Originally Posted by
aorlflood
I think one variable is that people wash their quilts more often these days than they did back before every home had a washing machine/dryer.
The less often you wash a quilt, the longer it will last.
Personally, I don't routinely wash my quilts...only when they show signs of being dirty. That said...since it's just DH & I and we are both clean people, my quilts don't get washed very often.
I learned this from my aunt who quilted all her life and died at the age of 92. She said to only wash the quilts when necessary.
I completely agree. Washing is difficult on quilts and clothes, and we Americans are obsessive about keeping both clean. My sister and her beau are from the Netherlands and have a very different schedule for laundry than we here are comfortable with. I've noticed the same thing in England. It would be easier on us if we relaxed a little...now if I could talk my husband into adjusting his thinking on the matter, I'd be happy. He creates huge piles of laundry because he never wears anything twice. I'm a "wear jeans twice" and "wash sweaters when dirty" kind of gal. I've never had anyone tell me I stink, so that must be acceptable!
