Thanks for responding so quickly, all of you. Your advice is helpful...a little, bitty part of my lazy-self was tempted find an easy way out, but I had this sinking feeling that I would regret that forever! Too big a risk... I do appreciate the tip regarding washing the quilt in the tub with a sheet under it....how do you get the darn thing to dry? I have never done this but can see this is the wiser move considering the age of my pieces.
Again, thanks for helping me