In my last post (of all of, what an hour or two ago?) I said that my Four Season's Swap quilt didn't bleed. And when I took it out of the washing machine -- it hadn't.
But, well -- when I took it out of the dryer this is what I found. F*ck.
And this. Double F*ck.I'm sorry to those of you offended by swearing but, there are times when such language is the only thing that will accurately describe the feelings. This is one of those times.
And, I was right. It is that &(&*%^(*# star fabric that was bleeding on my ironing board. Aren't I just so happy to be right?
So now what to do? Other than swear and want to cry? I'm going to try washing it again. More Retayne. Some Dreft stain remover (works on some really nasty stuff my daughter manages to get into -- can't hurt). And if it's still bleeding? What then? Any opinions? Advice? Please?
This is what the quilt looks like with the stains. If it were a quilt for me, I'd probably try washing it again and if that doesn't work say fecal matter occurs and hang it up anyway. I still love it. The stains don't bother me. But, it's not for me. It's for someone else. UGH!!!!! Any opinions?
And just so this post is nothing but me wanting to tear my hair out (because, no, I didn't pre-wash my fabrics and I know it's my own fault). I'll show some of the embroidery that I put in. 'Cause it turned out exactly as I wanted it to.
And the second panel.
And the full poem that is embroidered on the front as a label ready to be sewn to the back (there is another label as well with all the required info -- but, well, since this will be the first quilt I've ever actually labeled it's not so hot. And if you're about to have a heart attack about the not labeling quilts thing -- sorry :0( ).Ok, off to try and get the stains out and keep more of it from bleeding.
Da*n, Da*n, Da*n.
I think I need chocolate. Maybe a drink.
40 comments:
I can't really think of any other things than what you've suggested yourself. Wish I could. Do have a drink - it won't fix the bleeding, but it will make you feel better.
How about embellishing the spots with some beading, wool roving, embroidery? Anyway - what seems awful and glaring to you may not be nearly as offensive to your partner.
Dang it, double dang it! grrrr I HAVE used Shout with good luck most of the time.
Best suggestion: see katelnorth above.
I feel for you. It is just so frustrating.
I have some marvelous 1.5" white snowflakes (made out of the same stuff as sequins). You are VERY welcome to them, they'd actually look great stitched over the biggest offenders. I could mail them tomorrow if you wish.
It's still a lovely piece. I don't wash either.
From your picture it doesn't seem like too much bleeding. Since your partner is probably a quilter like the rest of us, I'm sure this has happened to her before too. I can imagine she'd be very understanding even as is.
Mary over at Making Scrap Quilts from Stash had a similar problem and she appliqued some circles and made a wonderful quilt! How about a few white felt "snowflakes"?
Don't you use Shout color catcher sheets when you wash a quilt? I use them and have never had a fabric run into another.
Sorry the blue leaked. It is such a cute quilt. I love the idea of the snowflakes over the top of the major spots. Sorry I don't have any more advice to offer.
Always use a colour catcher sheet. It saves the quilt bleeding. Try wash it again with colour catcher.
So disappointing. But I don't think it's as bad as you think. Since the whole quilt is blue and white, a little more blue isn't the end of the world. Some well placed applique might do the trick, or just let it be. I bet your partner won't mind. As kate said, have the drink (and the chocolate) and then decide if you want to change anything, or just roll with it. It is very beautiful.
I had the same problem with a red (which I HAD pre-washed - doesn't always make a difference). Throw the quilt in the sink, add hot water and several color catchers/dye magnets. that worked great for me. has to be hot water though to get it to come out.
if that doesn't work, try a Clorox bleach pen on the white fabric. Make sure the quilt is dry first though - you don't want the bleach to spread over into the blue (although that might look cool). good luck.
looks like everyone else has suggested a dye magnet. Sorry that happened. The quilt is gorgeous. And I love the cupcake apron from the other day.
Oh poor poor you. I was in floods with the last Qs4L quilt because someone's red ran and went everywhere, despite putting about 4color catchers into the wash. You've just reminded me to wash the latest additions to the stash!
Oh man!
In the past I have used "Shout Color Catcher" sheets. They have really worked well. If I do a small load, I will tear the sheet in half and only use half. I use it when I pre-wash all fabrics or if I think something might bleed.
(I had a brand-new shirt a few years ago that was white and red. The red bled into the white and I hung it to dry until I could get to the store to buy them. I washed it again and it came out. I'm not sure if it will work since youd dried it, but it's worth a shot.) Good luck.
I'd try the bleach pens, but use it VERY CAREFULLY and not super close to the blue. It is possible, if it had not been dried in the dryer that it would come out. Try also the stain sticks we use on laundry.
Oh that's such a shame but I agree that the fellow quilter will probably understand. Try the color catcher sheet and if that doesn't work how about applique over that spot.Good Luck.
I wouldn't worry about the swearing, I think I would be saying f***ity f***! I don't always prewash fabric like i should so this will probably happen to me very soon!
I do love the design of your quilt though. try getting a few non quilty people to have a look and see if they can spot what is wrong with it - you may find out it doesn't show up as much as you thought.
