Heritage Textile Conservation

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Professional textile conservation services in Des Moines, Iowa, and the surrounding area; working with museums, historical societies, and private clients to preserve meaningful textiles and garments.

If you work in antiques, estate sales, or historical collections...this one’s for you.Textile pieces are some of the mos...
06/18/2026

If you work in antiques, estate sales, or historical collections...this one’s for you.

Textile pieces are some of the most frequently overlooked items in an estate or collection. A damaged garment, a fragile tapestry, or a deteriorating quilt might seem unsalvageable. But, what if it isn’t?

As a textile conservator and fashion historian, I work with private clients, collectors, and institutions to stabilize, preserve, and restore historic textiles, extending their life and their value.

If you regularly encounter textile pieces and aren’t sure what to do with them, I’m always happy to take a look and offer a professional opinion.

Let’s connect. https://www.heritagetextileconservation.com/contact

Textile conservation tips 💡 Here are some signs your vintage or antique piece needs a conservator (not just a dry cleane...
06/17/2026

Textile conservation tips 💡

Here are some signs your vintage or antique piece needs a conservator (not just a dry cleaner):

🧵 The fabric feels brittle, stiff, or is splitting along the folds (it might need to be stabilized to prevent further damage!)
🧵 Threads are pulling away, or the weave is distorting
🧵 There are small holes throughout (possible pest damage!)
🧵 It smells musty (this can be a sign of improper storage and can lead to mold, which is a serious issue!)
🧵 It’s pre-1970s and hasn’t been professionally assessed
🧵 It has sentimental or monetary value you don’t want to risk

Dry cleaning is a great option for everyday clothes. But historic and fragile textiles need a different kind of care entirely.

Not sure which category your piece falls into? Contact me here: https://www.heritagetextileconservation.com/contact

This week in the studio, I'm working on mounting two quilt remnants. These beautiful, hand-sewn Indian quilt pieces have...
06/16/2026

This week in the studio, I'm working on mounting two quilt remnants. These beautiful, hand-sewn Indian quilt pieces have been stored away but will now be mounted for display in their steward's home.

Every piece that comes through my studio is a little piece of history.

Someone hand-sewed these stitch by stitch with love. Maybe these were sewn for a loved one or to celebrate a milestone. My job is to make sure these survive for years to come.

Have an item you'd like me to look at? Contact me here: https://www.heritagetextileconservation.com/contact

"One of my favorite pieces from my grandma is now restored so I can carry it again. When the mother-of-pearl pieces on m...
06/14/2026

"One of my favorite pieces from my grandma is now restored so I can carry it again. When the mother-of-pearl pieces on my grandma's bag started falling apart, I tucked this bag away not sure what to do. She was my favorite - my grandma and her bag! I'm so grateful for the work Nickole did bringing this piece back to life. Nickole preserves history and pieces of value. What a gem!" - Kerry W.

This is why I do what I do.

That bag isn't just an object. It's a piece of her grandma. Objects hold memories that link us to our favorite people, and the stories passed down with them are priceless.

Have an item you'd like me to look at? Contact me here: https://www.heritagetextileconservation.com/contact

You might need a textile conservator and not even know it yet. If you have any of these sitting in a box, a drawer, or a...
06/11/2026

You might need a textile conservator and not even know it yet.

If you have any of these sitting in a box, a drawer, or a garment bag, I'm talking to you:

🧵 A wedding dress you want to pass down
🧵 A family heirloom that's seen better days
🧵 A vintage or antique piece you're not sure how to care for
🧵 A textile with sentimental value that's starting to deteriorate
🧵 A quilt or blanket you want to display

These pieces deserve more than storage. They deserve care. I'd love to help you figure out the best next step. ❤️

Contact me here: https://www.heritagetextileconservation.com/contact

Happy Iowa Museum Week! ♥️
06/10/2026

Happy Iowa Museum Week! ♥️

I recently visited the Schiaparelli: Fashion Becomes Art exhibition during a research trip to London, and I'll admit it ...
06/10/2026

I recently visited the Schiaparelli: Fashion Becomes Art exhibition during a research trip to London, and I'll admit it has taken me some time to find the words to do it justice. As a textile conservator and fashion historian, I have researched Elsa Schiaparelli, read about her influences and have witnessed her design house on the red carpet, but nothing could have prepared me for seeing these objects in person.

Read about my experience here: https://www.heritagetextileconservation.com/blog

The 1835 silk bodice has been conserved; now it's the skirt's turn! This skirt is made of weighted silk with a cotton li...
06/09/2026

The 1835 silk bodice has been conserved; now it's the skirt's turn! This skirt is made of weighted silk with a cotton lining and has had previous repairs.

Here's what I'll be working on:
🧵 Stablizing the shattered silk
🧵 Ensure missing areas of lining are secured and repaired
🧵 Secure waistband that is coming apart from the main body

Swipe to see the before & after of the inside waistband. The transformation is already beginning!

I will always tell you the truth about what's possible. Your piece, your call, but with my experience behind every recom...
06/05/2026

I will always tell you the truth about what's possible. Your piece, your call, but with my experience behind every recommendation, we'll always find a path that meets your goals without compromising the object's safety, story, or history. Perfection isn't the goal. Longevity is. 🧵

Conservation isn't one-size-fits-all.Every object comes with its own story, and every steward has their own goals for pr...
06/04/2026

Conservation isn't one-size-fits-all.

Every object comes with its own story, and every steward has their own goals for preserving it. Some want to ensure a piece is stored safely, honoring its history exactly as it is. Some want to wear or use it, keeping that story alive. Others want it display-ready for their home for years to come.

There's no single right answer, only the right answer for you and your piece.

Take this beautiful 1960s wicker luggage-style bag. The steward's goal? Make it safe to use again.

Not every piece can get there, and I'm always upfront about what's realistic. But for this one, the condition and the goal aligned perfectly.

What are your goals for your pieces? I'd love to help you figure out the best path forward. Send me a message or visit my website to learn more. https://www.heritagetextileconservation.com/

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Des Moines, IA

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