We purchased this L.L. Bean comforter set 20 years ago for our cottage. It has faded considerably, although the photos look worse and more faded than in real life. The opposite side is the color of turquoise it was.
I have a friend who quilts, had a long arm quilting machine. I was thinking of having her cut the center piece, flip it over and resew so the edges still show, which I love. She’d be able to even out in a compass stitch in the middle like the top. My husband likes it as is. He says it’s just a cottage. I like the more vibrant turquoise showing and think it would look new, even though I’m not as crazy about the strips. There is some yellowing throughout the original top of it, too.
What would you do?
I agree with your husband. But also think you should do as you like if it will make you happy.
5 Likes
Another leave it alone vote.
leave as is, but maybe change something else in the room if you want change
I don’t really understand what you’re proposing to do. Are you going to take out the original quilting stitches so you can requilt it? That would be time consuming and the original stitching may leave a mark. In addition, taking out the stitching may compromise the integrity of the fabric after 20 years.
You would probably have to take the whole thing apart to flip the middle section because otherwise how would you deal with the seams? Have you consulted your friend with the long-arm? What does he or she recommend?
1 Like
It’s gorgeous. It really sets the room’s vibe beautifully.
Keep it as is.
ETA: The dust ruffle is so pretty, too.
1 Like
I was imagining she would just cut out the big rectangular section, flip it over and restitch.
Ok I’ll leave as is…so many votes that way. Is it because the striping is just not attractive?
For me yes that’s a big part of it. Not a fan of the striped side but love the other side.
1 Like
I love the look as is, especially for a cottage.
2 Likes
I love the stripey side. I would just use that side as the “right” side. It’s really, really pretty.
OTOH, if LLBean still stocks this, maybe you just buy a new one.
3 Likes
That first photo is perfect. Wouldn’t touch a thing. It looks comfortably charming and home-y. I’d be delighted to stay in this room!
1 Like
Probably not. I had a nice LLBean comforter set also about 20-25 years old. I would have purchased a replacement IF they still made it…but they didn’t. But Beans still has nice sets…maybe get a second set!
The striped side looks so much fresher to my eye. The other a bit worn out, but pretty.
3 Likes
Also vote to leave as is but also to look for something new as a replacement at some point. Requilting seems like a big gamble as the material is 20 years old. It is hard to see any yellowing in the photos, so it looks really nice as is in the picture.
1 Like
If you are going to look for something new, take a look at Annie Selke for inspiration. Has some really great combos of color, charm, and fresh.
It seems fine to me. Our neighbors used to have shabby chic on purpose - everything was brand new. I’m a big believer in antique looking quilts.
3 Likes
It takes 20 years for a quilt to get soft and comfy! 
I’ve seen folks applique new fabric over a worn spot in a quilt, but this would be a huge piece of fabric to replace, assuming you can get the color you want. Not sure how that would work – and if you freshen the color there, the other parts may suddenly look shabby. (see also: home touch-ups that turn into Big Renovations. I suffer from this frequently.)
I have a Depression-era quilt that my GGM made which needs MUCH repair and it’s too deteriorated to unpick, so I’d have to applique. Finally found some feed bag fabric for repairs, but it’s an intimidating job.
Has the longarmer put her hands on the quilt to assess the fabric? It might be too fragile to unpick.
2 Likes
