mar32428

I have a beautiful heirloom baby quilt made from all imported batiste and french lace. I made it to learn the techniques and not for any special baby. I have stored it in my cedar chest for the last three years and now would like to sell it. My problem..... there are three rust colored places about the size of the round head pin on the front and I can't get them out. I have tried everything I know of short of damaging the fabric. Got any answers?????

MadQuilter

Can you look under a magnifying glass to determine if it is rust or just a discoloration. You'll be able to tell if the individual fibers are brittle (rust) or not (stain).

If the fiber is brittle then you'll have to replace the section or - hard to say without a picture, but can you applique something appropriate over these spots?

crashnquilt

Sounds like you may have cedar marks on it. If that is the case, to my knowledge, there is nothing that can get that out.

bearisgray

I saw on another forum that someone used nail polish remover to remove pine resin from a shirt.

I have no idea if that is relevant to your situation or not.

I don't know how it would have gotten rusty if it had no contact with anything made of metal.

marymm

Check this site--It might help. http://fairychildheirlooms.wordpress.com/stain-removal/

I have a friend who restores old quilts and she is a big fan of Oxyclean....also of hand-washing, but I couldn't reach her to ask. You might check your area for either a museum that has some antique textiles or a quilt or textile restorer. Wish I could be more help.

momymom

Your problem isn't rust, it's the oils in the wood. Never store fabric items, including quilts next to bare wood. Always wrap them in acid free tissue paper. The oils in the wood damage and permanently stain fabric.
The stains are not going to come out, you will need to applique something over the stains. Sorry.

ckcowl

or, you could dye the quilt a nice shade of something that would cover the spots.

marymm

Ii wouldn't despair yet. An older lady I know recently got a crocheted bedspread of the cedar chest where it was stored. She sent it and matching scarves to a textile restorer who couldn't promise anything but did a wonderful job.

tooMuchFabric

Or you could just describe the item as is, and someone who wants it will buy it. Its value is probably quite high even as is.
.

Kathy N

I would take it to your local Dry Cleaner that specializes in fine fabrics and ask their advice.