DH says the stain is able to grow because it's organic, and you can stop it from growing with oxiclean and it could take it out as well. My hesitation with that is that stuff really likes hot water, but quilts not so much... He also says if you try the vinegar it wont "set" the stain. So it would be okay to try it first and then try something else, as it wouldn't make the stains any harder to get out.

Oh it's only in the first photo, if someone is looking for it. Truly a beautiful quilt. Sure would be nice for it to be clean. :)

I thought that I had seen on a Simply Quilts episode where one of her guests soaked vintage linens in buttermilk to remove brown stains.

That is stunning glad it got done....as for the stain....I watched a program years ago and the lady swore by this......equal parts of biz....ivory dish soap......hot water as hot as possible let soak.......rinse and keep doing this till stain comes out.....she used it on antique wedding dresses

I had something with a water stain similar to what yours looks like and by golly it cleaned it...... Good luck....I see you have many helpful hints and mine is a little late but you never know it might help someone......

I think the quilt is absolutely gorgeous!! What a precious family heirloom. I hope you are able to remove the stain. Let us know what, if anything, works

I washed Dresden Plate blocks that weren't taht old, but anyway washed them in 1 cup vinegar to 4 c water. They had brown age spots on them. Not all the stains came out, but they did look much better after washing. I think my blocks were at least 60 years old, maybe older. The problem I had was shrinkage. The centers shrank more than the "petals"

Beautiful quilt and even better story to go with it! I love the pattern...those stars do twinkle at you..must be grandma's wink. Hope you can take care of the stain..sounds like some great advice here. As for me...I don't have a clue what to do with it. Good luck...its a beauty!

Here's a little more information about the quilt from Renee.


Thanks that is a cool web posting you've got. A little more about
the quilt you probably know is that its pieces were made from flower
sacks according to mom. At that time flour was sold in a cotton bag
a lot like a pillow case, they made print on them because they saw
people were making clothing for their kids with them.


My Mom said Renee was looking for something to do for her high school sewing class and had all the confidence in the world that she could do this. It just took a few more years than she figured. She and my Mom got the fabric and batting, then Renee took it to school where the teacher helped her sandwhich it. I think that's all I know about this quilt. They have no idea about what year the quilt was started...

Can't wait to try the vinegar "treatment." Although, it does sound rather harsh. That's very acid. I have a brown stain on a crocheted child's cape (from the 70s) that formed after being in a cedar chest for some time. It wasn't wrapped, but it was away from the sides of the chest. I usually use Biz and Ivory Snow to soak out stains. Usually works very well (haven't tried it on the crocheted item).

WOW!!! I love to see old quilts, I have one that my great grandmother had pieced the top & for my bridal shower my grandmother finished it as her gift to me, I treasure it very much! My shower was 36 yrs ago. My Gram is still alive at the young age of 96 & still hand pieces quilts to keep her hands busy & lives in her own home. She is so blessed & Loved alot!I know you'll cherish your quilt :lol:

Colonial Williasmburg has a huge collection of old (dating back to
the 1800's) guilts...they maintain and clean these items when they
recieve them and store them also. they could probably tell you how
to wash it and store it. The phone number is 800-446-99240
This is a free number and ask to speak to someone in the textile
museum...They might me able to help you.