Showing posts with label quilt care. Show all posts
Showing posts with label quilt care. Show all posts

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Care for your Crazy

A Crazy Quilt (and all other quilts) whether vintage or new requires care when handled or stored.  As mentioned earlier - time and love have gone into the creation of the quilt. The final product has captured your imagination and desire to bring it home for display and admiration for you, friends, family and all who gaze upon it.

The purchase of a Crazy quilt is an investment of a product known as Fiber art. As with any piece of Art, knowledge in preservation and care must be gained. Yes, fabric has it's own rules that require careful consideration just the same as paintings.

Do you really want to lose the vibrant colors? One of the best and recommended practices for displaying your quilt will require you to hang it in the shade.  Sunlight will cause premature aging (imagine that!) and fading, disintegration or discoloration of the fabric color.

Humidity can also cause growth of mold and mildew. We don't want those dreaded black spots. Hang the quilt in a well ventilated area with steady temperatures of 60-70 degrees and NOT a outer wall. Storing the quilt is best done using acid-free boxes or papers. Never use a plastic bag since it may capture moisture and encourage growth of mold and mildew.

A problem with folding your quilt for storage is that creases will occur. Creases can be prevented with use of acid - free tissue paper rolled and inserted where corners occur. Another option can be using a plain cotton or well-washed muslin sheet also. Using trunks with wood can cause damage too. Again, wrap your quilt to prevent touching the surface of the wood and preventing transfer of oils.

A favorite method I use is rolling it up and wrapping it in a plain sheet. The quilt is rolled with the back of the quilt showing  on the outside - then wrapped in the plain sheet in a dark, well ventilated area. I find this method space saving too. I also recommend taking the quilt out every few months for airing easily done by letting it lay on the bed a few days, on a sheet and covered with another one on top if you want to place it outside. Again, not in direct sunlight or under trees - one never knows what might 'fall' out of the tree.

Insects and larvae are another consideration we must watch for. The best method to overcome this possibility is to lightly vacuum the quilt and steam cleaning. Caution must be taken with steam since again, this is moisture. Keep this process light and continually moving so not to be in one spot too long. At least the steam will guarantee a end to any unwanted insects and larvae. Once done, let your quilt 'air' out to ensure a drying time.

Cleaning your quilt with water can be a simple process. Soak your quilt in the bath tub,  for 20 mins in luke warm water, with a gentle cleanser. It's recommended that we don't 'wring' the quilt but 'blot' the water out of the quilt with sponges or towels. This is to prevent putting any strain on the fabrics. Once you have as much water blotted off - lay it flat to dry and again, NOT in direct sunlight. I hope these tips prove helpful for the care of your quilt.

I hope you found this article informative. Please feel free to leave your comments, share your own observations and give your Vote. Send me Email if you would like to place a Order today.