back to being white

Willow Tree 1 on the drying table

The Willow Tree quilt is out of the wash, on the drying table, and it looks like it is back to being white. Most of the 200 years of soil washed out. Just like the other quilt I washed, it is a light cream color when wet, so I expect it to be a brighter white when fully dry.

first soak: the water turned yellow from the soil washing out of the quilt

after rinsing: the water is clear, most of the staining is gone

This quilt is the first one purchased, but the second one washed. The other quilt had no fringe and was in much better condition, which was why I was brave enough to wash it. With that experience under my belt, it was only a matter of time before I washed this quilt. Even though I was worried about the fragile fringe, there was no need to worry. It didn't get tangled, twisted, or further damaged.

Willow Tree 1 before washing: much discoloration and staining 

side-by-side: washed Willow Tree 2 (left), unwashed Willow Tree 1 (right

Willow Tree 2 before washing: stains and discoloration along folds

Willow Tree 2 after washing: back to being white

When you look at the side-by-side picture of the washed and unwashed quilt, the amount of soil and discoloration in the unwashed quilt is very pronounced. When the second washed quilt is dry, the pair of quilts will be a much closer match.