You've had several good suggestions already but let me add my sympathy for your plight. I'd be swearing too! (Maybe your snowflakes are "melting"?)
Color catcher sheets have worked well for me in the past, even after an item has been washed and dried. Some clothing we own has to have a color catcher thrown in with every load; it just never stops bleeding! (but you probably didn't want to hear that...)
Since you've used Retayne I wonder whether good old fashioned vinegar would be any more effective?
Sometime's you just gotta swear I say so let it out!!!!! Dont you just hate when that happens????? **&* LOL!!!!!
I'd go for twinkly sequins and beads on the leakages - I feel so sorry for you - and the quilt is beautiful - also a little bit of dilute bleach carefully applies on a cotton bud might help too - if it's any consolation I wouldn't be at all disappointed to receive the quilt even with the little leakages
Oh my goodness, I feel your pain. It is such a beautiful quilt, bleeding and all!!!! Do what you can to try to fix it but if it's not fixable, don't sweat it.
Well, double poop, Angela! I wish I could offer some quick fix advice but..........
I'll just leave a little ((hug))!
:-)
Well, poopsnot! Hope you can fix it! What a shame!
Ha! You typed nearly naughty words. I LOVE IT.
I might suggest drastic measures, I'd get out a cotton ball and some lightly diluted bleach and go after those marks one at a time, carfully. Its worked for me.. maybe you'll get lucky.
Oh, didn't mean cotton ball, meant q-tip. I'm a dork.
And really, when I really zoomed in, they didn't look that bad...
Angela, in case this cutie quilt would be for me (still haven't got mine, heehee), I 'll GLADLY take it as it is : this is exactly THE bad trick that could happen to me, as well, believe me ! (never pre-wash my fabrics, either :>)
and I would proudly hang it on one of my walls, because it would bring a huge, friendly smile on my face.
Keep coooool, dear, have a nice drink (and send it to me, pleazzzzze ? LOL)
BIG (((HUGS))
Nadine
I'd applique something over the spots and call it a day, you're in charge of any and all design elements. Life is too short to fret. Quilter's intent; move forward, it's wonderful.
If you decide to use bleach in any way, shape or form don't forget to neutralize it! Go to the pet store and get some Anti-Chlor, you know the stuff you add to a fish tank to remove the chlorine from the water. Mix it up and dab it on the bleached spots. Otherwise the bleached area could rot out.
oh sh*t !! (another offense)
I'm so sorry, especially it was such a piece of art...
but you know sometimes even with a pre-wash dark colors will still run a bit...
and... I didn't know a quilt like this can go into the dryer... i would have never dared !
and be assured it is still soooo beautiful !
No advice, but...
in response to
"I think I need chocolate. Maybe a drink."
Godiva makes a liquor just for occasions like this.
Ask me how I know...
I think your quilt is beautiful -- bleeding or no bleeding. Blue and red fabrics seem to be the worst culprits. I don't prewash my fabrics either. Yikes! Luckily I've never had a problem (knock on wood), but if I do, well...I'll just suck it up and make another quilt to make me feel better. LOL! Quilty hugs. :o)
Wow! I think at least 2 drinks are needed for this. Such a shame, I sure hope you can fix it. It really is a pretty little quilt.
Disaster. I feel your pain. If the stains don't come out, think applique. What a total bummer! Keep us posted.
ieztlqPoor you, I hope you could resolve the problem to your best satisfaction. Chocolate is a VERY GOOD idea to solve any problem I think. Take care.
Well, bleepedy-bleep-bleep-bleep!!!! What a pain in the arse, girlfriend! I can only empathize with you, as I have no other comment to make, except how about the Color Catcher stuff? Thimbleanna used that, and it worked really well for her - that and the Retayne. It took a few washings, though.
I'm sorry! :o(
Hi there, i have had this happen too. Have you tried oxi clean? You have to use the powder. You mis it up in the sink, soak the quilt in it for the reccomended time. I had to do it twice, but ALL of the red came out of the white, and it didnt affect the other fabric color at all. I surely would have sworn just as badly!!!!! Good luck, Barb@oceanwavesquilts@typepad.com
Isn't always the way - when you take shortcuts - I never prewash - as I am an impatient crafter - but Angela I think you have now shown me why I should take the extra time. - Great embroidery - and I'm glad to see you letting of some verbal steam!! - Cheers Tania from Downunder
What a disaster. I rarely wash fabric before I use it unless it is high risk like red homespun. I'm sure it will catch up with me one day...
Angela,
What can I say?!?
I am in swapping quilt heaven. You are such a marvelous partner. The package came as a total surprise today and totally made my day! Who cares about the bleading, it isn't that noticeable. It actually gave me some fabric dying ideas. I love how it looks on the white.
The quilt is just lovely and I love that poem. Thanks for all the goodies too.
I'm sorry about the bleeding... ... but the quilt is SO CUTE!! So yeah, I'm of the "who cares about the bleeding" school :-) And it looks like your partner loved it anyway :-)
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