My girlfriend's mother made 24 Dresden Plate blocks probably 50+ years ago. I have just been given them and would like to clean them if possible. Has anyone ever tried any of the products advertised in magazines formulated to clean old fabric like this? I'd like to put them together into a quilt and give it back to her but would like to see if there is anything that can be done to brighten them first. Any suggestions?

I thought I saw someone post on here that they refurbish old quilts. Maybe they'll pop up with an idea for you.
I'm too lazy to go and see who said it. :(

Try some of the suggestions made on this thread. http://www.quiltingboard.com/posts/list/6780.page They worked for Elizabeth A.

Iknew the subject had probably been discussed before. thanks everyone for your tips. I will try some of these suggestions on some old blocks I have before I try them on hers just to make sure. She doesn't have a clue that she will get them back so I do want them to look really nice for her so that she will have somethng of her mothers from long ago.

Loretta 50 years isn't that old to you and me :lol: but the fabric looks much older :!:

I just got them last night and will try to get photos tonight. :-)

Blocks are hard, are you going to make a quilt out of them? Washing the quilt is easier. I have used this recipe on vintage cotton clothing and laces: equal parts Ivory dish soap and clorox 2. Tepid water and just set the block in don't agitate just kind of squish, rinse the same way, I usually rinse at least three times. If there is a really persistant spot try to solution on a q-tip rubbing gently. Rust spots are hard to get out. Blood try a solution of Hydrogen peroxide and water on a q-tip. good luck, marie

I will make a quilt if I can get them clean. they are 15" blocks so I may just wash them or try to wash them in the sink and see how it goes.

About 10 yrs ago, her daughter slipped some butterfly blocks out of the house that my friends mother had appliqued and I had enough of them to do every other block a butterfly block. She was going through some rough times that year and was really depressed. So I hurriedly assembled and did just basic in the ditch quilting on it and gave it to her for Christmas. she cried buckets and buckets of tears because her mother hadn't been dead that long. So I know I'll need either lots of tissues or another bucket when she see this one :!: :lol: But she is a really special person and I can't wait to get started.

The kindness and generousity of this boards members is simply amazing! What a wonderfully sweet, and thoughtful thing for you to do.