Our working class ancestors found a way to turn functional daily items into works of art. Thus arose the fabric art known as quilting. At the September 10 meeting of the McDonough Country Retired Teachers Association, quilters Janet Rauch and Cheri Allison presented information about the care and repair of quilts. The sisters have a business called “Patches and Piecework Quilting,” operating out of Janet's home.
Allison began the presentation by displaying a quilt from 1910 and telling of the elaborate steps she went through to remove stains, for washing and drying, and for folding and storage. Rather than focus on the quilting process, she explained the do's and don'ts of how to care for and preserve quilts. While she gave instructions on reviving faded or stained quilts, one should contact Patches and Piecework Quilting for the elaborate but necessary steps.
Among her most cautionary words of advice: —Never wash or dry a quilt in machines; wool fabric quilts should never be washed at all.
—The best way to display a quilt is on a bed out of direct sunlight. Hanging a quilt for prolonged time stretches the fibers and stitching.
—Refold the quilt every six months in different directions, preferably on the bias, to prevent creating crease lines.
—Above all, keep careful records of who created the quilt and when, especially for show purposes.
Several members in attendance brought quilts for display and explained the history of their family treasures and heritage. Each quilt represented significant family connections as well as visually impressive attention to detail. They stand as works of art.
The Friday October 10th meeting for MCRTA will he held at the Macomb Middle School. Members will be given a tour of the facility and then hold their regular monthly meeting on site. In addition, an evening cookout will be held at the home of Pat Dobbs Sunday evening September 28, starting at 5:00 p.m.
