How to care for a vintage quilt top
#1
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Join Date: Jul 2008
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Hi everyone, I bought this vintage quilt top on ebay. It just arrived in the mail today! It was machine pieced in the 1940s. The pattern is Grandmother's Flower Garden. I believe the fabrics are feedsacks. It's in beautiful condition and I want to add a back and handquilt it. I would like to wash it first, but don't know how and what to use. I have a front load washing machine that has a delicate/handwash cycle. Could I do that? And what type of detergent should I use? Also, should I press it after it's been washed?
The backside of a block.
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#2
I'd wash it on gentle, using regular detergent and a dye catcher. Dry on the line or in machine with a big towel and iron before fully dry. There's always a bit of the unknown with old tops, but if you don't prewash and it shrank or the dye ran after you assembled it, you'd regret not taking the time up front.
#3
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Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: northern New England
Posts: 459
Here is some information for you to check out. A lot depends on the condition of the fabrics and the seams, especially with a front loading washer. I think I'd go with Orvus in the bathtub, just to be safe. Very nice top, it'll be stunning finished off. :-)
http://www.quilthistory.com/cleaning.htm
http://www.marilynquilts.com/id23.html
http://www.centerforthequilt.org/que...ry_soiled.html
http://www.quilthistory.com/cleaning.htm
http://www.marilynquilts.com/id23.html
http://www.centerforthequilt.org/que...ry_soiled.html
#6
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Join Date: Jul 2008
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Originally Posted by mgshaw
That is a great top!!! Did you get any other history on it other than when it was made?
#7
That is great, I would put all that info on a label! I have some old signature blocks that my aunt and uncle bought at an auction years ago but I have no idea where they are from other than Arkansas, dont know the year either. I would love to know everything about these ladies!
#8
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Join Date: Jul 2008
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Originally Posted by mgshaw
That is great, I would put all that info on a label! I have some old signature blocks that my aunt and uncle bought at an auction years ago but I have no idea where they are from other than Arkansas, dont know the year either. I would love to know everything about these ladies!
#9
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Join Date: Jul 2008
Posts: 909
Originally Posted by Loretta
I made one similiar to yours last winter- it was fun and I really recommend that you have a long arm quilter baste it for you so the hand quilting is easier. It cost 20 dollars for sandwiching it and basting it and few dollars extra for the thread. Well worth it! http://www.quiltingboard.com/posts/list/8722.page
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