| Creating a quilt requires much time and effort. Meant | | | | choice. Do not use open shelving as this exposes the |
| to be cherished and enjoyed, quilts can end up | | | | quilt to light and you will end up with fading along the |
| damaged by improper use, cleaning, storage and | | | | folds. The storage area should be clean, cool, dry, dark, |
| display. Whether created for every day use or as | | | | and as free as possible from drastic changes in |
| heirlooms, proper care will ensure that they last to bring | | | | temperature and humidity. If you have shelf space, it is |
| the pleasure intended.UseWhen planning a quilt | | | | a good idea to fold the length of the quilt and roll, to |
| consider the intended use. What fabrics are used, the | | | | eliminate creases. The next time, fold a different way |
| type of quilting done, etc. - are dependent on the | | | | before rolling.It is also essential that the quilt is clean and |
| intended use of the quilt.So decide if the quilt will be | | | | dust free before put it away. Stains can attract insects |
| used as an everyday quilt on a bed or is it meant to | | | | while dust particles actually create abrasion, causing |
| be an heirloom and thus displayed but not used.Keep in | | | | wear.Avoid storing near an outside wall where |
| mind that a quilt for a cot, child or lap quilt definitely | | | | condensation will occur particularly in winter. Be aware |
| needs to be of a fabric that is durable and washable, | | | | that smoke for cigarettes and fireplaces can seek out |
| as it will require more frequent laundering.CleaningBaby | | | | stored textiles leaving an ugly surprise. |
| and lap quilts will get soiled and need to be washed | | | | One of the best places to store a quilt is on a bed. Do |
| often. It is important that a mild soap is used and that | | | | you have a guest room? Pile your quilts on the unused |
| the quilt is rinsed well. Quilt shops carry products | | | | bed, in layers, and then top with a cotton sheet to |
| specially designed for quilts. "Quilt Wash" is one such | | | | block the light.No matter where you choose to store |
| product. All commercial detergents are much too harsh | | | | your quilts, it is important to inspect them every two to |
| and will strip colour from quilt fabrics. A great product | | | | three months. Take them out to air them for a few |
| for stains, yellowing or other stubborn marks is | | | | hours and examine, front and back. It is a good idea to |
| "Restoration".Laundering a quilt may not be necessary. | | | | clean the storage area at this time before putting the |
| Many will only require having the dust removed. The | | | | quilts back.DisplayBoth sunlight and artificial light will |
| best way to remove dust from a sturdy quilt is to | | | | cause fading. Never display a quilt where direct sunlight |
| place a nylon stocking, over the nozzle of a vacuum | | | | will reach it. If you have fluorescent lighting, it is wise to |
| and then gently vacuum the quilt--preferably on both | | | | cover the tubes with a UV shield.When hanging a quilt, |
| sides. Avoid surface abrasion.Airing a quilt can also | | | | use a method that will distribute the weight over the |
| remove odours and dust. There is no need to beat the | | | | entire width of the quilt. Sew a four inch wide tube or |
| quilt and keep in mind that sunlight is bad for your | | | | sleeve of fabric along the top edge on the back of the |
| quilt.Dry cleaning a quilt is not recommended. It is not a | | | | quilt and stitch through all layers of the quilt every inch |
| gentle method as large tumble machines are used and | | | | or so. Do not use nails, pins or staples to hang a quilt. |
| harsh chemicals are applied, which can be quite | | | | These can tear through fabrics, corrode and cause |
| damaging.StorageLight and moisture are a quilts worst | | | | staining and cause distortion of heavier quilts.Cherish |
| enemies. Direct sunlight will not only fade the newest | | | | your quilts and they will reward you with years of |
| and highest quality fabric in no time at all, but it also will | | | | enjoyment.Pauline Rogers has travelled throughout |
| cause the fibers to weaken. Moisture can cause | | | | Australia and New Zealand for over 20 years, |
| mildew to form, which can be not only difficult to | | | | teaching the art of patchwork and quilting. She |
| remove, but impossible.Many people use cardboard | | | | operates an award winning shop, Country Fabrics and |
| boxes and plastic bags with the intention of protecting | | | | Quilters, in Toowoomba, Queensland as well as a |
| their precious quilts. Both of these gather moisture, | | | | successful mail order and online service. She founded |
| causing stains and encouraging mildew and musty | | | | Quiltfest, an annual quilting event and Margie's Quilts of |
| smells. They are bad choices for storage. The big | | | | Hope, a quilting challenge which raises funds for breast |
| plastic storage boxes are not any better, as they do | | | | cancer research. |
| not have ventilation.A closet shelf is a much better | | | | |