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Last week we tackled the organization of your WIPs and UFOs. But what about those finished quilt tops you have quietly waiting to be quilted? Where are they currently? Folded on a chair with other random items? Are Fido or Fluffy using them as a good place to sleep? Or are they stuffed in a drawer...never again to see the light of day?
Ideally, it is best to finish a quilt so that it can be enjoyed, but we know that the excitement of starting a new project often means that the quilt top is relegated to the nether regions of your studio. So, before you start on another new project, protect current tops, until the time comes when you can complete them.
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Due to the fragile nature of the top, we don't recommend washing your quilt top as doing so can lead to thread tangling and stretched seams.
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Long term storage of a quilt should be avoided, but if you need to, wrap the top in muslin to avoid your top coming into contact with any type of wood product (i.e. paper, cardboard or tissue paper) as they contain acid that can damage the fabric.
Becky from Patchwork Posse
"The outside or right side of the quilt can be touch cleaned before quilting, so it being on the outside is ok. Depending on how long it has been stored you’ll need to dust it off and possibly iron it if there are any creases.
Rolling your quilt top might also be a good option as well if you have somewhere to store them when they are rolled.
I would avoid draping them on a bed at this point. You never know when pets might jump up on them (could pull on the stitching) or even a person. And, if you end up moving them a lot, it could compromise the stitching as well".
Need more ideas?
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If space allows, wrap the top around PVC pipes or pool noodles and store.
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Old pillowcases keep out dust or pet hair, and the quilts can be kept in a drawer or shelf.
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Do you have too many tops that you will never have time to quilt? There's always the 'quilt by checkbook' option. It's done and you can enjoy it.
Now it's on to the fun ideas we found. Once again, we offer ideas for two types of creative spaces.
Options for Clean and Clutter Free
If you prefer a clean and clutter free space, consider these options for storing your tops. Each offers a close at hand, organized solution without being a visual distraction.
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1. Wooden pant hangers avoid pinching and keep pieces flat. AllPeopleQuilt
2. Multiple skirt hangers are a great option if your are limited on space. SocialCafe
3. Plastic hangers hold tops waiting to be quilted. Institcheswithbonnie
4. Use individual large clear bins (with labels) under your work table. deJongDreamHouse
5. Re-purpose stock kitchen cabinets without the doors. SewWeQuilt
Options for Visual Inspiration and Admiration
Do you prefer a visually inspiring space, or love having your completed tops out as reminder or decoration? The following ideas might just be the perfect solution.
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1. A rack with dowels offers storage and display. ThePatrioticQuilter
2. Make use of an antique airing rack. Townmouse
3. Use old windows for display of tops/parts of tops that will not be quilted. StitcheryDickeryDock
4. Hang on clips as inspirational wall art. SpringLeafStudio
5. Men's pant hangers as temporary inspiration. PatchworkPosse
Just joined our year of organizing? Click here for other TQS Organization blogs.
Today, July 20th, is the anniversary of the first lunar landing. This year there will be a special exhibit of quilts at the International Quilt Festival in Houston (November 3-6, 2016) celebrating the 50th anniversary of the first moon walk. Curated by Susanne Miller Jones and sponsored by eQuilter.com, "Fly Me to the Moon" will include fifty-four quilts selected from the larger exhibit. The exhibit will include quilts honoring all the astronauts and their missions.
.jpg "2019 Sponsor - BERNINA Q 24")
