vcquan

I have received 21 blocks of vintage/antique, hand-pieced blocks and before I dive into washing, pressing and putting them into a qult I'd like some advice from ya'll.
The blocks look like they have been washed but the Niece of the quilter is not sure. They have been stored in an attic and some have stains (assume that is why someone may have washed them).
As you can see from the pics, they are VERY wrinkled and some seams have started to fray (probably from washing and handling). Initial questions:
- Should I wash with my fav Retro Clean before piecing them together or after the quilt is finished (scared the red will bleed )!
- If I don't wash, can I lightly press in order to measure and piece precisely.
- Regarding piecing, I was thinking of adding sashing to 'stabilize' the blocks. Should I use GOOD cotton muslin or quilt fabric? The blocks are pieced or appliqued using very thin cotton.

Thank you so very much for any advice you can provide. I will share my progress if ya'll would like to see...
Photos to follow

bearisgray

Regarding HAND washing - one can soak items in a sink or basin and swish items back forth occasionally. Agitating is what makes seams fray. Then roll in a towel to blot out some of the moisture and lay out on a flat surface to dry. Sometimes one can smooth out a lot of the wrinkles by hand while the item is still wet.

I think there are producdts available specifically for old textiles, but I have not used them. RetroClean may be one of them???

The older I get - and I am getting pretty old - the more selective I have become in deciding what is "worthy" of being salvaged/rescued.

Sometimes the items just aren't worth the effort. There probably is a reason why the project was abandoned before it was finished.

vcquan

BearisGray, thank you for the hand-washing suggestion and that is really what I intended by my 'washing' comment. I use RetroClean on old linens, doilies, quilts, etc. and it works well on some stains.
I get you on the 'older' comment but this is a Loose Ends Project (https://looseends.org) and I want to do the best I can.
Regards!

bearisgray

Those blocks look like they are well made.

Maybe another hand washing and pressing to see what you really have to work with. ?

QuiltE

Unless the blocks are intolerable for you to work with, I would leave the laundering til after you have the project finished. Their fragility will be much less by then. Instead, I'd gently press. Rather than using a full sized iron, I'd work with a small travel iron. If there's puckers, you could press them a bit, to allow you to take in tucks, almost appliqueing to get them a bit flatter. Understand what I mean? Some would sooner they be left as is, puckers and all, as after all, that is the way they were made!!

Because of the age, I too would be scared of the red bleed. Retayne is the product you will want for that when the time comes.

Agree with you, sashing will help stabilize the old blocks. Plus, help deal with any size differences. Also, any of those puckers. If the sizes of each are variable, I would go with a full border on each block, and then trim each to the same size, before joining, as is or with a sashing and cornerstones.

Audition the blocks with your muslins and quilting cottons, to see what looks the most natural when together. Some find that the wrong side of a "new" fabric blends best when combining with "old" fabrics.

Good Luck!
... and yes indeed, please do share your progress on this thread!
I am excited to cheer you on as you go from pieces through to a finished project.

cashs_mom

I agree that a hand washing and pressing will give you a better idea of what you are dealing with. Tea staining can also mellow new fabrics and make them appear older. Please show us your progress.

BTW, a wave to Magnolia from Houston

Gay

Your blocks seem sturdy enough to me, and I would simply press, perhaps using a little starch, trim to size and sew together. You can wash later with a couple of color catchers to collect any dye.
And yes, please post your progress. I would love to see how this goes.

GingerK

You could also do the Q-tip test on the reds. Just moisten the Q-tip and lay it on an edge--something that would be caught in a seam later. After a while-10-15 minutes, examine the Q-tip. If it has red transfer, you have a problem, but if it is clear or minimal, don't worry.

vcquan

Q-tip test ? We learn something every day!

GingerK

I had to look up 'loose ends project'. You are doing a wonderful service to preserve a loved one's work. Kudos to you and all those sewers, quilters, crocheters, knitters and crafters who give their time and expertise to this organization.