Preserving Our Quilt Legacy

Book excerpt: Third Edition. Antique quilts are both precious and fragile. Thoughtful care can help preserve them for generations to come. This comprehensive book by professional quilt restorer Ann Wasserman offers a wealth of practical information to aid both? collectors hoping? to find professionals to care for their collections, and? quilters and quilt? owners who want instructions they can follow in the home.The discussion begins with guidelines for assessing each quilt's condition. A chart delineates how factors such as appraisal, heirloom, and historical values, and age or vintage, can affect the choices of treatment. Repair of damaged areas can take one of two approaches - "restoration" or "conservation." Step-by-step instructions and illustrations are given for both approaches, including information on appropriate needles, threads, fabrics, and sewing stitches. The techniques presented are applicable to patchwork, appliqué, crazy, whole cloth, and other styles of quilts. Worn fabrics, holes and tears, re-backing, and re-binding are some of the types of damage covered.A chapter on the cleaning of old quilts discusses wet washing, drying, dry cleaning and vacuuming, and compares the relative safety of these methods. Instructions for safe ways to approach cleaning quilts are given.The discussion of quilt storage includes instructions for rolling or folding, and the merits of acid-free supplies. Storage environment is also important, including temperature and humidity levels and insect control.Displaying antique quilts includes instructions for hanging quilts, plus guidelines for lighting, location, and periodic vacuuming.A bibliography, lists of suppliers, conservation labs, appraisers, and restorers are included.