5 Million Quilts in Need of Restoration Nancy Kirk estimates there are over 5 million antique quilts in need of restoration in the U.S. “Some quilts have suffered from inexpert cleaning, some from dog bites or paint stains, and some have wo
Nancy Kirk estimates there are over 5 million antique quilts in need of restoration in the U.S. “Some quilts have suffered from inexpert cleaning, some from dog bites or paint stains, and some have worn out from too much love,” according to Kirk.
To help overcome the problem, restoration expert Nancy Kirk offers two Quilt Restoration workshops each year, the next one scheduled for Oct. 21-25, 2011 in Omaha, NE.
Each workshop features a field trip to the world-reknowned International Quilt Study Center in Lincoln, NE. Students then spend the first two days studying restoration techniques, learning how to date antique fabrics, and the care, cleaning and storage of quilts. They also learn how to set up a quilt restoration business.
On the final two days, participants in the workshop learn how to restore Victorian crazy quilts and other “special problem” quilts such as all white bride’s quilts. They learn how to document and replace the original embroidery stitches, and how to find period fabrics.
Each workshop participant gets to bring quilts they are planning to restore and go home with a plan for the restoration projects. Students can take the two days of the beginning workshop, the two day advanced workshop or both.
Kirk says about half the people who take the workshop want to repair family quilts. The remaining people are considering opening a quilt restoration business.
For more information or to register, go to www.kirkcollection.com or call 800-398-2542.
