I've had a lot of questions about restoration this week so let's just make this our chapter for the day. It can be daunting to try to preserve an old quilt that has been damaged over the years. Here's a few hints that will help you decide if you want to preserve an old quilt or take it apart and recycle the pieces.
Assess the damage on the quilt. Does it need to be completely taken apart? How many holes? Replacing fabric can be the biggest challenge, but lately 1930's style fabrics are in vogue. Also I have heard of (but never used) computer programs that will match fabric and print out a pattern. If you cannot match the fabric, a entirely new piece of fabric should be inserted in it's place. If the quilt has definitive color placement (where the same fabric as the damaged piece is used over and over in a specific place), it would be best to replace all pieces matching the damaged piece with a new fabric. That brings with it, it's own set of problems ( no one said this was going to be easy!), inserting a new fabric should not bring attention to the new pieces, it should look similar to the other materials in the quilt. The new fabric should also be distressed to match the rest of the quilt.
When the restoration is over, the replaced pieces should not stand out, but blend in to the original piece. If displaying the quilt, be sure to keep it out of the sun, this will help prevent fading. Enjoy the quilts you have. Display them, use them...it's cold out there!
If you have any questions about restoration or anything else please feel free to email me at questionthequilter@gmail.com.
Go quilt today, it will make you feel good!
No comments:
Post a Comment