Do you have needlework pieces that you need to store? Seasonal items that you don't want to keep out year-round? Or do you like to rotate your pieces to keep your decorating interesting? I always have a few at home that aren't on display. There are a few things to remember when storing your needlework.

For framed pieces, remember that frame finishes can be sensitive and prone to scratching. Put an old pillow case around the frame (or make your own little storage bags out of fabric -- flannel would be great.) One of the easiest ways to scratch a frame is with the hanger hardware on the back of another frame (screw eyes, edges of the wire, and other sharp edges.) Even if you have your framed piece in a protective bag, you can still damage your frame with the hardware from another piece in front of it. Store multiple framed pieces front to front and back to back to avoid dings and scrapes, or put something between the pieces, like pieces of mat board or poster board. I have some of my framed pieces up in my closet like books (where I can see just the edges of the frames.) They're up off the floor and away from dirt and dog hair. It's also a nice dry and shady environment. Basements or crawl spaces can be damp! Keep your pieces away from bugs, too, since they like to eat fibers.

Larger finished pieces like pillows, wall hangings, pillow blocks and stockings can also be stored in fabric bags (or acid-free tissue paper, available at craftstores) in a dry, cool, bug-free environment. I found after a flood that a plastic storage container is a good way to keep things dry. Up off the floor is best. Make sure to give pieces with a lot of bulk (fancy ribbons, hangers or embellishments) enough room, so as not to crush these extras. When storing a piece of needlework like a table runner, doily, wall hanging or other fabric-finished piece, remember not to store it creased/folded. Roll these pieces up with acid-free tissue paper and store safely.

Small needlework pieces like ornaments can be stored in boxes or cloth bags as well. Hooks and other pokey things can pull on the stitches and snag your piece -- try to keep your needlework away from potential snags. But you shouldn't store a piece in a plastic bag -- your needlework should be given a little breathing room. Try wrapping your ornaments in a little acid-free tissue paper.

And don't forget to safely store your current needlework projects (aka UFO's). Never keep your project stored in a hoop or Q-snap (these can leave permanent creases in your fabric, facilitate discoloration, or leave strange stains on your piece as dirt settles on the exposed area. Again, avoid storing your piece in a plastic bag, and keep it dry and safe from the elements (humidity, dust, heat and dog/cat!)

I always say that as long as my needlework lasts as long as I do, that's fine with me. But I'm always amazed when I take a piece apart and find out how much indoor lighting has faded some of my needlework, even over just a ten-year span. Try to display your pieces out of the way of direct sunlight, humidity (kitchens and bathrooms), and dust/high-traffic areas (like near an entry way.)

Most of all, enjoy your finished works! They're a part of you and your history!

© 2007 Theresa Venette. Articles on this site may be reproduced in needlework group newsletters or other handouts with permission of author and proper attribution. Send questions, comments and suggestions to: xspeddler@yahoo.com