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Crafts/photo/fabric repair

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Expert: Dodie Casey - 11/26/2008


Question
I just received a quilt with photo transfers as blocks.  There are a few of them that are starting to crack or peel.  I do not know what method was used but can see a tight mesh-like fabric as the backing through one of the cracks.   This is brand-new.  Do you have any ideas for repairing the cracks or at least sealing them down so that no further damage occurs.  I do not plan on using this quilt but rather hanging it as a wall decoration. But just the same I would like to so some preventive repair.

Answer
Dear Brenda:
The first thing to try is getting the pieces as flat as possible.  Maybe try putting a heavy book(s)--the Family Bible:)--on top of the places that are lifting/cracking.  Cover the areas with brown paper & iron over them with a low to medium heat, gradually increasing if the temp you are using doesn't work.  I wouldn't try much more than medium or you might risk melting or burning the transfers.
If this doesn't work, or if there are larger sections lifting, you can buy fabric glue at your local craft or fabric store.  Just follow the directions.  With the glue, as with the iron, you should have the places for gluing lying flat before applying the glue.
I am going to attempt something called a "Farm Quilt" that requires doing transfers.  You can add your favourite pics of people, barns, animals, etc.  Since we live on a farm, and have two daughters, I'm thinking, maybe two?:)
Anyway, I hope this works for you.  If it wouldn't be too much trouble, could you drop me a line & let me know?  
Good Luck...Dodie

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Dodie Casey

Expertise

I am able to answer questions regarding: ceramics, beeswax candles, cleaning things from other things, working with wood/pinecones/etc. in the making of centre pieces & wall hangings. I also have a Christmas Village that is approximately 60 square feet in area & takes, at this time, 3 days to assemble for the Christmas Season, but only one day to take down. I also am a great baker & cake/cookie/cupcake decorator (I made my own wedding cake, my sister's for her 25th wedding anniversary, & for two of my friends weddings) & chocolate user for fancy stuff. I have done some small quilting projects & am starting something known as a "Farm Quilt". It requires taking pictures of people, animals & farm buildings on the farm you are using for a model. These pics are then transfered onto the quilt & "quilted" into it. Great fun! Great Family Heirlooms! I know a little about bisque, but more about ceramics. I also do sewing pictures. No, I do not do needle point. The pics are drawn & then various stitches are used to create a three-dimentional appearance.

Experience

I have made many presents for others--Christmas, Birthdays, etc. Also, I sold crafts for several years. I have also worked with 4-h-ers for several years as a craft leader, goat leader, woodsman coach, & photography. Now, a friend & I have a business (more hers than mine:) making several varieties of pure beeswax candles. Not the cheepy ones you buy in the dollar store. We go through several hundred pounds of high-grade beeswax every year. It is more a natural, life-styles choice than just candles for burning. They are all natural in style although they take on various shapes as we learn more about versatility.

Organizations
I am still a 4-H leader in crafts & gardening. "The Garden Bee" is the name of my friend's company. You can view it at www.thegardenbee.com on her website, should you so desire. Also, I have recently retired after 16 years of directing our Church Choir.

Education/Credentials
I have a BSc in Psychology/Computer Sciences. As well, I have taken a couple of courses in ceramics & basic painting which have come in very handy over the years when doing various things with students & friends.

Awards and Honors
Absolutely none, unless you count the numberous children & adults who have shown their gratitude for the teaching/coaching/helping/providing that I have done over the years.

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