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!

Finished Lisa's Tote Bag with a Surprise...

I finally finished Lisa's peace sign tote bag and Sabrina decided we should make her a little journal to go with it. I love making these. I don't use a pattern, just cut the shape out of newsprint. The handles are rolled and hand stitched with embroidery floss so that they are soft and comfortable to carry a heavy load. The outside of Lisa's tote is a giraffe print batik in black and white and the lining of the bag is the same Kaffe Fassett print that the peace sign is made from - it's pretty funky. I really like how this came out.

I really need to make myself one to lug around my book, sketchbook and camera. Oh, that's right - I did make myself on - and even I used it ONCE -- until it was "claimed" by Sabrina. I've made three of these now - and not one hangs in my closet. Yes - I think I will make one for myself.

Enjoy your Sunday. Oh, and Sunday Stitches will be posted later today.

My Wish for YOU Today:

Laugh as much as you breathe

and love as long as you live.