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SOLERA DIAMOND VALLEY | SEPTEMBER 2021 7 By Clare Mendez, Resident BSDV resident, Myrna Rohr, recently shared with the Quilting Club a beautiful quilt her mother embroidered and sewed the blocks together. The quilt, we were told, had come in second place at the Mississippi State Fair. Myrna's mother, Marjorie Featheringill, had started the quilt while she was recuperating from a leg injury and the project continued for a span of about 15 years. Once healed and more mobile, there wasn't as much idle time for such intricate work. The quilt was gifted to Myrna on her 25th wedding anniversary. With this in mind, I set out to find the recommended way to store an heirloom quilt. According to The Quilt Digest 2 by Kirakofe and Kile of San Francisco, we often forget that old textiles need special handling if they are to last one hundred years or more. This care includes proper storage, cleaning (or not), and using common sense when displaying. It is recommended, to air out your quilts every six months by laying them out on the top of an unused bed for a day or so. When you refolding for storage, try to use different folding creases and stuff crumpled tissue paper inside the folds. Generally, a quilt will fare well in a stable environment away from dampness and in a controlled environment. For this reason, never store quilts in plastic bags. Moisture may seep inside and cause permanent damage. Another surface to avoid when storing quilts is bare wood shelves or drawers. The acid in wood will leave stains and damage fibers over a period of time. Instead, wrap your quilt in acid free tissue and store in paper boxes. Washing machines are not recommended for old quilts. The harsh agitation can tear fabric and break stitches. Wet cleaning can be accomplished in a bathtub or large sink. Be sure to color test all fabric first by using a damp white blotter. Wet quilts are more vulnerable to tears so be sure to have an extra pair of hands when carrying the still wet quilt out to a table, out of doors, away from the sun to dry. Perhaps one of the most pleasurable aspects of owning an old quilt is displaying it, which Myrna would do when she was teaching her students. Each state was represented by its Capitol, state flower, and state bird so she would use it as a visual aide to stir up interest and stimulate conversations. Myrna admitted to making a few quilts herself which she gave away as gifts. Several quilts made by our Solera Diamond Valley Quilting Club have been given as gifts to their family members, or as Quilts of Valor or to the Child Help Organization. Hopefully, they too, are loved, appreciated and cared for to enjoy for years to come. Caring for Old Quilts

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