Originally Posted by ILoveToQuilt

A friend gave me 5 vintage courthouse steps blocks made from what appears to be Civil War type fabric. They are stitched on muslin by hand and are dingy and stained in places. Aside from Orvis, what can I wash the blocks in to try and clean them.

There is also a Drunkards Path block, red & white, with stains, but I am afraid the red will run if I wash it. Will the color catchers stop this?

After washing them, the fun part begins...what to make with these blocks. They are 10" blocks, but I have only 5 of them so I will have to add fabric. As luck would have it, I have another friend who restores vintage quilts, so I can ask her to date the fabrics and perhaps have her help me choose fabrics to use to showcase the blocks.

Any and all suggestions are most appreciated! Thanks in advance.

Anita