Table of Contents

Preserving Our Work with Care

Preserving fiber pieces—whether it’s something I’ve made, a family heirloom, or a student’s first crochet project—is about honoring the time, memory, and intention in each stitch. This section offers tools, tips, and links I’ve gathered to help care for fiber-based art and keep it safe for future hands and eyes.

Helpful Guides:

• Smithsonian Museum Conservation Institute – Caring for Textiles
  Basic guidance on cleaning, storing, and protecting textile pieces.

• Textile Museum of Canada – Collections Care
  Ideas and resources from a museum dedicated to fabric stories around the world.

• American Institute for Conservation – Textile Tips
  Preservation suggestions for artists, collectors, and anyone who wants to care for fiber materials.

Repair as Resistance & Relationship

To me, repair isn’t just practical—it’s political, personal, and beautiful. Whether I’m patching something with my grandmother or teaching visible mending to students, I see it as a way to keep stories alive. Below are some artists and ideas that have shaped how I think about repair:

Inspiration & Community:

• Tom of Holland – Visible Mending
  A blog and movement dedicated to creative, visible, hand-stitched repairs.

• The School of Life – The Beauty of Mending
  A short reflection on why we mend and what it means.

• Kintsugi and Textiles – Wabi Sabi Philosophy
  A look at the art of visible repair in Japanese traditions and how it connects to textile mending.

Tools I Trust

If you're looking to preserve or repair your own fiber work, these shops carry archival-quality materials and some great repair kits:

• Archival Methods – Textile Storage
  For acid-free boxes, tissue, and storage supports.

• Conservator’s Emporium – Museum Tools
  Conservation tools used by professionals and museums.

• Sashiko Stitch – Japanese Mending Supplies
  A shop with beautiful threads and tools for slow, intentional repairs.

My Own Stories (Coming Soon)

Soon, I’ll be sharing more about how my grandmother and I mend old pieces together, and how I’m learning to preserve the works I make and teach. From patching to digital archiving, this is all part of a bigger journey of care, memory, and connection.

Framing Fiber Art: Pros & Cons

Framing can be an excellent way to protect and display fiber works, but it’s important to understand the right materials and techniques to ensure long-term preservation.

Pros

• Protection from dust, pollutants, and insects
  Framing protects textiles from environmental contaminants.
  Source: Smithsonian – Caring for Textiles

• Prevents physical handling and wear
  Handling can lead to fibers breaking down over time. Frames create a barrier.
  Source: Canadian Conservation Institute – Textiles

• Maintains shape over time, especially for delicate or flexible pieces
  A stable mount helps reduce sagging and distortion.
  Source: Fine Art Framers – Framing Fiber Art

• Allows for display in a formal, gallery-ready way
  Elevates the perceived value and readability of fiber work in professional contexts.

Cons

• Can compress texture, especially if the piece is thick or sculptural
  Avoid pressing dimensional work against flat glass.
  Source: MoMA Conservation Tips

• Risk of moisture trapping if not properly sealed (leading to mold or mildew)
  Airtight or improperly sealed frames can lead to humidity buildup.
  Source: American Institute for Conservation (AIC)

• Expensive, especially with UV-filtering glass and archival materials
  Museum-quality framing can be costly but is important for longevity.

• Can limit interaction with the tactile or flexible nature of fiber work
  Some fiber artists may prefer open display or touchable installations.

Best Practices for Framing Fiber Art

If you choose to frame your work, keep these guidelines in mind:

Use Archival Materials

• Acid-free backing boards, mats, and spacers prevent fiber breakdown.

• UV-filtering glass or acrylic protects colors from fading.
  Source: Archival Methods – Framing Textiles

Avoid Direct Contact with Glass

• Use spacers to prevent fiber compression.

• Consider shadowbox frames for sculptural pieces.
  Source: American Quilter’s Society – How to Frame Quilts

Avoid Stretching or Stressing

• Mount using hand-stitching or archival corners, not adhesives.

• Never glue or tape fiber directly to backing.
  Source: The Textile Museum (DC) – Conservation Practices

Allow for Breathability

• Ensure the frame is sealed from pests but not so tight it traps moisture.

• A small amount of airflow helps prevent mold.
  Source: The Met Museum – Caring for Textiles

Document & Label

• Include fiber content, techniques, artist info, and preservation notes.

• Consider linking it to your digital archive or QR code.
  Source: Textile Society of America – Documentation Guidelines

Alternatives to Framing for Preservation

Flat Storage (for archival collections)

• Store in acid-free boxes with unbuffered tissue between layers.

• For large pieces, roll on archival tubes wrapped in muslin.
  Source: International Quilt Museum – Textile Storage

Textile Mounting (for display)

• Hand-sew onto fabric-covered mount boards.

• Use Velcro systems for reversible hanging (used in museums).
  Source: V&A Museum – Hanging Textiles

Climate Control

• Ideal storage: ~50% humidity, stable temperature, no direct light.

• Avoid basements/attics due to mold and temperature swings.
  Source: Canadian Conservation Institute – Agents of Deterioration

Digital Preservation (Companion Strategy)

Digitizing fiber art is another key part of long-term care:

• Captures detail before wear or decay

• Expands accessibility for viewers, family, or students

• Supports archiving and storytelling
  Source: Europeana – Digital Heritage for Textiles