It's always a good idea to wash a new quilt in Retayne. This is especially important for fabrics likely to bleed like Batiks or dark saturated colors.

You can order it and read more about it here: http://www.dharmatrading.com/html/eng/1981-AA.shtml

And here: http://www.prochemicalanddye.com/store/product.php?productid=16186&cat=0&page=1

I tried a product. It took color out of ALL my batiks, and transferred some of it to other places. I now have a predominately pastel quilt that looks 40 years old, rather than a new-looking, very vibrant high-contrast batik quilt.

dwynette wrote:
Thanks for letting us know, Dwynette. I think there is a product you can re-wash your quilt in to 'take away' the stray colour. I never feel safe without washing, so the ones I sent were all washed.

Just an FYI....I read somewhere in the forum that it isn't necessary to wash batiks because the process used to make them causes them to be washed multiple times. This info is NOT accurate! I just ruined a quilt by listening to this comment. I just thought I'd pass this info along, because I wouldn't want anybody else to invest the amount of time and money into a quilt that I did, and then have it ruined.

The batiks I submitted were not washed ahead of time and may cause bleeding, so please at least do a test on them before using in a quilt!

sanquilt wrote:
Sandy, you might find these tips helpful: [url]forum/forum-questions-and-suggestions/4275-tips-for-using-the-tqs-forum[/url]

are there any new posts, I have been away and lost track of everything. In fact I do not know how to find these three swaps I had to go in to my email and find a post to connect. Anyone, how do I go into the swaps? thanks, sandy in ny

I will definitely try to document it all.

Dear Ritzy,
I was wondering if you could take a picture of your sorting so that we can have an idea.....

Ritzy--thanks for the update. I picked up my first batch of HST from my LQS today. We are doing a different colour combination each month. This month was red or pink and cream/white. So much fun to see all the different fabrics! Can't wait to see what fabrics come in the mail when your work is done!

7 not heard from and waiting for 17 that are on the way (we didn't get any mail today--don't know what that is about) and another six that are not going to send there HSTs (either they are very ill, didn't mean to get signed up with the batiks or were confused). So, I will wait for the ones on the way and then we will get started sorting. I will keep you all updated as thing transpire.

crocus999 wrote:
Hey--me too! I'm thinkin of you Ritzy as well. how many people do you have to hear from? I wish I could be there to help you as well.
Good luck. Best wishes

Hey Ritzy! Today is the deadline and just wondering how you're doing? Are you overwhelmed with all those HSTs? In HST heaven? Maybe making a snow angel?! Hope you're doing alright. I can't be there to help physically, but I'm sending all the morale support I can!

Hi just want you to know I sent out my package today: Sorry, it's going to be a day late. Paula, Screen name Angelofalass

Package went out this morning via priority mail and tracking for delivery confirmation... Judy