In this issue, I’m sharing a note I received a while ago. Audrey took my workshop (link to workshop info is below, in the Announcements section) a couple of years ago. Here’s what she wrote:
I have a large display case that I put my favorite quilts in. I rotate them from time to time. The case has lights on the top inside of the cabinet. You guessed it, two of my tops got burned by the lights! I am working on repairing them now.
The burns came from a smallish, cabinet light. I don’t know the watts. They have a habit of turning on spontaneously, after they have been shut off. They are turned off and on by touching the corner of the cabinet, near one of the hinges.
I noticed they had been on for several days, but it really didn't register that the quilts were so close to the lights. I finally decided I had better go check. The pinkish quilt was actually in contact with the light. I hadn't smelled anything, and was very fortunate that a fire hadn't started.
Though I regret that this happened, I am enjoying the repair process using some of the techniques learned in your workshop!
She sent some photos to share with her story. Wow.
Whatever I’ve read about how different kinds of lightbulbs and light sources can damage textiles, incandescent bulbs are always “accused” of giving off lots of heat. And here’s proof.
Audrey has been repairing the damaged places. Here’s before and after photos of one of them:
Audrey also said:
I tell friends that I am a nurse, I like "fixing" things. That includes vintage and antique quilts.
I love this sentiment! Over the years, I’ve noticed the same thing about myself. I even like weeding the yard! It’s got the same quality of taking care of scraggly edges that repairing a torn quilt does. But I’m not a neatness fanatic by any means! My yard is “naturalistic” not manicured. And around the house, I don’t have empty surfaces, but I do appreciate keeping the scatter in piles.
Thanks for sharing, Audrey!
————— Announcements —————
• I bought a book by the Smithsonian Institution for my birthday a couple of weeks ago. It’s marvelous! There are interesting articles about all sorts of aspects of the items that are produced for show and competition at the fairs. This includes items made in a wide range of media and by a wide range of cultural groups. There are beautiful, large photos of the objects (including a great selection of quilts), and vintage and modern photos of the displays and people who take part. Excellent, excellent!
State Fairs: Growing American Craft
• Preserving Our Quilt Legacy Virtual Workshop - full description and info
• Something From Nothing - A series of small quilts made from decorator fabric samples
• Quiltations - monthly fun from my friend and quilt appraiser Charleen Richtsmeier - A potpourri of quilt news and events, recipes, jokes, quilt and fabric history, words to the wise, etc., etc.
Write Charleen to subscribe
————— The Fine Print —————
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Want more quilt-y content?
• introductory video
• quilt repair book
• website
• blog
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• facebook
• my in-depth quilt restoration and conservation workshop
• programs for guilds
• Create Whimsy - an interview with me