AboutDARWIN D. BEARLEY Expertise I am considered by many to be an expert on AMERICAN ANTIQUE QUILTS.
My real expertise lies with ANTIQUE OHIO AMISH QUILTS.
I can help with all aspects of identification, dating, repair and cleaning. I also buy, and broker antique quilts.
Experience Over the past 30 odd years, I have bought and sold ANTIQUE QUILTS for a living. I also have a personal collection of Antique Ohio Amish Quilts.
I have sold to the Smithsonian, the LA County Museum of Art, the movie "What Lies Beneath" starring Harrison Ford and Michelle Pfeiffer and to Catherine Denuuve.
My Antique Ohio Amish Quilt Collection has been exhibited at The Museum of Our American Heritage, The Akron Art Institute, The Canton Art Museum, Wright State University and The Quilt National in Cincinnati, Ohio. They have also been exhibited in Germany and France and recently at the Quilt Expo in Houston, Texas. Many of the quilts have been published in various books, magazines and calendars. One was even pictured in National Geographic Magazine.
Recently a book on my collection was published by Bernina Sewing Machine Co. of Zurich entitled, "Antique Ohio Amish Quilts, The Darwin D. Bearley Collection"
Question I received an old quilt, all handstitched, from my mother, who assured me that it was old. It's white and navy blue. How do I clean it? There are stains on it that I can live with, but it needs a general cleaning. The size fits a double bed.
Thank you!
Bev
Answer Hi Bev,
I wash a lot of my quilts in my machine. I use warm water and fill the machine for a large wash. I use ERA liquid and I also spot treat with it.
Use the gentle cycle and stop the machine before it starts to drain after the wash cycle. Than let the quilt soak. If it is really dirty, let it soak overnight or longer but every few hours I restart the wash cycle and let it agitate again. I have sometimes done this several times before completing all the cycles. Whatever, you do DON'T USE BLEACH! I also don't use fabric softener but I do add a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle. This helps brighten the whites and also works like a softener without the smell.
I always take my quilts to a Laundromat to dry in the large dryers. They come out really nice.
Before you do this, make sure your quilt is in good condition.
