. Sometimes only a block or two can be saved in a top. If that's so, should I insist that the top stay intact, when I know that the damage will simply continue -- and the 'okay' blocks will eventually disintegrate?? Of course not. If you want to frame the blocks individually, make sure you use acid-free materials wherever the block will touch something else, and be sure to include an airspace between the glass in the frame and the actual fabric. Some recommend foam or plastic "spacers" to keep a proper airspace -- at least 1/2"-1". Good luck!

Cindy Brick