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