I'm repairing a crazy quilt and would like to use some of the old cigarette silks I've picked up here and there.. has anyone worked these into a project? What did you use to keep the silk from fraying even more (I'd probably fray too, if I were 100 years old -- LOL!)? I've seen Bo'nash (bonding powder) and wondered if that could be used to bond the cigarette silks onto some vintage muslin before the silks are then embroidered onto the quilt... thoughts? experience? ideas? :D

welcome to the QB!! How about a fusible interfacing - would they stand up to ironing? I have never even seen one but I have heard of them.

I started out fixing antique quilts. Interfacing is a MUST, since silk will shatter. If the area around the repair is stable, temporarily baste the edges back. Slip in some interfacing, glue side facing up.

Arrange the patch, then iron in place - be careful since silk cannot take high temps. remove the basting threads after you do the decorative handwork which will anchor the piece permanently.

Thank you, thank you, THANK you! Ptquilts & Moonpi, does the interfacing make the item stiff (can you tell I'm a noob?) - or is there a certain kind you'd recommend to others??