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Quilts are works of art, the tiny
intricate stitches a result of hours and hours of work and dedication, not
to mention years of training and practice. |
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With care, the beauty of a
handmade quilt can be preserved for several generations to enjoy.
Quilt fabric today is
almost always 100 percent cotton or a cotton-polyester blend, both of
which are machine-washable. The
batting, or filling in the quilts, is usually machine-washable polyester.
But since quilts are held together with tiny quilting stitches, it’s a
good idea to use caution when washing.
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- If you do machine-wash your quilts, do
so on a gentle cycle in cold water to prevent shrinkage. And if the
quilt has dark colors, it should be properly dry-cleaned to prevent
the colors from bleeding.
If they are machine-dried, the
dryer should be set on a low setting. The quilt may also be hung
outdoors, preferably over several clotheslines to distribute the weight,
or dried flat on the grass with towels underneath.
If a quilt is
stored, it should be rolled instead of folded to prevent permanent
creases. If it must be folded because of space limitations, take it out
several times a year and refold it.
Never store a
quilt in plastic. Instead, store it in a sheet or pillow case that
allows air to circulate around it, and be sure it is protected from
insect damage.
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