Hi Margaret,
The absolute best way to store a textile is flat with no folds.  This 
might be possible for small ones but as they increase in size- rolling on 
cardboard tubes is the best method.  The bigger in diameter the tube- the 
better for the textile.  A barrier layer should be placed over the tube 
because most are acidic.  Polyethylene or aluminum foil make fairly 
inexpensive barrier layers.  Once the textile is rolled onto the tube it 
should be protected against dust with a layer of unbleached muslin or 
polyethylene.  If polyethylene is used the ends should be left open to 
prevent a condensation problem.
Textiles stored in plastic garbage bags is probably a bad idea for a 
number of reasons.  The plastic is probably not archival and may be 
adversely affecting the textile.  The bag may be hiding an insect problem 
that you cannot see through the bag.  At the very least, the bag should be 
left open at the top to prevent condensation. 
If you have to leave some of these textiles folded, buy some acid-free 
(unbuffered) tissue and crumple up a generous amount to pad out the folds 
(so there are no sharp creases).  Folding in a different direction also 
helps minimize this problem.
I'm not sure what "lumped" means, but it doesn't sound good.  Try rolling 
or folding with padded out folds.
Storage on open shelving is not the greatest because of exposure to light 
and dust.  Perhaps you could invest in some large acid-free boxes.  The 
Mountain-Plains Museum Association has a purchasing co-op that allows you 
to obtain significant discounts on archival supplies.  You can contact 
them at www.mpma.net.
I hope this helps.
Sincerely,
David Ryan
Registrar
Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum
www.cspm.org

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