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Just Improved!
Infant Garment and Keepsake Preservation Kit
Not just for baby garments and small textiles. Scroll down to see all that is included. The supplies will help you safely store away a variety of memorabilia., both 3D items and announcements and photographs.
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 garment or other textile - hereafter referred to as garment - 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. Your kit contains a single wash packet of Eucalan Natural Wash. Follow included brochure instructions for the use of this wonderful wash. Dry thoroughly before storing.
2. Purchase a Rubbermaid® or Sterilite® box (underbed or otherwise) large enough to hold the garment(s). 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". If you prefer - we can supply you with a 30 X 18 X 6 inch archival board box for $35 plus actual UPS oversize shipping. E-mail if you would like a shipping quote - but Rubbermaid and Sterilite® are fine. In fact, the polypropylene boxes are in some ways superior to archival board boxes. They are not entirely airtight, which is good, while offering an added degree of protection against water and pest damage.
3. Wash and dry your hands before handling garment - no lotions or creams. For best results, use the white cotton gloves we have included. Either will help prevent transfer of acidic oils from skin to garment. Remove any metal buttons or ornaments from the item 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. You may alternatively 'collar' the buttons with 2 or 3 circlets cut of archival tissue.
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. 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. Our tissue is pH neutral to slightly alkaline. IIt is produced for archival use and passes several industry standard tests for archival application. It is safe for all materials.
5. Lay the items out face down on the tissue and inspect carefully to be sure that all are clean.
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 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. Line the box with a sheet or two of tissue, then turn the item over and place it in the box .
9. Now add the sachet of french lavender. It will repel pests while keeping everything wonderfully fragrant. Place the sachet in a corner behind some tissue so it will not actually touch the items stored.
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. Cards, photos and papers included should be in an archival sleeve or envelope so as not to come in direct content with the garment(s). Kit contains both sleeves and provenance sheet. Use the included desiccant packs if humidity is a concern and tie loosely with included ribbon ties.
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 danger of deterioration of fiber caused by 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 storage area is not too near any plumbing pipes - the better to avoid the possibility of damage from a leaking or a burst pipe. Remember that average household temperature and humidity are comfortable for you - and for your stored garments.
12. Finally - inspect the gown or garment at least once a year. This will give early warning of any developing trouble while corrective measures are easiest. When refolding the items to replace - do so along slightly different lines to minimize and equalize stress to fabric and seams. Consult with your insurance agent to be sure heirlooms are covered.
Includes:
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