Jeanine,

Although I'm not a conservator, I've spent the last 10 years researching and
reproducing 17th and 18th century textiles and if there's one thing that I
would say about linens (that's if they are linen and not cotton) it's DO NOT
PUT THEM IN CEDAR !!!!  Everything I've heard/read says cedar is wonderful for
wool, but it will turn linen orange/brown rather quickly.  In fact I gather
most woods are not too good for linens.  Actually I'd say there's not too much
that will hurt real linen including most insects and in the long run, given
limited options and budget I'd say worry about the more damageable things like
wool and silk.  Linen is really tough stuff, just give it buffered paper and
if you wash it make sure it's well rinsed in basic water - not a hint of acid
- remember, it used to be washed with lye soap, or before that just straight
wood ash lye!

Good Luck

Su Carter
     Weaver                           (508) 746-1622 ext.214
     Plimoth Plantation           [log in to unmask]
     Box 1620
     Plymouth, MA 02362

"There is no problem which does not become increasingly complex
when actively investigated, growing in scope and depth,
endlessly opening up new vistas of work to be done."
                                                         - Fernand Braudel