WOW! I'm going to have to start going to some yard sales.

If you add a touch of ammonia to the water, it will remove the cigarette smell. You might try spraying the inside of a plastic bag with fabreeze, then putting the squares in and letting them set for a day or two, and might just be able to avoid washing until after you have put them into a completed project.

I wouldn't object to your washing them at all. Would suggest you stay stitch around the perimeter of each block before washing.

My quilting friends here first put things in a freezer for a few weeks to kill any bugs. One gal actually has a few shelves in her big freezer dedicated to the old quilts she buys.

ali

Curiously, that is what museums do too- freeze them dead!

How wonderful. love JoAnn :thumbup: :thumbup:

Good for you, great find.

Great find and investment, too. Lovely blocks and fabrics.

WTG! Great finds! I'm making notes on all the ways to fix the smelly fabrics. I may need them one day!

Nice load! Soapy water & vinegar worked for me.

Air purifer will take the stink out too.