Janet from Quiltcapers has a passion for quilt collecting, repairing, and rehoming. When she inquired for a space at our October 27th pop-up I knew she would be the perfect addition to “stitch” the collective together! Enjoy getting to know more about her love of quilts and her business in this 10 question Q&A…
Q: How did your passion for restoring and rehoming quilts begin?
A: I grew up sewing in 4-H and I had a grandmother in Illinois who was a skilled quilt maker. So, I have always been around fabric and quilts. During the pandemic, I started buying a few online, and a few turned into a lot!!
Q: Favorite quilt pattern that you own and which pattern are you looking for?
A: I love the hummingbird pattern and I really like well made single & double Irish chain quilts. I am always looking for well made quilts in nice color combinations. I like scrappy quilts a lot, and I especially like it when the maker thought about the color placement so one can easily see the pattern!
Q: How many quilts do you currently own?
To be honest, I own too many now………..which is why I want to share them with others to help the quilts find their way into new homes. : )
Q: How do you launder your quilts? What are your top three tips for us at home?
A: There is a lot of info online about how to wash quilts and everybody has their opinions! I only wash or soak quilts that have sturdy fabric and good quilting so that I do no damage…..so most of them are vintage ones made within the last 90 years. I only dry them outdoors on the lawn on a tarp with a sheet over the top to minimize any fading from the sun. (I do not use a dryer.) I only use a front loader washing machine to spin them dry after I have soaked them in a tub. Avoid using a top load agitator washing machine, which will damage the fabrics more easily.
Q: What are your thoughts on crafting quilts into clothing, handbags, and stuffed animals?
A: There is a lot of discussion these days as to whether one can morally cut up quilts for other projects. I prefer to see them used as quilts if they are in good shape. If they are not in good shape, then I feel comfortable with up cycling them into jackets or table runners or craft projects, etc.
Q: Where would your dream location be to snuggle up and watch the sunset?
A: I love snuggling with a cozy quilt and a book, anywhere on the West Coast so I can watch the sunset over the Pacific Ocean. Did I mention that I am a native California???!!!
Q: Do you offer repair services?
A: I do offer repair services for new bindings, replacement of shattered fabrics etc……What I would call simple repairs. If the entire quilt is in poor condition, I think it is best to find a new life for the best parts.
Q: What is the best way to store a quilt?
A: Best way to store a quilt is in a cotton pillowcase in a cool and dark environment or on a bed!!! One can pile up several on a guest bed and enjoy a rotation of them in between guests!!
Q: You will be selling quilts in the pre-sale on the Kuzak’s Closet App, which two are your favorite?
A: Favs: Sunflower Garden Maze and Scrappy Hexagon
Q: Are you in a quilt club or group?
A: I have a group of friends who quilt, and I plan to join the local San Jose Museum of Quilts and Textiles soon!
Q: How can shoppers find you to shop with you in the future?
A: I am on IG: @quiltcapers + Email: jwjpt@aol,com
I will be at Goat Hill Fair in Watsonville at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds November 15 and 16, 2024.
Appointments available in my home in South Bay (contacts above)