Quilted Gingham

How do I get the running colors out of my homemade cotton quilt?

20 years ago I made a machine sewn, cotton gingham patchwork quilt. For 10 years it lay in storage and then I started using it. I washed it occasionally with no problem. We have just moved to Minnesota and I have had to start washing it more (I have a baby...).

Anyway, I just started noticing that the darker colors seemed to be bleeding into the lighter colors. (Is that the soft water of Minnesota doing that?)

I don't believe it has gone through the dryer so the colors haven't been set that way. How do I stop (& hopefully reverse) the bleeding?

Sounds like a job for "color catchers"

http://www.shoutitout.com/preserve-colors.aspx

and/or a good looooong soak with Retayne:

http://www.dharmatrading.com/html/eng/2935174-AA.shtml

followed by a long wash with something like synthrapol.

I use Retayne for cottons, but I know a lot of quilters are happy with the color catchers.

PINK GINGHAM QUILTED HK HANDBAG $19.99 PINK GINGHAM QUILTED HK HANDBAG

Lacy Gingham Quilted Bedspread $49.99 Checks, dots and florals combine for a new take on red, white and blue. The bedspread has allover diamond quilting with rounded corners. Cotton/polyester; poly fill. Machine wash and dry. Import. Express delivery not available.

ISAACMIZRAHILIVE 3pc Queen Reversible Gingham QuiltedCoverlet $54 Gingham is always gorgeous. So, liven up your bedroom or a guest room with this three-piece bedding set. The quilted coverlet boasts a large gingham print that reverses to a small gingham pattern with binding on all four sides. Two shams in a coordinating design finish off the fabulous look. From ISAACMIZRAHILIVE!(TM).

Skirted Gingham Moses Basket $99 How Charming This delightful moses basket a is soft and comfy resting place for baby featuring a pastel colored sheet and white quilted bumper A sweet gingham trim and bow in the color of your choice add the finishing touch This skirted moses basket will add charm to any room to which you conveniently carry your precious one

Embroidered Vignettes Quilted Blanket $375 Berry Bright Bright and playful this appealing cribensemble features our vibrant embroideredvignettes and brightens the room no matter what the weather or mood of the momentEach piece of the ensemble displaysan attractive balance of a checked gingham and white quilted Honeycomb Pique trimmed with white Ric Rac and is crisply edged with white piping

GINGHAM SHIRT $79 GINGHAM SHIRT

The Clean Bib - Pink Gingham $3.95 The Bib by Babe Ease is made of the same, durable cotton-quilted fabric as the popular Clean Shoppers and Clean Diners. Use them for dining at home or take then along with your Clean Diner for mess-free dining on the run. Features: Generously oversized to catch loads of messy spills Hook & loop for easy fastening Back-coated for extra protection Made of %100 cotton, quilted fabric Wide crumb-catching pocket Machine washable Many adorable patterns to choose from!

Quilted Scottie Decorative Pillow $39.48 This Scottie quilted decorative pillow is made in the shape of a Scottish Terrier, with a black and white toile print on both sides and a black and white gingham gusset. A pink and white gingham collar makes this pillow perfect for small dog lovers.Color options: QuiltedEdging: SeamedPillow shape: Dog shapedDimensions: 10 inches wide x 17 inches long x 4 inches deepCover: 100-percent cottonFill: PolyesterCare instructions: Spot cleanThe digital images we display have the most accurate color possible. However, due to differences in computer monitors, we cannot be responsible for variations in color between the actual product and your screen.

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Kanesville Quilting/Gingham Goose

Quilting Fabric

Beginner quilters are often mystified by the selection of quilting fabric. Rest assured that once you have a quilt or two under your belt, selecting quilting fabric gets easier.

If you are still uncomfortable selecting quilting fabrics, here are a few tips to keep in mind.

1. Who will the quilt be for? If you are making a baby quilt, don't choose open weave fabrics in which tiny fingers might get entangled. If you are quilting for a family member who absolutely hates floral designs, make sure not to pick any floral prints for that quilt. It really is that simple.

2. What kind of quilt are you making? If making a rag quilt, lightweight flannels fray and puff just right for the open seams. Cotton fabrics also fray well.

3. Store displays can help. If you are not comfortable in mixing and matching fabrics, make note of the displays in your fabric store. Coordinating fabrics are usually displayed together. While you are certainly not limited to fabrics as they are displayed, the store's coordination can help give you some good options.

The price you will pay for quilting fabric will vary depending on the fabrics you choose, where you shop, etc. If you are lucky, you may buy a gingham for a lining for only one dollar a yard. Those fabrics can go up from there. Keep an eye on the price tag if you have a quilting fabric budget!

Many quilters have been accustomed to buying quilting fabric at retail chain stores like Wal-Mart. The Wal-Mart chain, however, has begun to phase out some of those departments in stores throughout the United States.

More quilters are shopping online for quilting fabric and other accessories. If you have never bought fabric online but would like to try, do your homework to ensure you are working with a reputable seller.

If buying from an online auction site, you can review comments other buyers have made about the seller, quality of the quilting fabric or supplies they bought, etc. You will probably see descriptions such as "from pet free, smoke free home" included in the fabric listings you read. For buyers with pet or smoke allergies, that information is vital.

Also pay attention to whether you are buying quilting fabric by the yard or by the "fat quarter." In most instances, a yard of fabric would be a better deal price-wise than a fat quarter.

To learn more about quilting fabric selection, join a local or Internet quilting club. More experienced quilters can help you gain your confidence.

With each quilting project you complete, you will discover you soon have a lot of leftover quilting fabric. That's the mark of a serious quilter!

To keep your quilting fabric stash interesting, arrange a fabric swap with a few quilting buddies. Everyone can bring their quilting fabric scraps to swap. In addition to meeting people with the same interests, you are certain to pick up a tip or two!

Once you have a stash of quilting fabric, you'll need to decide where to keep the fabric. Some quilters use cedar chests for fabric storage. Others use rubber or plastic large container totes. A simple cardboard box will also work.

Leftover quilting fabric scraps are handy to have around the house. Use them for quick projects, like a making coordinated pillow or a quilted postcard. If you think you have too much fabric, trade with your quilting friends, sell at an online auction or use free classified.

About the Author

Penny Halgren
http://www.TheQuiltingCoach.com
Penny has been a quilter for more than 27 years. She enjoys exploring all aspects of quilting and sharing her knowledge with all quilters. If you are looking for an Internet quilting club with a wide variety of resources for all level quilters, check out http://www.TheQuiltingCoach.com .