Who done it?
It took me four months but I finally finished Benjamin Biggs block #5. And then it was hit by vandals. Nasty red ones.
Something bled but I’m not sure if it was the red print or the red thread. I’ve used the red thread in other blocks but I soaked this one longer — I had things to do so I just left it in the bowl of cold water. I don’t use any fabric without prewashing, but I know it can run even after that. I soaked the block in a bowl of cold water twice and the water in the bowl had a definite pink look to it both times. I added a color catcher the second time. The center of the block was a mess after the first rinse so I ran to the store to buy a box of color catchers. After the second rinse the center was better, water was pink, and the color catcher was still white. There was more red along the edges of the applique. I can’t figure it out.
So, here is BBiggs #5. It’s finished, it’s pink, and it’s staying that way, at least for now. It took me ages to stitch it. When I put it with the other blocks the background looked a little different so I am thinking I cut it from the wrong fabric in my stash. If I get this quilt finished I am going to pretend it was a group project – me and all of my other personalities. This one will be called “Elle Woods.” If you ever saw Legally Blonde you will know what I mean.
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Hello! I used plain old shaving cream to remove some pink once upon a time. You might give that a try if you have some time. Just put it on the white, not the red fabrics! Looks beautiful!
Sorry about the bleed. It’s such a lovely block.
I agree with Janet O. It looks like your red thread is the culprit. I had a problem with red thread bleeding on an applique block once. I could never get it completely out of the fabric and I've learned to just overlook the pink tinge.
Your block is stunning! Don't sweat the small stuff. And remember-it's all small stuff.
"me and all of my other personalities" hahaha that is really funny. So is the Elle Woods comment. It's a beautiful block.
So sorry to hear about your bleed issue! Such a beautiful block!
If that ever happens again (and I hope it doesn't) try this remedy.
2 TBL Vinegar + 3 cups cool water. It might help get the "pink" out of your background fabric if you try it right away.
I typically wash my red & purple fabrics in cool water & vinegar. It helps remove the excess dye and keep reds & purples from bleeding. That said, now and again a Red fabric will go Rogue and continue bleeding no matter what. Drats…the price we pay for beauty.
Your block is very pretty and I agree with you – it will be very pretty in your quilt!
I learned my lessons on one of my quilts that I had made for a Quilt Show when I was a "newbie quilter". The red fabric ran when I spritzed the block to remove the blue pen marking on the background. As a beginner Appliquer I was advised the best marking pen was the blue pen. I have never used the blue pen again after ruining my first appliqued quilt and the 2nd one that was made for the Quilt Show.
I also tried the "invisible" pen where heat takes the marks away – comes back in the cold. I pre-wash all of my fabric – especially Red, Blues, and Blacks as they will always cause problems and Chemicals are sprayed during shipping from overseas to protect the fabric. Sometimes it is best to wash the darker colors twice. Batiks will also run.
Most Appliquers now use glue and the method where the freezer paper stays in the block until they are finished then they have to soak each block to remove the glue and paper. I am a traditional needleturn appliquer and do not use glue on any of my quilts for any reason. I will use spray Sizing when pressing my fabric after washing. After ruining one quilt, I use a pencil to mark my background, or if it is a real easy pattern with minimum pieces I will do back basting applique.
Hope this information helps. Nanette
bummer – but it looks good. why do you soak them? just curious
OH NO! I had a colour run disaster recently and Dylon remover worked for me. Good luck. Your blocks are gorgeous!
http://estheraliu.blogspot.com.au/2015/02/lily-rose-colour-run-disaster.html
I enlarged the photos to get a better look at the damage but I was held captive by your beautiful applique work!
From the looks of the last photo, the thread looks suspect to me.
How exasperating, Taryn. I hope the Vanish works – toilet cleaner or whatever! I have a little swatch of that red fabric, or something very similar. I better be careful how I use it, eh?
we use vanish too in holland, it sure works. it did safe one of my quilts once. love the block though, as i do the movie
Well, I looked at the post helma refers to and saw a picture. In doing an inernet search, it appeared to be a British product. Says Vanish Gel but is it like the Vanish bowl cleaner we can buy? Let us know if you figure it out.
Dear Taryn, look for information about vanish and bleeded quilts on juudsquilts
bblogspot.com friday 7th. February 2014.
I wish you good luck.
No the one you use for your laundry.
No the one you use for your laundry.
Dear Taryn, look for information about vanish and bleeded quilts on juudsquilts
bblogspot.com friday 7th. February 2014.
I wish you good luck.
helma, did you mean Vanish stain remover, sold in the UK? Or the toilet cleaner Vanish, sold in North America? According to Wikipedia, UK Vanish is sold as Resolve in North America.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vanish_%28stain_remover%29
Dot
Really? I will look for that and give it a try. Thanks for the suggestion.
Try to wash it with Vanish.
people I know saved their bleeded quilts with it even after some time.
I think it looks wonderful! I love the reverse appliqued hearts – such great fabrics! Sorry it was so frusterating.
That's so annoying! But it looks great!