My son was recently given a quilt as a wedding gift. The quilt was washed prior to being given to him and some of the red color from the binding or some of the quilt pieces ran on the white lining. This quilt means a lot to him - pieced by his great aunt and quilted by his great grandmother, both who are deceased now. The quilt is over 20 years old and this was the first time it had been washed. It was used as a spread in an unused spare room. We need help safely getting the red out without further damaging the quilt. All ideas will be greatly appreciated. Mona Lea

-- Mona Lea (monalea@hotmail.com), October 19, 2000

Answers

You could try asking the folks at Dharma Trading. They are a fiber arts supplier, with an awesome free catalog. (800)542-5227. They make a product called discharge paste color remover (8 oz., $6.95) that you apply with a brush. I've never used it, but it's supposed to take out dye mistakes. The staff are usually very helpful. Good Luck.

-- Cathy Horn (hrnofplnty@webtv.net), October 19, 2000.

Mona Lea,

Hello my advice would be that once you get all the red out that you can, run cold water in a bathtub or washer and put in a dye run inhibitor of use a strong solution of white vinegar in the water to set the colors.

Now when you want to wash the quilt. Get some cattle soap they call Orvus...you can get it at most home and ranch stores in the horse and cattle section. It is a very gentle soap.

Add a small amount(1/4 cup or so) of the soap to a washing machine and agitate to incoporate it well. Put in the quilt and let it soak...do not agitate the washer at all. When the quilt has soaked long enough put the washer to a spin cycle to remove the water. Then repeat the process with clean water to remove any residue soap or repeat with the soap if need be. When done with the final spin hang the quilt with support to dry outside if its nice or indoors if you have the room.

This is what all the quilt folks in my area do with their quilts. I have used this method myself and it works well.

I guess the best thing to remember is to always pre treat to inhibit dye run especially when quilt has reds,blues, and whites.

Good luck! Suzanne

-- Suzanne Wilson (mtsuz@hotmail.com), October 22, 2000.