Front Load Washers & Homespuns or Hand Dyes - NOT GOOD!

Blue Kindle 3 Cover

(Gorgeous new fabric line of hand dyes in aqua, teal and Mediterranean blue.  Also comes in magenta, red and purple. Couldn't resist making Kindle covers out of these.)

 I had a nightmare for a time surrounding my new front load washer.  I have never had a problem with fabrics bleeding as I am meticulous about washing fabrics before I work with them - particularly homespuns. 

However I learned a valuable lesson this past week that I'd like to pass along.

While all the fabrics I was working with were pre-washed, I had a blue nightmare when I washed the tops for the two baby quilts I have been working on.  Because front loaders are particularly "water" efficient - they use very little water.  And although all fabrics had been prewashed - the blue dye in the homespuns still bled out (as expected) - HOWEVER.... due to the lack of water volume in my front loader, decided to redeposit into the white fabric centering the nine patch blocks I used, as well as the white border. ARE YOU KIDDING ME????? 



Peace Sign Market Tote

 I have made these same quilts at least 3 or 4 times with absolutely no problem (using my old top load tub washer).  I was shocked and horrified. All of those hours upon hours of piecing and quilting.  Sheesh.  NOT a good week.   But with lessons learned and a fresh outlook unearthed - it's time to forge on. At first I had sworn never to make another homespun quilt again - but I just can't do that as the liquidity of those fabrics make for the most delicious quilts.  One bad (scratch that.... HORRIBLE) experience can not destroy the love I have for homespuns.  We just have to re-evaluate our relationship - and reassert that I am the BOSS and I will not be defeated. End of story.

NOTE TO SELF: Hand wash quilts made with homespuns in a tub FULL of cold water (at least twice) prior to washing in the machine - in SYNTHRAPOL.

UPDATE:  Thank you to all of those who commented with suggestions and sympathy!  Since posting this piece, I have ordered THREE containers of Synthrapol!

Sail Away......

In a Sea
of Blue....

Once again I find myself surround by a sea of blues and greens - both nautical baby quilts - one a sailboat and one a whale.   I so love working on these nautical baby quilts.  The colors are gorgeous and I love working with homespun linens.  They are very "liquid" and have such a lovely hand to them. Nautical baby items are very in right now and I can't keep these in the shop. If interested,  you can click  here to see any that are available in my Etsy shop.

Quality  tools really make a difference when working in the studio.  I treasure (and so appreciate)  my "good" shears, sharp silk pins and super thin, durable european needles.  I really do. They make stitching such a pleasure.  I don't indulge in frivolous items very often - but as  afterthought -  I picked up this charming handmade pin cushion at the Mid-Atlantic. It's got a little needled sharpener on top made with an acorn cap and the body of the cushion is filled with some type of shaved and dried conifer bark - it smells so good.  It's constructed with upholstery scraps and is really very cute and durable.  I could have probably made something like this myself - but who's got the time. I also bought the little needle vile up in the top picture (yellow and blue) at that show.  Love that, too!  Also, very useful.

What's on your worktable today?  On mine - two baby quilts, three bookstyle Kindle Covers, two envelope style Kindle covers, my Sketchbook and some bits of hand dyed wool.  It should be a productive weekend!

Next weekend we are heading out for our first boating trip of the season to the Outer Banks - no matter what the weather.... we're going!   

Baby Whale Quilt Nearly Done...

THIS QUILT IS LISTED ON ETSY.CLICK HERE

Took the Harley out with the man yesterday. It was an absolutely gorgeous day in North Carlolina. Temps only in the 50's when we left. We drove down to Pope Air Force Base on beautiful country roads, up to Chapel Hill, then back down to Raleigh.  About a 6 hour road trip.  It's been almost two months since we've taken a decent ride - our last ride being our Montana trip. 

I  worked most of the rest of the day on a commission quilt - that is almost complete.  I am so in love with these homespuns. After I started this quilt last week I went out and bought more as my supply is running low.  They are rather hard to find in this area - particularly in these beautiful blue shades (they remind me of Glacier Lake in Montana) - but I found a shop that carries about 20 different blends of color and they are really, really pretty.

This morning I made the bias binding and all that is left is to sew it on by hand and add the water spout to the little whale on the back.  Then I can pack it up and send it off to the little guy who will soon be snuggling beneath it.

Sometime today I will be taking a studio break to take Sabrina to the sporting goods store to shop for Lacrosse equipment.  We're not even done with tennis yet.

Next up: complete the quilting on Indian Summer Quilt, complete the commissioned tote bags, work on my art journal and paint some gift tags. 

Hope you get outside today and enjoy some fresh air and sunshine!