Looking at a well designed and well executed quilt is akin to gazing at a beautiful 
sunset. Both sights represent acts of creation that somehow satisfy your soul.
Jeff’s grandmother, Cordie Browning, gave us a bowtie scrap quilt that she hand-pieced and hand-quilted as a wedding present. We used it on our bed, loved it, washed it, and wore it to pieces. I wish I knew then what I know now and that I had preserved her labor of love.
Here are a few tips on quilt care and storage gleaned from experts Ann Russell a conservation consultant, and Deborah Roberts, a quilt historian and appraiser.
1. Display your quilt on a bed at least 10 ft. from a light source, a wooden rack that has at least one coat of polyurethane varnish, or hang the quilt using a full length fabric sleeve on one end and a sealed 1X4.
2. Protect your quilt against its enemies of light, oils, humidity, acids, and other chemicals. Since our skin secretes oils, wash your hands or wear white cotton gloves when readying your quilt for storage.
3. Store your quilt in a low-light, moisture-free area. This eliminates basements and attics as proper storage areas.
4. You will probably have to fold your quilt to fit the space you have available. To keep from putting stress on the folds, use rolled up batting or acid-free tissue paper to cushion each fold.
5. Place quilt in an archival box or a sack made from washed unbleached muslin or an old cotton sheet. The Hollinger Corporation manufactures archival storage materials or you may be able to purchase an archival quality box from a local dry cleaner (used for wedding gown storage.)
6. Another storage possibility is to roll the quilt on a cardboard roll from a carpet or fabric store. Wrap the roll first with an old cotton sheet. Lay the quilt top down on another sheet. Roll from one end. Cover with another sheet if needed. Tie loosely with cotton strips every 12″. Store flat and turn the roll every few months.
7. If you must “wet wash” your quilt, use a quilt cleaning solution in your bath tub according to product directions. Drain, rinse. After the rinse, let the tub drain moisture from the quilt for several hours. Be careful lifting the wet quilt as the weight will put strain on seams and fabric alike. Roll in an old sheet to absorb moisture. Dry flat on another sheet in a low-moisture area away from sunlight.
Two more suggestions from Deborah Roberts:
· Sew a label on your quilt and document its origin.
“Your quilt history will survive to the end of the next century if is labeled and documented as thoroughly as possible. Take a photograph of it and keep the photo with your documentation, in a separate area from your quilt. Place a label on your quilt. Your label should contain at the very least, the following information: Your name, (or maker’s name) the city and state where the quilt was made, or where it came from if it is an antique quilt. Also include the date it was made, or a circa date if unknown. It would also be nice to include quilt care instructions, as those who will have the quilt after you may not know how to care for it.”
· Have your quilt appraised.
If your quilt is well made, you will be surprised at its worth. QuiltBroker.com is a site that sells quilts online. Take a peak to see the going rate for a quilt today.
Of course, the true worth in a family quilt is the heritage it represents. Someone was creative and talented, persevered through hardship, and gave of themselves to their family. That is what we want to preserve and hand down to our children.
Thankfully, each of my children has a child-sized quilt made by Grandma Browning. They will receive a copy of this article.
Victory! Purged Clothes Lead to Organized Closet
Tuesday, September 7th, 2010Dear Martha,
Here’s a praise report and some good [news] about how the LORD has given me the needed desire and encouragement to purge and organize my clothes and closet.
I had wanted to lose weight to be healthy and The LORD led me to a ‘diet plan’ that has really made a big difference. I am down 22 lbs. and have reached my goal with 2 lbs to spare. In the meantime - the lost pounds and inches – meant lots of my clothes needed to go - He has given me a new mindset - that this is the healthy weight for me and I’m making the lifestyle change to stay within two pounds of it.
So I no longer feel the need to save the larger sizes “just in case”. When I lost the first 10- or 11 pounds I gave away some of my ” too big for me but in good shape” clothing to friends and family. It was a joy to pass things on to others (who were blessed) and to have less “stuff” cluttering up my closet.
Then two days ago – after losing this final 11 lbs - I tried on every piece of clothing I own – summer - winter – all of it and I’m actually purging at least 2/3 of my wardrobe!!
We have always had limited closet space and even though I’m not one to buy tons of clothes -I did save old ones for WAY too long and I have had to use the spare bedroom closet to store seasonal clothing.
Both the spare bedroom closet and our closet are so organized now. I purged every part – old shoes – purses – belts you name it – WOW what a euphoric feeling on all fronts !!! Also I’ve done what you’ve mentioned and used the summer sales to buy a few ‘nice replacement items’ in the new sizes – but only a few.
I still have to find homes for some of the clothing I think friends might like – but all that is decent and not something specifically thought of for individuals is boxed up and in my car to be donated.
YOUR message is timely and I’m blessed by God’s grace to make healthy changes which I know are improving our quality of life. MOVING Forward into a lifestyle of organization. Thanks for your help and inspiration.
Blessings, Cyndy
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