How to Clean and Preserve Your Textile Art
Light Considerations:
The first and probably the most important thing is to keep anything made of fabric out of direct sunlight. That said, we all know that the more windows you have, the more problematic that becomes. At some time or another, we've all had a sofa with a dreadfully faded back. A sofa is one thing, but your textile art deserves better. UV film on your windows helps, but you should try to find a place that is out of direct sunlight. Here's some good news: fiber-reactive dyes, which I use to dye my fabrics, are much less prone to fading than commercial prints and solids.
Cleaning Recommendations:
I am constantly asked if my quilts can be washed. Even though my quilt are 100% cotton, I do not recommend washing my quilts. Instead, what I recommend is shaking out the quilt whenever dust has accumulated on the top edge. You can also vacuum the quilt with the upholstery tool and reduced suction. (Reduced suction is achieved by opening the slide on the hose.) If you have one of my quilts and the choice is between washing the quilt and throwing it out...call me first! I will be happy to advise you on how best to save your quilt.
The first and probably the most important thing is to keep anything made of fabric out of direct sunlight. That said, we all know that the more windows you have, the more problematic that becomes. At some time or another, we've all had a sofa with a dreadfully faded back. A sofa is one thing, but your textile art deserves better. UV film on your windows helps, but you should try to find a place that is out of direct sunlight. Here's some good news: fiber-reactive dyes, which I use to dye my fabrics, are much less prone to fading than commercial prints and solids.
Cleaning Recommendations:
I am constantly asked if my quilts can be washed. Even though my quilt are 100% cotton, I do not recommend washing my quilts. Instead, what I recommend is shaking out the quilt whenever dust has accumulated on the top edge. You can also vacuum the quilt with the upholstery tool and reduced suction. (Reduced suction is achieved by opening the slide on the hose.) If you have one of my quilts and the choice is between washing the quilt and throwing it out...call me first! I will be happy to advise you on how best to save your quilt.