When I was active in the graphic design field, I wanted to work there -- my dream job, if you will. Can you imagine? Spending all day working in a job that revolves around quilts and the industry! Wow. It probably was feasible, working there I mean. After all, I'm only an hour drive away. But now, I put those skills to work on my quilts.
I have a completed quilt for you, sorta. This is Banana-fana. Remember this from a previous post? It's big. Way big. 110"x110" I'm in this yellow phase, can you tell? This is a string quilt and each of the string sashing measures 4"x 10" and the yellow blocks are 10". I don't have the quilt in front of me so I'm guessing at these measurements.My last step in making a quilt is to wash it. And that is where disaster struck. Yep. One of the fabrics bled onto several of the yellow blocks. A lot of crying and sobbing was heard around La Maison de Quilter. But after sleeping on the problem I have come up with a solution. I have paint. A lot of paint in a lot of colors. I have fabric paint. A lot of fabric paint. Can you guess where this is going? The only thing I couldn't come up with was what to paint. Flowers are, well, too flowery. And cars (after all I'm married to a CarGuy) were a bit too much also. What to do, what to do. So I asked CarGuy. His immediate response was "Leaves."
So the next time you see this it will have some hand painted leaves blowing across the top of the quilt.
I'll be checking back to see the outcome of this one! Another solution is to get some of those Dye Magnet sheets and baste some strips right on top of the bleed out areas and then wash your quilt a few more times. It really is amazing how much those sheets absorb the excess dye and they will also help to remove the bleed outs. I've done this a couple of times now on different quilts and it really does work. Your idea is easier and the effect will be outstanding.
ReplyDeleteOh Paula, that's way, way more than anyone should have happen to them. From the vacuum cleaner cord to the Fray Check to the needles to the bleeding...over the top!! The Universe is testing you...and I say ENOUGH!!
ReplyDeleteThe quilt is lovely, and a grand finish...and if nothing else the painting with be unique and look as if it was PLANNED! Right? *VBS* Hang in there! Hugs, Finn
Not only would I try the dye magnets I would try the product Synthrapol or something like that.
ReplyDeletego to your quilt shop and ask them what you can do...don't paint the quilt until you try these other solutions I have friends that tried both of these and they worked...there is still HOPE!!!!
Kathie
I had red fabric that bled onto my backing fabric. When I was done quilting it, I used Retayne. It was amazing. There is only only little spot left on the front that you'd have to know where it is to find it. I then washed it in cool water and there wasn't any more bleeding. Give it a try!
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to see your painted leaves. The idea is brilliant!
ReplyDeleteI think the leaves is a wonderful and unique solution. Leaves randomly blowing across the face of the quilt . . . just sounds nice *s*
ReplyDeleteI love leaves, and I think that is a brilliant idea! I can't wait to see what imaginative colors you use for them!
ReplyDeletestay healthy now!
When life gives a quilter dye stains - she gets creative and paints over them...love it!
ReplyDeleteGreat idea!
I too got the QN magazine recently, and I love the new layout. :D I adore the Fall quilt on the very last page too...churn dash with scarecrow/applique. :D Your quilt is wonderful, Paula! I love that buttery yellow...and I agree, the leaves idea is excellent!! :D
ReplyDeleteI have used the dye magnet sheets basted to the quilt top and it has worked. Good luck. It seems like everyone has had this happen at least once.
ReplyDeleteIt is a beautiful quilt with some great quilting. Whether you manage to get the dye off, or you add leaves, I'm sure you'll make the quilt proud!
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like an inspired solution, I can't think of anything better! It will be stupendous. I am so sorry that this happened to you. Did you use those color-catcher sheets and they failed to do the job? I'm always wary... just wondering. I got my new QNM or QN now, haven't looked at it yet though.
ReplyDeleteI am so sad for you :(
ReplyDeleteHope you can either remove the stains or use your paints to cover the damage. Will wait to see the results......
The leaves sound like a great solution -- though trying one last time with the dye magnet sheets sounds like an idea too. Whatever you decide, the finished quilt should be magnificent!
ReplyDeleteYou will make a lemonade from the lemons. Good idea to paint the leaves on your quilt. I'm curious to see the result.
ReplyDelete