What to do with Grandmother’s quilt
Lifelong seamstress and villa resident Chris Lorenz joined the Keepsake Quilters Guild decades ago but finally pursued the hobby in earnest after retiring from Hawkeye Community College.
Now she quilts, takes classes or workshops often, and shares her passion. Chris recently gave quilt presentations at Windhaven and Thalman Square.
“My mom always quilted so I grew up with an appreciation for them, and because I love antiques I would buy old quilt tops that my mom would hand-quilt to finish them,” Chris recalls. “Now this is a wonderful hobby and I spend about four days per month quilting with friends.”
Chris taught fashion merchandising at Hawkeye, including the history of costume and textiles. Her long interest in old needlework and handiwork leads her to have more appreciation for traditional quilt patterns than modern interpretations.
A sewn or pinned note in an old quilt was a common practice among quilters and she recommends doing this for quilts that don’t have one. Details could include:
The name of the quilt pattern
Who made it/who they’re related to
Who quilted it (may be different from who pieced it)
Year started and finished
What city it was made in
The information can be written in permanent marker on a small piece of muslin and safety pinned or safely stitched to the back of the quilt.
If you own a quilt that you no longer want, Chris advises that you:
Offer it to children or grandchildren.
Consider donating it to a museum.
Contact a hospice or church to see if they would like it for a fundraiser.
If you’re interested in learning more or already have an affinity for quilts, check the Western Home app to find other residents who share your enthusiasm.
Best tips for protecting your quilt:
Keep it away from sunlight.
Line the cupboard where it’s stored with muslin.
Do not store in plastic or with moth balls.
Maintain a consistent temperature.
Fold in thirds lengthwise or crosswise and then accordion fold it, placing it in a cotton pillowcase. Refold a couple times per year.
Don’t let it come in contact with wood.
Chris, at right, shared the history of quilts in a recent presentation to Windhaven residents.
