Rosemary! Way to go! Congratulations. And to be chosen by your peers is pretty cool too.
Heather, I didn't want to dye fabrics for the very reason you stated. I have so much going on quilt wise that I didn't want to start a new phase of another hobby. However, when the chance to dye 24 fat quarters for $60, including everything, I tried it. I was spoiled. My friend Jo has her backyard all set up. I didn't have to do anything except pay attention to how much dye to put in each baggie and stuff the fabric in. So, I would dye fabric again, at Jo's house! Oh! I did have to provide my own gloves and a container to take home my prize. What I did was lots of fun but can't compare to others, like Luann, that figure out their own dye quantities, deal with the soda ash and all that other stuff.
I did cut into my dyed fabrics and have a lovely quilt on the wall. It still needs to have the pieces moved around a bit, but it makes me so happy. I'm so glad I am out of that horrible slump I was in. Thanks for buoying me up everyone.
Ritzy, I have missed seeing you! I can't believe Eli is 5 already. It seems as if he was just born. Time flies. Hope all is well for you and that you are sewing up a storm, or at least a quilt or two!
Take care, geneva