Showing posts with label vintage dyes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label vintage dyes. Show all posts

Friday, August 17, 2018

Washing a Vintage Quilt Part II



How I wish there was Smell-o-vision.
You would say, "Oh, yeah!"

It's washed and dried. Let's look at what washing did both good and bad, and then how it was done.

FYI: I snapped these photos under a shady tree today. It's so bright and sunny that it washed out the colors taken in full sun. 

Pros 

  • I can put my face up to this quilt, and it smells like fabric not dirt. 
  • I've reduced the chance of introducing insects and spiders to my home.
  • I'm free to add it to my collection shelving without fear of transferring a mildewy or a dirty odor. 
  • It won't trigger an asthma attack. I have a problem with dust mites.
  • It's far more pleasant to share at an event.


Note: There was no dye transfer visible anywhere.

Monday, August 6, 2018

Washing a Vintage Quilt Part I



Vintage Tumbling Blocks
About 74" x 90"


When I first set eyes on this beautiful quilt, I longed to take it home with me despite the condition. Today 60 degree pieces cut with an acrylic ruler and rotary cutter require attention to cut exactly.  The pieces in this quilt would have been cut with scissors and paper template. A one patch pattern, Tumbling Blocks is sewn with Y seams. It takes a good eye and practice to match Y seams. I know because I've sweated through it. From what I can see, the majority of this project was done without a sewing machine, but with hand piecing. It was a tremendous investment of time and energy for the maker.