June Meeting Recap

Lovely and very informative talk by about caring for quilts, both old and new by Sarah Walcott.

While modern quilts are generally all machine made, and meant to be used and abused, we all have an item or two that was made by previous generations, either handed down or purchased at a sale or antique store. These quilts need special handling to maintain their integrity in both shape and color.

First thing when bringing a new "old" quilt into your home, is to give it a visual inspection for varmints! You don't want to bring in any critters that may work their magic on other textiles, like your clothes, or your newly made quilts, into your home. If nothing can be detected visually, place the item in a large zip lock bag for approx. two weeks and you pretty much insure that any hitch hikers, including larva and eggs, are dead. 

Do not store your textiles in cedar chests, unless you have wrapped the item in acid free tissue or muslin, or placed it in a simple cotton pillow case. Oils from the cedar can bleed into your item and damage and/or stain it permanently. 

Keep your items in a dimly lit or completely dark environment. Any light can cause damage to textiles and it is irreversible. Unused guest room closets, large wardrobes where you can close the doors.

Washing your items is generally a no in the conservators world. Even hand washing can cause damage to older delicate fibers. A musty item can be aired out by placing it flat on several layers of cotton sheeting and left for a few days. If it appears dusty, placing a fine netting, such a tule, on the nozzle of your vacuum and setting it to low can gently remove surface particles.

Store quilts and family keepsakes in areas where the environment is most stable. Avoid attics, basements, kitchens, laundry rooms and unheated spaces. Store flat if possible. If not make sure to place acid free tissue or muslin between the folds. Refold periodically to prevent fold marks becoming permanent. If your item already has some fold lines, make sure to fold in areas that have none.

Asymmetry presented by Mary Dittenber and Barbara Kitsmiller

The primary way that this design element is often featured in is the placement of the piecing, or pieced blocks in your quilt design. Sometimes setting the piecing off to one side in an unexpected, yet proportionally correct, way adds real interest to a design. The subject is not always centered and symmetrical.

Murder at the Winery Mystery Quilt

Chances @$1.00 each may be purchased thru the August meeting to win this beautiful piece made by 14 LMQG members and quilted by member Kristina Morrow.

Tom Meyers original creation

Rosalind Carr

Rhonda Eddy

Meylonie Schatz

Judy Crockett

Vicky Bedell

Maggie Copple

Sarah Maseth

Liz Thanel

Linda Gale

Upcoming Events:

LMQG/OMQG Sister Guild Modern Mini-Swap, July 14 10 AM - 4 PM

Ashland public Library, 1324 Silver St, Ashland, NE 

Please make no smaller than a 12" (smallest side) mini for your partner. 

We are meeting from 10 -4 for sewing and mingling. Bring your own brown bag lunch or there are a couple places in town you can try.

The swap and the ice cream sundae bar will be around 2-ish.

If you are coming for the sew day bring your machine and all supplies to work on your own projects. Bring any show and tell you want to share. 

Don't forget extension cords, irons and mats though I am sure some people will share. 

Ice cream for the sundae bar will be provided. If you have an unusual ice cream topping you love, please feel free to bring it otherwise toppings will be provided. We will try to provide a vegan or nondairy option.