My aunt may have more faith in my sewing skills than I do.
At Christmas time, she gifted me a vintage quilt. I love it.
It is the Sunbonnet Sue pattern. The entire quilt from applique to embroidery to quilting to binding was done by hand. The tiny stitches are amazing; it must have taken quite a while to finish.
Yet, there is a fault with it. The quilt looks like it has been mauled by a mouse or another small animal.
The entire top right hand corner has quite a few holes. Even if I could find fabric to match the original fabric, I don’t know that I could patch the holes in such a way that it didn’t look like the quilt had a bunch of patches on it.
When I encounter sewing problems, I visit my 93-year-old neighbor who was a seamstress in her day. She agreed with me. The quilt is darling. What can be saved; should be saved. So, together we concocted a plan.
The plan involves a sharp pair of scissors. The entire top row of Sue Bonnets will be cut off. The first two appliques that are heavily damaged will be thrown in the trash. The last two appliques will be reused in a pillow. Then, the original binding that is also fraying will be picked open and the edges trimmed. Then, a new binding will be attached. At that point, the quilt will be completely repaired. It’s a simple plan. I do feel terrible for hacking up a vintage quilt, but it was the only way my neighbor and I could think to save it. It does mean that the quilt will be too short for a twin bed, but I’m OK with that.
The Life, Designs & Crafts of Marie Haigh 
I love that your elderly neighbor could assist you in plans. You MUST tell her that you wrote about her. She will be pleased to know she is of real value in your creative efforts. Can’t wait to see the quilt after your surgery on it.
oops; hit send too quickly
You’re right, Nancy. I must tell my neighbor that I wrote about her. She would be pleased. I have been trying to make an effort to make her feel more and more like family – for she is like family to me.