Technique: Eva’s way to launder quilts

June 27, 2009 by Scarlett Burroughs

Scarlett Burroughs "Mamaw's quilt"

Anyone who owns a quilt will at some point wonder “How do I clean this thing”? Advice runs the gamut, from “only wash a quilt in a bathtub” to “throw ‘em in the washing machine” to “only trust a dry cleaner who specializes in delicate fabrics”.

The method you use to wash a quilt will depend on the age and condition of the quilt, but disregarding this piece of the equation, there are some absolutes that are inarguable. Always use a gentle soap, such as Orvus Quilt Soap which is designed for use on silks, cottons, vintage linens and the like. It’s expensive around $9 USD for an 8 oz bottle, but a little goes a long way.

Personally, I wash all my quilts including the one shown here in Johnson’s baby shampoo (do not buy off brand). My Mamaw (grandmother) made the quilt shown. It’s about 50 years old. It’s held up fine through many washings (delicate cycle) and every day use. If you opt to use a washing machine like me, you must read Eva Colgate’s technique. Eva shared this information during an interview by Jean Rusk of The Alliance for American Quilts’ S.O.S. project. Here are the first few sentences of her answer to the question from Jean, ”What about laundering them?”

I wash mine all the time, but they say you should do it in a bathtub. But you can’t get water out of them if you do them in a bathtub, so I have a very large wonderful washing machine. I fill it up with cold water. I put my…go here to read the rest.

There are other options besides Orville Quilt Soap and baby shampoo for washing your quilts. Red Pepper Quilts mentioned a product called Soak. Check out SOAK here. What do you use?

Technorati Tags: quilting, laundering quilts, technique, Orville Quilt Soap, Soak, baby shampoo, bathtubs

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Have you read?

Recycled Paper Cylinder Face Art – A Colorful Win for All Ages

I recently stumbled across this super creative project on Instructables – “Face With Recycled Paper Cylinders” – and I had to share it with you all because it’s just the kind of craft that checks all my favorite boxes: recycled materials, hands-on creativity, and fun for literally any age.

The idea is simple but genius—roll strips of recycled paper (think junk mail, old magazines, leftover printer paper) into cylinders, then arrange and glue them to form a unique abstract face. You can make it funky, realistic, Picasso-inspired—whatever your mood or style dictates!

What I really love is the blend of eco-conscious crafting with true artistic expression. This isn’t just another kids’ project—it’s something you could easily do with a group of little ones, a classroom full of teens, or even as an adult art therapy or weekend wind-down activity. It’s super relaxing and surprisingly satisfying seeing all those paper rolls come together to form something new and expressive.

The tutorial itself is easy to follow, with plenty of visuals to guide you along the way. You don’t need any fancy materials—just glue, paper, scissors, and a board or piece of cardboard to serve as your canvas.

I also appreciate how this project leaves so much room for personalization. Want to make it into a full face? Go for it. Prefer to focus on a single eye or mouth? Totally works. You can even play with color schemes by choosing papers with a certain palette, or painting over them once they’re rolled.

In short: this is a total keeper for anyone who loves crafting with purpose. It’s the kind of project that sparks creativity while gently reinforcing the idea that beautiful things can come from what we usually throw away.

Highly recommend giving it a go—solo or with a group. And if you try it, tag me or drop a pic—I’d love to see your recycled masterpiece!