DazzleMe!

I have 2 old quilts that my Grandmother made.
1 she made for me when I was a little girl. I don't ever remember being without it.........so I don't know how old it is. There are pieces that are worn to the batting and I have to figure out how to fix them.....and the second quilt her guild made for her, it is one with the signature blocks. My aunt is going to give me one of her quilts that is a crazy quilt......Can't wait to get my hands on that one.
My question is how do I store them. I have them in one of those vacumn bags now but I don't know if the fabric is going to get creased. When I move I want to be able to display them but until then I need to store them safely.
Thanks for your help!

luvmy2bts

I would store them in a cotton pillow case. The cotton will breathe while the vacumn bags don't allow them to breathe. How lucky you are to get these quilts!

Debbie

fabuchicki

You should ideally store it flat (like on or under a bed for example) (I know ... obviously) or rolled up. You could hang it on a quilt rack as an option or hang it on the wall to display. You should keep it out of direct light from the window or from florescent lights and store it at room temperature (ideally) as opposed to in the attic or basement. Never store an old quilt in plastic where moisture could build up or on wood which can leech chemicals into textiles - the old info about cedar chests is wrong. Also, check periodically to make sure there are no bugs around (always good advice :wink: )

Cecelia

This is a good web site for several different reasons: <http://www.appleblossomquilts com> Connie Sue Haidle. She has a monthly newsletter, and a quilt pattern designing business and sells other quilt related items, BUT I'm giving it for you because in an earlier newsletter she had a wonderful system for storing quilts safely in a small amount of space. Hopefully you'll be able to get it. I gave my copy away.
Also some of the mail order stores, Nancy's Notions and Clotilde have acid-free tissue paper & quilt & textile storage boxes.
Sorry, This isn't short, but I get wound up. Cecelia

henryparrish76

all this info is good to know:)

DazzleMe!

Thanks So much for the information. I didn't think of bugs, dampness or the cedar chest. I could only think of the perminate crease. Thanks for the site. You guys are very helpful!!! :D

abacus

On how to fix the worn places in your quilt -- I have seen where a piece of tulle placed over the worn area and tacked (sewn) down will help to keep the peices from raveling more. This preserves the worn quilt without altering any of the pieces; it can also be seen through the netting. Hope this helps.

Marcia

I have three old (they are over 60 years old and in great condition) quilts that my grandmother made and I have them on three old maple twin beds all lined up against the same wall in a guest room that has been nicknamed the grandkid's room. My three granddaughters (ages 2, 3, and 4) sleep under them every time they spend the night with us. I hope that someday they will want these quilts for themselves and remember fondly the nights they were warm and cozy under them. I guess I am of the "enjoy it and then pass it on" mentality.

calif.stitcher46

Hello, My Quilt Teacher said you can wrap Quilts in an old sheet or lay them in a box with Acid-Free Tissue paper. Never store them in Plastic Bags. Thats nice you have some Family Heirloom Quilts that your Grandmother made. Cheer`s from Barb in So. Calif.

Quilt4u

I'm lucky I have the Lowlle Quilt musemem(?) here in Mass Ican send an old quilt there to by restored an apraised. I store my old quilts in acid free papper and roll it up in a acid free tube for storage and shipping.