Never Do This, Please

In my cutter quilt stash I have two pieces of an old crazy quilt made with heavy fabrics, including a fair amount of wool. They're not exceptional enough to preserve as they are, and I'd like to make them into something else; possibly a journal cover. The only problem is that they're both smelly and maybe soiled.

I decided to do what you should never do with a crazy quilt you want to preserve, especially one with wool patchwork: I soaked the smaller piece in cold water and a little bit of mild detergent, and gently pressed on it a few times (versus scrunching or wringing the piece.) The water turned brown, which meant it was soiled. Then I dried it flat on a towel. This could have ruined it by causing wool shrinkage, dye migration, fabric shattering, etc., and I was prepared for all that.

Here's the smaller piece after washing it, next to the bigger unwashed piece for comparison:

The piece wasn't damaged at all, which means I got very lucky. The smell is gone, and the piece is clean, which was what I wanted. Now I'll do the same with the bigger piece.

Let me repeat what I said before, though: never do this with a crazy quilt you wish to preserve. Ever.

Comments

Wishing

I submitted book one of my NA series for professional review and consideration, and in return I was praised for the work and provided with excellent feedback. Now I have some changes to contemplate, and decisions to make about the future. I have a couple of different directions to take, which makes the deciding part a challenge. At times like these I wish I had a crystal ball so I could see the outcome of every choice. Wouldn't life be easier if we could do that? Image by Matthias Böckel from Pixabay

Downtown Discovery

My guy and I are taking time each week to walk around the downtown areas of places we've never had time before to visit, which is how I came across a lovely fiber art supplies shop wth amazing handspun art yarns and hand-dyed embroidery threads from local artists. Fine silk embroidery thread is literally impossible to find in my part of the country, but not anymore. I also loved the amazing selection of hand-dyed flosses. I even found some tiny seed beads for my current project, and a gift for a quilter friend. While I try to thrift as much as I can for my art quilting and embroidery these days, I love the chance to support our my local weavers and dexters.

Of Kork

On the second day of March I overslept. I spent ten hours sleeping, which is very unusual for me. This is because I've suffered from insomnia most of my life, but since making significant changes (like acquiring my current day job, which allowed me to escape all the toxic people I had to deal with in my old job) I sleep much better. These days I usual manage six or seven hours sleep, and if I'm very lucky eight. But ten? I sleep that much only a couple times a year, and generally only when I'm sick. Dreams might be to blame. I remember the night was filled with them, all lovely. I traveled across Europe, I walked the streets of old cities and met lots of interesting people. In one city I stopped by an engagement party where a very attractive couple were exchanging signed contracts. The groom showed me his, and I read these words: "Course shall become Kork." I understood then that they meant to be together forever, and that it was a reincarnation co...

Rayen

Search This Blog