Reawaken Quilts are vintage quilt tops that have typically never been quilted. We carefully clean these unique works of art and we do our best to find and repair defects. The quilt tops are matched with a new backing and then quilted on a modern longarm quilting machine with new batting. They are finished with new binding. The result is a unique quilt with authentic vintage style that is functional and machine washable.
Vintage and antique quilts are quilts that were finished in the past and retain the makers original backing, batting, binding, and quilting. Typically, these old quilts are more fragile and are not machine washable. Vintage and antique quilts are useful for decorating and are often collected as a testament to the craftsmanship and artistry of their makers but lack the practicality and functionality of a Reawaken Quilt.
Yes – every Reawaken Quilt has been cleaned and prepared to allow them to be machine washed without fear of damage or bleeding. Like any textile, repeated washing tends to change the fabric – the fabric softens and the colors gradually fade. We recommend washing Reawaken Quilts only as needed, to wash them with cool water, and to gently machine-dry them on a low setting.
Reawaken Quilts are quilted on modern longarm quilting frames using edge-to-edge or custom digital quilting patterns. We select quilting patterns for their beauty and for functionality. An ideal pattern honors the design of the quilt top and serves to strengthen the quilt by reinforcing the quilt top seams. The quilts are finished with new binding that has been attached by machine.
Edge-to-edge digital quilting (sometimes called “all-over quilting”) is a repeating pattern that is applied over the entire quilt by our computer-controlled longarm quilting machines. These patterns can vary greatly in both design and density. Edge-to-edge quilting is the least costly and time-consuming method. Custom quilting is also applied by the same longarm quilting machines but involves the precise placement of digital design elements to the different blocks, borders, and sashing of the quilt. Both types of quilting lend texture, beauty, and strength to the finished quilt. Quilts can be completed with a hybrid of edge-to-edge and custom quilting.