I have a beautiful heirloom baby quilt made from all imported batiste and french lace. I made it to learn the techniques and not for any special baby. I have stored it in my cedar chest for the last three years and now would like to sell it. My problem..... there are three rust colored places about the size of the round head pin on the front and I can't get them out. I have tried everything I know of short of damaging the fabric. Got any answers?????

Can you look under a magnifying glass to determine if it is rust or just a discoloration. You'll be able to tell if the individual fibers are brittle (rust) or not (stain).

If the fiber is brittle then you'll have to replace the section or - hard to say without a picture, but can you applique something appropriate over these spots?

Sounds like you may have cedar marks on it. If that is the case, to my knowledge, there is nothing that can get that out.

I saw on another forum that someone used nail polish remover to remove pine resin from a shirt.

I have no idea if that is relevant to your situation or not.

I don't know how it would have gotten rusty if it had no contact with anything made of metal.

Check this site--It might help. http://fairychildheirlooms.wordpress.com/stain-removal/

I have a friend who restores old quilts and she is a big fan of Oxyclean....also of hand-washing, but I couldn't reach her to ask. You might check your area for either a museum that has some antique textiles or a quilt or textile restorer. Wish I could be more help.

Your problem isn't rust, it's the oils in the wood. Never store fabric items, including quilts next to bare wood. Always wrap them in acid free tissue paper. The oils in the wood damage and permanently stain fabric.
The stains are not going to come out, you will need to applique something over the stains. Sorry.

or, you could dye the quilt a nice shade of something that would cover the spots.

Ii wouldn't despair yet. An older lady I know recently got a crocheted bedspread of the cedar chest where it was stored. She sent it and matching scarves to a textile restorer who couldn't promise anything but did a wonderful job.

Or you could just describe the item as is, and someone who wants it will buy it. Its value is probably quite high even as is.
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I would take it to your local Dry Cleaner that specializes in fine fabrics and ask their advice.

Fabric/quilts should never be stored in cedar chests.
The fabric absorbs the oil from the cedar. :cry:

I have many quiltss that have been stored in a cedar chest for over 70 years with no damage.

I did hear some where you can soak the article in buttermilk, but you might have to look up for sites that will give the type of information you need. Find out what caused it first. If it is white fabric try Nappy San. If you still have a scrap of fabric left try on that first. You do not want to make it worse with out testing first, Good Luck.

Thank you all. I will try some of your ideas. The stains remind me of the discoloration that I used to see on old stored linens. Kind of a mustardy color.

I thot of appliqueing but the spots are in a place that doesn't make that solution possible.

Never thot of contacting my museum. Good idea.

Have had very poor luck with local cleaners

I'll let you know the outcome.

Oxyclean, cold water, rinse cold, hang or lay flat to dry. Don't put in the dryer as the heat from dryer will set the stain further. You may have to wash it several times or I would just spary the Oxyclean onto the spots , dab, spray, dab, until it comes out.

Will try that with q-tips. thanks.