Go Back  Quiltingboard Forums >
  • Main
  • Help on storing and saving very old quilt tops and blocks >
  • Help on storing and saving very old quilt tops and blocks

  • Help on storing and saving very old quilt tops and blocks

    Thread Tools
     
    Old 05-08-2016, 07:40 PM
      #11  
    Power Poster
     
    Join Date: Apr 2010
    Location: Long Island
    Posts: 24,820
    Default

    wow!! You made out like a bandit! Lucky you. please show us when you've completed one of them.
    lynnie is offline  
    Old 05-09-2016, 01:44 AM
      #12  
    Super Member
     
    117becca's Avatar
     
    Join Date: Oct 2010
    Location: dayton OH
    Posts: 1,911
    Default

    I agree - quilt them first before washing them to add the stability. I use a oxyclean/biz solution. Let it soak - and i have let it soak in the washer overnite.
    117becca is offline  
    Old 05-09-2016, 03:51 AM
      #13  
    Super Member
     
    Join Date: Dec 2011
    Location: Horse Country, FL
    Posts: 7,341
    Default

    Originally Posted by dunster
    This is a vintage top that I quilted several years ago - http://www.quiltingboard.com/picture...d-t226420.html. I just completed another recently but haven't gotten around to posting it yet. I love bringing these old tops to life, and I'm sure you will too.

    Retro Clean is a product that's recommended for brightening up vintage quilts. http://retroclean.com/retroclean/ It can be purchased on Amazon. I wouldn't wash the tops until they're quilted though.
    I used RetroClean and can vouch for its effectiveness. The trick is to have lots of sun when doing it. I did this several years ago and the quilts really looked so much better. The yellow disappeared without any ill effects on the fabrics. I would quilt them first...otherwise you might end up with a stringy mess.
    coopah is offline  
    Old 05-09-2016, 03:56 AM
      #14  
    Super Member
     
    ptquilts's Avatar
     
    Join Date: Jun 2010
    Location: Vermont
    Posts: 7,044
    Default

    I have had good luck just using an all-fabric bleach (Non-chlorine) and soaking for a long time. Gets the brown-ness out.
    ptquilts is offline  
    Old 05-09-2016, 05:00 AM
      #15  
    Super Member
     
    Wanabee Quiltin's Avatar
     
    Join Date: Jul 2011
    Location: St. Louis suburbs
    Posts: 6,084
    Default

    I have bought over two dozen quilt tops that were vintage, meaning they were made from 1920-1930 fabrics. I have had to repair almost all of them, put borders on some and do major work. If the seams are extra good and there are really bad stains, I will wash it to get the stains out. I DO NOT recommend washing it to get odors out, hang the top outside, put in a plastic bag with charcoal or vinegar. I hate trimming all the raveling you will get from the seams, it's a huge mess and often the quilt top will just come undone. Because I don't hand quilt, I have had them quilted on a long arm and they are exquisite. My quilter used a pantograph each time to quilt the top. I think I have bought about six butterfly quilts and they have various butterfly pantographs on them. Good luck with your tops.
    Wanabee Quiltin is offline  
    Old 05-09-2016, 05:01 AM
      #16  
    Super Member
     
    Join Date: Apr 2010
    Location: Oregon
    Posts: 3,369
    Default

    Whatever you choose to do with them, I'm so tickled you have them, especially when you understand what treasures they are! I have quilted a few vintage tops by hand, mostly for other people. I can tell you it was hard to let them go! Please post pictures of your blessings when they are quilted!
    greaterexp is offline  
    Old 05-09-2016, 05:17 AM
      #17  
    Super Member
     
    fivepaws's Avatar
     
    Join Date: Jun 2010
    Location: Northern Virginia
    Posts: 2,774
    Default

    Fantastic acquisition.
    fivepaws is offline  
    Old 05-09-2016, 06:12 AM
      #18  
    Power Poster
     
    Join Date: Mar 2013
    Location: Corpus Christi, Tx.
    Posts: 16,105
    Default

    I won't use batting that requires 1/2" apart. That is too dense for me unless for a small area. As far as cleaning instructions I would atleast baste stitch it so they don't fall apart.
    tessagin is offline  
    Old 05-09-2016, 07:07 AM
      #19  
    Super Member
    Thread Starter
     
    SherriB's Avatar
     
    Join Date: Aug 2009
    Location: Quilting somewhere......
    Posts: 2,591
    Default

    Will I make any of the stains or yellowing worse if I iron the tops to get rid of the wrinkles? If so, what will be the best method to get them out? I do have two large plastic folding tables that I can spread the tops on. And to help keep with the vintage look, what kind of batting and backing would be closer to the time period of the tops?

    I am so happy to have found these and want to use them and love them.
    SherriB is offline  
    Old 05-09-2016, 07:43 AM
      #20  
    Super Member
     
    Join Date: Aug 2013
    Location: Florida
    Posts: 5,963
    Default

    I have stored old quilts that were musty smelling with the flower drying powders. I don't put it on the quilts, I just have an open container in the trunk. It seems to work on the trunk as well.
    toverly is offline  
    Related Topics
    Thread
    Thread Starter
    Forum
    Replies
    Last Post
    mountainwoman
    Main
    17
    11-16-2016 06:50 AM
    linda8450
    Main
    11
    07-18-2016 04:30 PM
    J.M.
    Main
    30
    03-20-2013 03:18 AM
    cowpie2
    Main
    5
    04-11-2012 03:31 PM
    Airwick156
    Pictures
    23
    01-27-2011 08:50 AM

    Posting Rules
    You may not post new threads
    You may not post replies
    You may not post attachments
    You may not edit your posts

    BB code is On
    Smilies are On
    [IMG] code is On
    HTML code is On
    Trackbacks are Off
    Pingbacks are Off
    Refbacks are Off



    FREE Quilting Newsletter