Parents are increasingly saving their daughter’s first birthday gown as a keepsake for future generations. These can be kept and worn by her children, sisters, or cousins. So, heirloom gowns should be well-made from high-quality fabrics to survive the test of time. Using the proper storage and preservation methods helps to maintain the clothes in outstanding shape so that other little girls can wear them for years to come. A muslin garment bag is one alternative for preservation and storage. Check out the following details to guide her on how to keep her birthday dresses always in perfect condition:
Material
Muslin is a popular choice for clothing preservation, particularly for silk. Even the best silks may degrade when left out in public and exposed to ordinary factors such as dust and sunshine. Muslin is used to preserve her first birthday dress from humidity, wear, and tear without causing discoloration or compromising the garment’s quality by coming into touch with acidic substances. In muslin, soft Pima silk and cotton can also be maintained for several years. Designer baby clothes producers, particularly those that create heirloom dresses and gowns for girls, sell muslin souvenir garment bags. They come in various lengths, ranging from four feet to two feet.
The average width is 14 and a half inches. 100% cotton muslin should be used to make the bag. Instead of a metal zipper, the bag’s closure should be fashioned with buttons, and it helps prevent corrosion and damage caused by stuff stuck in the zipper. Some firms add lace edging to the bag’s perimeter to provide an extra touch of beauty and to signal that the contents are exceptional.
Preparation
After the garment has been used and is ready to be stored, it should be cleaned according to the manufacturer’s instructions. When constructed of natural fabrics, vintage dresses for girls can be dried to remove any sweat, food, grit, or other dirt. While certain textiles may be hand-washed in a moderate detergent, silk will lose its sheen, and the fibers will become softer. Any adornment, such as beading, lace, embroidery, or buttons should be preserved by a professional dry cleaning. Antifungal treatments are unneeded and, over time, can impair the material’s integrity. Hand-washed clothing should be hung up to dry totally and ironed before being stored.
Storage
Before putting away her first birthday dresses in storage, it is best to use acid-free, non-colored tissue paper to stuff the garment gently. It helps it to retain its shape. The garment should be stored in a temperature-controlled dry place and checked annually to ensure no mold or mildew inside. While no storage method can guarantee the preservation of her first birthday dress over several generations, taking precautions can extend the life of a family heirloom for others to enjoy for years to come.
