Very Old Quilt Blocks
01-19-2010, 02:46 PM
#11
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Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: North Carolina - But otherwise, NOTW
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Originally Posted by Quilt Mom
Wasn't cedar used originally to keep moths out of winter wollens?
01-19-2010, 03:27 PM
#14
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Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Oregon
Posts: 701
I know what happens to fabric, but don't know how to work the computer very well!! LOL I had it written to post, then lost the answer!. Well, here we go again.
The heavy scent of cedar is thought to mask the scent of wool, which is the target for egg-laying moths, effectively preventing her from laying her eggs. It doesn't repel them so much as it confuses the scent, in which case lavender, tansy, or rosemary will work as well. There is very little evidence that cedar actually works. The damage to wool is caused by the moth larvae, not the moth itself. The Eastern Red Cedar will kill small larvae over time in an airtight cabinet.
The real problem with storing fabric directly on the wood in a cedar chest, is that the lignon in the wood is an acid and will weaken the fabric over time and turn it yellow. So it's a very good idea to wrap those precious quilts and blocks in acid-free paper and store them in a plastic box. I'll have to research the effects of the cedar scent on fabric, because I don't know if there is any effect at all.
The heavy scent of cedar is thought to mask the scent of wool, which is the target for egg-laying moths, effectively preventing her from laying her eggs. It doesn't repel them so much as it confuses the scent, in which case lavender, tansy, or rosemary will work as well. There is very little evidence that cedar actually works. The damage to wool is caused by the moth larvae, not the moth itself. The Eastern Red Cedar will kill small larvae over time in an airtight cabinet.
The real problem with storing fabric directly on the wood in a cedar chest, is that the lignon in the wood is an acid and will weaken the fabric over time and turn it yellow. So it's a very good idea to wrap those precious quilts and blocks in acid-free paper and store them in a plastic box. I'll have to research the effects of the cedar scent on fabric, because I don't know if there is any effect at all.
01-19-2010, 03:37 PM
#15
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Location: Athens Ga
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The best way to store quilts is on an unused bed. You can place them on the bed, and then cover them with a bedspread, and you will not have fold lines in them. And no light will get to them, but air will
01-19-2010, 03:41 PM
#16
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I like the idea of using them in smaller quilts to be admired. The bigger the quilt, the more stress on the fabrics if it is displayed even carefully.
I can't wait to see them, and what your decision is :D:D:D
I can't wait to see them, and what your decision is :D:D:D
01-20-2010, 07:23 AM
#18
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 33
Honestly, they have been stored in a cedar chest for around 50 years without an detrimental affect. I never heard of this, but the opposite. Cedar was always used by my Grandmother for storing anything fabric. Interesting....
01-20-2010, 08:22 AM
#19
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Location: Outside St. Louis
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I have stuff - quilt,comforter blankets and such stored in a cedar chest, in heavy laundry bags. Some blankets weren't in the bags and I don't see anything wrong with them. I washed and dried them and are now in use and they seem fine to me. These were in there probably 15 or so years.
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