Removing stains from antique quilt blocks

[Diane Emmich]

I bought some antique quilt blocks which have brown stains on them - I
guess from age. Is there anyway I can remove these stains without damaging
the blocks?

Thanks in advance.

Diane Emmich

[DeSc...@ix.netcom.com]

Dianne was looking for how to wash out brown stains on an antique
quilt. I belong to a mail list (QHL) and this is what they suggested
for cleaning older yellowed items. I have washed a 1940's quilt in this
solution and the colors got brighter and all the age stains were
removed. It can't hurt to try unless the quilt is very delicate.
Had several thoughts. Instead of washing in Orvus, have you tried the
Buttermilk Recipe. You could cut down the number of washings to get it
clean the first time, or maybe, even the second. There is something
that magically happens when you mix buttermilk, water, and lemon juice
together. It all works naturally together with no damage to materials.

Susanne Ellenberger’s ala Suewho’s Buttermilk Recipe
1 Gallon Water
1 Quart Buttermilk
1 Tablespoon Lemon Juice

Let the quilt soak in mixture and then wash either with Orvus or mild
detergent. The brilliance of the restored colors will amaze you. “
--
Kathy in NH :) DeSc...@ix.netcom.com
"Families are like quilts: lives pieced together, stitched with smiles
and tears, colored with memories, bound with LOVE."

[Kris Driessen]

The Quilters Heritage ListServ was created to give quilters a forum to
discuss the historical aspects of quilting. We discuss all aspects of
antique quilts - fabrics, design, color, etc. - as well as the stories
behind them. We also share our experiences with the more practical
aspect of antique quilts - finding, washing, researching, restoring
and even reproducing. Some buying, selling and swapping is allowed,
but our primary focus is on learning from each other by exchanging
stories, research, tips and techniques.

We do have a home page at http://www.HickoryHillQuilts.com/qhl.htm
To join, sent a Subscribe request to: QHL-r...@cuenet.com, or for
the digest version: QHL-Diges...@cuenet.com. For more
information, feel free to contact me at Kr...@HickoryHillQuilts.com.