PRESERVING HEIRLOOM
BAPTISM CLOTHING AND ACCESSORIES

Heirloom Preservation Packs are available at Mary's Prayers...click here.
This article is printed from PreserveSmart.com

Here is a step-by-step guide to safely storing away baby clothes, baby quilts and bedding and other heirloom textiles.

1. Make sure the christening garment (and all other textiles) is absolutely clean before storing. If the garment needs to be professionally dry-cleaned, be sure to point out to the drycleaner any known stains and their composition - so that he or she can effectively remove them. If not properly removed, they can "reappear" after a time and attract damaging insects, and cause deterioration and discoloration. If the garment can be laundered, treat all stains and wash thoroughly with a safe cleaner. Use any suitable mild soap or detergent and rinse at least 3 times with clear, cool water and dry thoroughly by hanging in an airy place.

2. Purchase a Rubbermaid® or Sterilite® box (underbed or otherwise) large enough to hold the christening garment(s) or other baptismal items. These types of storage boxes are made of cast polypropylene - which is an inert material used for archival application. Other brands may be safe as well - look for the #5 within the recycling code triangle or the letters "PP".

3. Wash and dry your hands before handing garment - no lotion, creams, etc. You may also wear white cotton gloves if you like. Either will help prevent transfer of acid oils from skin to garment. Remove any metal buttons or ornaments from the gown and store in an archival sleeve (provided in the Preservation Pack) in the bottom of the box. If these are left on the clothing, they may corrode and cause staining. Be sure and include a written reminder of where the buttons, etc. belong on the garment.

4. Cover a flat area (bed or table or floor) with a clean white sheet or muslin and cover the sheet with a layer of acid and lignin free tissue. If your christening garments have any real silk (made by silkworms) or wool content - any leather decorative features or contains any material of animal origin at all - fur or feathers, for instance - you MUST use nonbuffered tissue. If the item is polyester, satin, or other man-made fiber - or cotton or linen or a blend, you may use buffered tissue - which will give longer-lasting protection against acid migration. In either case, use archival tissue - gift and drycleaner grade tissue are sometimes acid free, but they may not be lignin free. To be sure - use tissue produced for archival applications, included in Preservation Pack.

5. Lay the christening items out face down on the tissue and inspect carefully to be sure that all are clean and all metal ornaments and buttons have been removed.

6. Lightly stuff any sleeves and bodices with archival tissue - do this for hats and other 3D objects as well.

7. Beginning on one side and working around the christening garment, fold to the center while interleaving each fold with a sheet or two of lightly crumpled acid free tissue. The tissue will cushion the folds a bit to help prevent creasing and protect seams. Continue around the item - folding and interleaving as you go, until you have the garment ready to fit into the storage box.

8. Turn the item over and place it in the box .

9. If you live in an area where insects are a concern - add a sachet of Pure French Lavender™ to repel them. Place the sachet in a corner behind some tissue so it will not actually touch the items stored. In very humid areas, you may also wish to add silica gel desiccant to guard against moisture damage. Both are provided in the Preservation Pack.

10. Place a copy of your baby announcement, cards received and any other memorabilia related to the birth in the box and with it a few lines telling a bit about the birth, the christening, showers and so on. Don't be afraid to mention things that went "not according to plan" - you'll be glad you did in years to come. Any photos and papers included should be in an archival sleeve or envelope so as not to come in direct content with the baptismal garment(s).

11. Choose your storage spot carefully - the ideal spot is on a shelf in an interior closet. External walls can mean extreme temperature and humidity swings - which should be avoided due to the deteriorating effect of temperature swings on fiber (expansion and contraction) and the danger of mold and mildew growth caused by condensation. For this reason (and because of pests) the attic, the garage and the basement are all poor choices for storage. Make sure the closet (or other storage areas) is not near any plumbing pipes - the better to avoid the possibility of damage from a leak or a burst pipe. Normal household temperature and humidity are comfortable for you - and for your stored christening garments.

12. Finally - inspect the christening gown or garment at least once a year. This will give early warning of any developing trouble while corrective measures are possible. When refolding the items - do so along slightly different lines to minimize and equalize stress to fabric and seams. Make sure the heirlooms are covered by your insurance policy, as well.

VISIT OUR LINKS PAGES FOR OTHER WEBSITES OF INTEREST

Catholic Links We Like       Help for Your Life Links       Links to Items for Sale on the Web