Yesterday I purchased a wonderful quilt handsewn in 1936 by a church group. Found it in an antique store. It appears to be cotton; how should I wash it? While it looks pressed, I want to freshen it. Thank you . . . it has scraps and colors galore!

I don't think I would wash it if it isn't soiled....I would opt for fresh air outside to do the trick :D

There is a lady that spoke at our guild meeting about this....I have not tried any of these methods:

You can vacuum with a nylon over the end of your hose. Just suck and poke...like you are jabbing at it NOT swiping across the fabric and going back and forth because of the friction.

For a water wash....make a hammock type sling. Our local quilt shop carries a net mesh fabric just for this. You add handles with duct tape-I think that is what she used. Get a friend to help! She suggested an unsuspecting friend that does not know enough to make up an excuse to say "No". :lol: Lay the quilt in the sling and dip it in and out of the bathtub. There is a special soap that the quilt shops carry if you feel you need soap. Drip... DO NOT wring in out because it twists the fibers. Heavy! Heavy! Heavy! That is why you need the friend.

She also said you can dry it outside on your lawn by laying it on a white sheet and placing another white sheet over it. The one on the bottom protects from the grass. The sheet on the top will protect from sun fade.

If you just need to freshen-outside in the sun with the sheets will work. Makes it smell sweet. Something to do with the plants and the sun and chloriform maybe?...to scientific for me to remember.

Pictures????? I have one that DMIL gave me before she passed. She won it in a raffle. Tickets were 25 cents. Had to be in the late 1930's, because it was just after they were married.

What a wonderful find. Would you please post a picture. I would love to see it.

I have always used Dreft soap in the tub, tepid water, and hung over old sheet on the clotheslines outside to dry.. I have 2 parallel lines, drape over both.

Thank you so much for your information! My husband and I are going out of town to babysit one of our granddaughters, but I will try to post some pictures when we return. (He will be the friend who helps me with the duct tape, etc.) Your Doods are adorable . . . what breed are they? Glad you have one of these old quilts, too!

If you are from the 60's... Warning Warning Will Robinson .. with flailing arms !!

I would not.. Antique means fragil stitching that could not make it through the wash.. and .. dry cleaning.. that is chemicals.. could change fabric colors..

Hmmmmmm .. no disrespect ment.. I would not. Airing out fine.. but no washing...

That and 10 cents will not get you anywhere.. Up to you.. just thought I would answer a request.

Thank you.

I need to update the picture! :oops: The red one -Yukon Jack - is larger than Riley now! Yukon is a labradoodle (1/4 lab and 3/4 standard poodle and is 65 pounds) Riley is a goldendoodle (1/2 golden Retreiver and 1/2 standard poodle. She is 60 pounds). I am allergic to dog fur but the doods have hair and don't bother me. :lol: :lol: :lol:

Anxious for your pictures. Great that you could rescue that quilt!

The dogs are precious. I'm allergic to animal hair also. We have a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Yesterday I did try to take some pics of the quilt, but they didn't turn out too well. I will try again upon our return.