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Heirloom quilts: proper use and storage by Marg Loewen Craft Specialist With the recent renewed interest in antique collecting and pioneer crafts, quilt making and quilt collecting con» iinue to be popular activities. Often an .ild Cluilt, whether it is a treasured tamily heirloom or one bought at a flea market or antique Show, can pre» tent some problems when it comes to toring it and using it. An old quilt way be badly worn, the fabric and iuilting threads may be weak, and here may be some discolouration and laining. It is a good idea to know the nest way of using and storing it, be it .: beautiful old quilt or even a beautiful .'orttemporary one. One might think that the best way to seep a valuable quilt clean and safe is 0 pack it away in a closet forever. This certainly would save it from wear and l'ading from sunlight, but once it’s hid- len, it’s easy to forget the quilt is even here. A beautiful quilt should be seen tl'ld enjoyed, so the best place to keep .t is right on a bed! This distributes the weight of the quilt evenly and the mat- TESS gives added support. Of course, ‘reeping a precious quilt on a bed only works if all the family members understand that quilts are for looking .‘ii and sleeping under but that loung- :ng on top of the quilt is strictly forâ€" hidden! (This includes the family pets as well, because claws can damage even the strongest fabric and stitches, and pet hairs do cling to cotton and are difficult to remove). The guest room would be the best place to keep an heirloom quilt on display. Another way to protect a quilt, parâ€" ticularly an old fragile one is to add a transparent covering such as nylon tulle, but never, never plastic. A quilt could also be hung on the wall, for a very dramatic decoration. Be sure it is hung out of direct or in- direct sunlight, and away from a high traffic location where handling is discouraged, as oils from hands can accumulate to soil the surface of the quilt. The more support the quilt has as it hangs, the less strain there will be on any one part of it. Avoid nails or pins as they can create holes and stains. One of the best methods of hanging is to sew a wide band or casâ€" ing across the top and bottom of the quilt (on the back), and insert a wooden dowel into each one. If the quilt has a balanced design, turn it every few months to distribute the weight. Very old fragile quilts such as silk, satin or velvet crazy quilts can be displayed at museums under glass to protectthem,so perhaps an heirloom quilt could be donated to the local museum for many people to enjoy. If quilts aren’t being hung or used on the bed, the best way to store them is to fold them loosely, with the decorative top of the quilt to the in- side, in a cool, dry, dark place, wrap- ped in a clean cotton sheet, Cotton protects the quilt from dust while allowing air to circulate freely around it. Plastic bags must not be used, as the chemicals in plastic can react over a period oftime with fibres in the quilt to produce stains or discolouration. Plastic also tends to collect moisture and promote growth of mildew, A special acid-free tissue paper 0r rice paper is available from art supply stores or oriental shops which is exâ€" cellent for wrapping around old fabrics, including quilts. It can also be crumpled up inside the folds to pre- vent creases. Try to refold your quilt often, folding it so the creases fall in a different place each time. This avoids permanent creasing and avoids wear on the crease lines. Take time to consider the best way to use and store your quilts, so that the heirlooms of today will remain the treasured antiques of tomorrow. Prize Winning wail guilt by Joanne Mil/er of Mississauga, createdfor the Town of Tara’s centennial in 198]. ll