A Guest Room Quilt
- WarmQuilts
- Sep 28
- 2 min read
"Please do something with this - it's yours now."
The quilt was wrapped in a plastic bag and all that I could see was the binding and the backing. I felt discouraged when I checked and there was no label.
The only thing we know about the quilt is the quiltmaker and her love of her flower garden. Each quilt block has a fussy-cut flower in the center. "Gims" had the most beautiful Camellia bush at the front corner of their house; it was likely 50+ years old. And, I always admired her most fragrant, enormous Cecile Brunner climbing rose in their side yard. She enjoyed growing Nasturtium - only in pots, and cautioned that they can overtake an area wherever they are planted.
One problem, I have been airing the quilt for a year now and the musty smell will not go away. When I took it to a dry-cleaner, she opened the quilt and pointed to a spot where the sashing was frayed and said they would not touch the quilt unless all of the stitches were perfect.
So, after much consideration, yesterday was the day - into the washing machine it went! I added 1/2 cup of Baking Soda and crossed my fingers.
Well, that was much better! Maybe the sunlight can freshen it out even more. I had been drying the quilt in the sunlight over the front porch handrail.
Even the fabric looks brighter. After a few minutes, I turned it over, to continue drying and airing out. It only took about 40 minutes to completely dry.
"Good friends are like quilts - they age with you yet never lose their warmth." ~Anonymous
My next task is to add a label and decide if it will cover the guest room bed and blend with the antique furniture, decor and accent wall. I'm trying to look beyond the blue fabric in the quilt - we don't have any blues in the house. However, the quilt's overall look is more subdued and muted and the earthy tones may just work. Now, I'm waiting for another sunny day to cover the quilt with a sheet to freshen in the sunlight.
Thank you for stopping by.
XOXOX
What a wonderful save!
Marcella - Nov. 5, 2025
If the quilt hadn't been given to me, I doubt if I would have considered those colors for the guest room. I'm reminded of the quilter's flower garden each time I walk past the room.
WarmQuilts - Dec. 5, 2025
This looks like a quilt with a story behind it.
I am pleased the wshing has helped and i hope the time in the sun clears the musty smell away.
Karen - Sept. 29, 2025
I am also pleased that the washing helped, Karen. Time in the sunshine helped, too. In the coming weeks, I plan on mending the few frayed sashing spots. For now, the quilt is looking nice in the guest room. Perhaps when I begin mending, a short story will be revealed.
WarmQuilts - Dec. 5, 2025
Hi! This quilt is lovely. I have a (dumb?) question...what is the importance of a 'label'?
Julie - Sept. 28, 2025
Just as artists sign their masterpieces, quilters label their quilts to provide a historical narrative of each piece. Some quilters name each quilt so the name of the quilt is included on the label, as is the recipient (and reason, i.e.: birth, graduation, wedding, anniversary, etc.), date, who pieced and quilted the quilt. More personalized labels often include a photo or poem - either handwritten or digitally printed on fabric - with the quilter often signing the label. Thank you for your inquisitive interest, Julie. If I am unable to answer, we will reach out to readers who will…