cathyre

I have a lovely cedar trunk we brought when I lived in the USA from the Amish area sealed on the out side natural on the inside , smells wonderful when you open it I draped two queen sized flat sheets on the inside and put in lots of my quilts , some have been there for 15 years they are perfect.

Kris P

Well said, Jan.
My quilts are made to be used. In my opinion, that's how they are treasured. I'm always a little disappointed when someone puts away one of my baby quilts so it doesn't get ruined. If it's not used, it's not treasured, it becomes clutter. I made that mistake when my girls were babies. We didn't use the hand knitted blanket that my MIL made for our oldest's baptism. It's just in a box in the storage room and we only take it out to look at it when we're cleaning out the storage closet. She's not attached to it, and it's clutter to me. In my defense, it is pure white, and was given with the expectation that she would hand it down to her children. Many of the gifts from my inlaws are given with that expectation.... Child's rocking chair, framed art....etc... gifts with that expectation become clutter, in my mind.

citruscountyquilter

I make quilts to be used washed and in the process to be a comfort and treasured. The only display time they get is when they're not in use. I even use quilts for table cloths. If they become heirlooms it will be by accident.

Karen Mc

I give most of my quilts away and the rest I use ... generally. I do have a few right now that I though about placing in a cabinet until they find a home, I did wonder about placing them on the wood and here you all have given me the answer. Thanks so much.

illinois

To add to my inquiry--should there be muslin or something between the sides of the cabinet and the quilts, not just on the shelves? Not all of my own quilts will be heirloom quality but I have several that are old and are treasures because they were made by my grandmother/great-grandmother or friends who have passed away. They are not actively used but totally enjoyed because of the heritage. I don't want stripes of wood oils to ruin them! I have several that are more than 100 years old. These I consider to be treasures that need special consideration.

AZ Jane

I put this saying on most of my baby quilts!! Use them!! Please!
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RugosaB

I'm glad you asked this.
In 1982 my husband's grandmother died, we ended up with many of her quilts and a pie safe. The quilts were from the '30's, and I'm guessing the pie safe is too.
I have the beautiful appliqued quilt hanging above our bed and the pie safe has been in our basement for years, with the plan to some day 'do something with it.'
I had decided a few months ago that this spring would be the time. We were looking around for something to put a tv on in our bedroom and thought this would be perfect, with quilts, some I made, some she made, stored below. The doors would be open.
What I had in mind was just really cleaning the outside, and putting poly over what is there, kind of like the way she had it. The inside I was going to paint off white.
Does anyone see any reason this might hurt the quilts? The quilts will be refolded, rearranged monthly and it is not in direct sun, but it is a bright room. I got to the point that her quilts are not being enjoyed by anyone just stored in a pillowcase in my closet and know the one hanging will probably be affected, so I'm enjoying them. This Grandmother holds a very dear spot in my husband's heart.

When his Grandma died I made sure each of the boys, there were 4, got a quilt though I do doubt they still exist. One that I'm putting in the pie safe was used to wrap tools in the back of my husband's van when I met him. I rescued it and told him if we broke up, I'm not sure I'd give it back, but would hold it for him. We got married !

Will just painting the inside be ok?

judi43

I make quilts to be used so their for they get but on beds, couches, & chairs. Jan has the best things to think about
let's use these quilts.

ghostrider

Yes, paint (or urethane on unpainted wood) will seal the wood and prevent any of the oils from leaching out. Your plan sounds great and a wonderful way to honor your grandmother.

RugosaB

thanks for the response, guess I have work to do!