I have no interest in my quilts lasting , by being placed on a shelf and its only use is being shown.. occasionally. Cotton if a natural fiber and will deteriorate. If it takes the recipent , machine washing drying /, inorder to get use of the quilt... then so be it. If they live in a very humid or dry envirnment and have the quilt in direct light so that it can be used.. so be it.
I have the belief that a quilt stored on a shelf or out of use.. has so limited value... why did I make it?! Having my quilts passed on to a generation that never knew me and may have little regard for my intent .. makes me want to stop quilting. I make quilts for the person recieving can use it and consume it. many of my quilts have well over a hundred hours in just piecing.. they are to be used.
I have a standing agreement with all who recieve my quilts .. if it is not to their liking or taste .. return it or exchange it for one I make that better suits their needs.
To me shelf quilts are just too sad. ...