Why are textile heirlooms need special care and attention?
Textile Heirlooms Are Perishable Heirlooms made of fabric are perishable and need special care. Serious damage to textiles may be caused by im- proper methods of cleaning, storing, repairing, using, or displaying the heirloom. Even today’s textile treasure de – serves proper care and attention in order to be preserved as tomorrow’s heirloom.
What kind of paper to wrap textile heirloom in?
Muslin allows the textile heirloom to breathe but must be laundered periodically when used for wrapping. Tissue paper also allows for air circulation but should always be the acid-free type, available from museum supply sources. Abrasion. To avoid abrasion, handle your textile heir- loom carefully. Avoid flexing it in worn areas.
What makes an item of clothing an heirloom?
Often these heirlooms include textile objects, either an art form such as a woven or embroidered wall-hanging or an article of clothing such as a christening gown or wedding dress. Original cost is not the crucial factor determining whether your item is an heirloom.
How often should I inspect my textile heirlooms?
Inspection of textile heirlooms on a regular basis at least every four to six months is im- portant so that problems can be identified and solved. Place a clean sheet of laundered, unbleached muslin in the bottom of your storage area so you will quickly notice pest droppings.
Who is the grand dame of heirloom sewing?
Heirloom sewing, like anything else that inspires or challenges, can grab you and never let you go. You may just become completely immersed. If that happens, there are oodles of examples, projects, and techniques on websites and blogs dedicated to this specific type of sewing, including the grand dame of the category: Martha Pullen.
What do you need to know about heirloom sewing?
It’s very important to know your sewing machine! In heirloom sewing, you will use stitches, feet, and other features you may not have experimented with before. The brand and model of machine you have will determine exactly what you will need.
Where did the tradition of heirloom stitching come from?
This precise and delicate type of stitching is said to have started in the late 1800s by French nuns who hand -stitched exquisite laces onto delicate fabrics for royal families. Their craftsmanship was so incredible, the resulting gowns and linens were painstakingly preserved and handed down from one generation to the next; hence an heirloom.
What kind of thread do you use for heirloom stitching?
Cotton covered polyester is recommended for construction, and it can also be used for decorative stitching, depending on fabric weight. However, most heirloom sewers choose to use one type of thread to construct the project and finer threads for embellishing and finishing.
