something stitched

Care and Conservation of Heirloom Textiles

 Excerpted from University of Nebraska publication G1682 in cooperation with International Quilt Study Center, Lincoln, NE (full publication available online at extension.unl.edu/publications)

Light—low levels for display and darkness for storage.

Humidity-moist air, warmth, and lack of air circulation cause mold growth that stains and causes deterioration; avoid extreme fluctuations of humidity and temperature levels as in attics and basements.

Insects-clean storage areas frequently; cedar chests and closets do not kill moths and have no effect on carpet beetles; wood releases acids that weaken textiles; mothballs are not recommended.

Archival materials—use acid free boxes and tissue paper and change every 2-5 years; avoid direct contact with unsealed wood; plastics should be avoided as moisture can be trapped inside resulting mildew.

Storage—avoid attics, basements, kitchens, laundry rooms and unheated areas; avoid outside walls and areas where people smoke; store flat and, if folded, refold periodically to distribute wear; roll on tubes that are layered with unbleached muslin or acid-free tissue; wash fabric covers periodically.

Displaying—quilts can be hung using an attached sleeve; do not display permanently and allow to rest between hangings.

Cleaning and care—if not too fragile, vacuum with low suction to remove loose dirt that can abrade and cut fibers, place sheer polyester or nylon tulle or fiberglass screening over the surface to prevent sucking the item into the nozzle.

Wet cleaning—cotton and linen may be cleaned in water and detergent to remove acid build-up leaving them clean and more flexible; wool and silk become weak when wet; if not colorfast do not wet clean.

Dry cleaning—heat and agitation can damage the item; solvents should be fresh or filtered but do remove natural oils and waxes found in fibers; item should not be steamed or pressed.

Many universities have textile conservancy departments but the International Quilt Study Center at Lincoln, Nebraska has an in-depth focus on quilt conservancy and has information on their website.

The 2018 Hoffman Challenge set my mind to wandering and wondering.  The result, “Midnight at the Ritz”, or I just call her “the lady”.  It has been a creative journey that I have certainly enjoyed so have chosen to post some photos that give a brief glimpse into the process.  And I thank all who gave me feedback and positive encouragement as the project progressed. I don’t really remember how the idea began but the cover of a 1935 women’s magazine combined with the challenge fabric and the song, “Puttin’ on the Ritz” pulled the pieces together.  Since I love to dye with Hoffman fabrics I went to my stash to see what might work for a formal effect that had the potential for “glamming”.  I had a light and a dark, one more yellow in color and one more green and blue reminding me more of a night out on the town. With a formal idea in mind my favorite quilt shop, Hickory Stick, had a black to white with metallic overtones line of Hoffman fabrics called “Sparkle and Fade”–the skirt. Many ideas came and went for a formal gown and how that might be portrayed. Final decision was a rainbow organza overlay on the white to black flowing skirt with Cosmo sparkle thread used to embroider and emphasize the folds of the skirt.  The era portrayed is the end of the Art Deco period thus the style of the gown and the addition of the floral and bling decorated cloche hat.  Oh, the jewel fabric that must be used for the challenge.  Well, of course, the lady is dripping jewels from her flowered bouquet on one hand and from the flowing pearls (30th anniversary of the challenge) and metallic chain on the other.  Throw in the special jewels representing birthstones of my family, add a little more bling with Swarovski crystals, quilting with metallic thread (Glitter from Superior) and she is finished ready for her photograph and entry.  She wasn’t expecially photogenic but Hoffman wants to see more so she will travel to California for a closer look by judges.

What a fun journey this has been as well as a creative challenge that moves me to choose some simple sewing to come down from this high!  Hope you enjoy.