Help! Bleeding Issues on Antique Quilt
Hello, sister quilters! I am in a dither, dilemma. I need to wash, or dryclean an antique quilt. It is getting dirty and has never been laundered. My concern is not the front, but the backing. It is a deep purplish flannel!! The front is all early 1920's blocks from my great grandmother. The blocks are very light, mostly shirting fabric, and light cottons. All from old shirts and dresses of the early 1900's, so it is more than just an old quilt. It has great value to me!
I have considered taking the backing off of the quilt,( it is a tied quilt), replacing the backing with a fabric more suitable, ie, cotton. One that I know won't bleed.
I am terrified that this deep purple/rose will bleed and completely ruin my treasure. I do not know if my sisters ever washed the flannel. Or tested it for color-fastness.
Oh, help. give me advice.
Thanking you all in advance.
Mart