Curved Log Cabin made for fund raiser- Question Update post #18
 

I'm almost finished with this quilt and wonder weather or not you would advise me to wash and dry it before I donate it or is it better to leave it smooth for the auction.

Thanks again for your usual great incite and advice. Yolanda

I wouldn't wash it because I would want it to look fresh and new.

I would wash it only because the winner will wash it a some point and wonder why it looks different. It's really a matter of preference though.

I would wash it.

1. It will remove any starch, dust, pet hair/dander, and grime accumulated while under construction.
2. It will look the same before and after the end recipient washes it. There are some people who aren't familiar with how quilts look after they're washed, and I know of several who were upset after washing one. (Most thought they'd ruined it, but there was one who wanted her money back because she deemed the quilt damaged and unusable.... :mad:)

I would not wash it before the auction, but I would include instructions about how to wash it and information to expect crinkling and shrinkage.

Every quilt I make is laundered when finished, it is the final step to completion after the binding. Show quilts, donations, gifts, sales...no quilt leaves my possession until I've laundered it. I've seen some pretty bad hurt feelings, issues concerning a new owner laundering for the first time, something happening ( open seam, bleeding fabric, etc.) the new owner is upset thinking they ruined it & hide it away, the maker is mad that it's not being used-- just stress that's so easy to avoid by always doing that first laundering as the last step-- that way if a seam is open you can fix it, if a color bleeds you can deal with it, or what ever may happen.

I agree. Tell them what to expect.
In this area, customers feel a quilt has been used if you wash it before selling. I always give washing instructions and let customer know what to expect after washing.

I wouldn't wash it because then it will look used. I might include washing instructions and a box of color catchers with the quilt.

I would wash it. People who like quilts and will bid on them know that a washed quilt has some crinkle. If you want to cover all your bases, you have a tag attached noting that this quilt has been pre-washed as the final step of the construction process as well as giving instructions for care.