some of us are new to quilting, and some of us are working on the quilt block exchange, so I'd like to post some quilt tips from time to time. My sweetheart of a husband bought me a great book -Quiltmaking tips and Techniques" from the editors of Quilter's Newsletter Magazine. I've learned a lot from this book and I'd like to share some of those tips.

Why prewash your fabrics before sewing? Often there is a slight shrinkage that can throw off a pieced square. Also, many fabrics especially reds and greens, and dark blues will "bleed" which means the dye will fade -often unto other fabrics in your quilt. If we are doing a Red white and blue quilt, it would be a disaster for the reds to run onto the whites! Usually one wash in the laundry will do the trick, often I throw in fabric with what ever similar color laundry I have on cool or warm (not hot) wash. Or you can use this tip- you can set color by soaking your fabric in a sink full of warm water and a cup of white vinegar.

How to tell if your fabric is going to bleed? Cut a small bit of your fabric and put in a sink filled with hot water-you may add a little soap or detergent. Let it soak for a few minents, then see if the water is discolored. Also, put your fabric peice on a white paper towel and see if the dye runs onto the towel. If you have washed and pretreated your fabric and it still runs- it would be best not to use it in a project that will be laundered.

-- Kelly (homearts2002@yahoo.com), March 30, 2002

Answers

Also don't use fabric softner in the wash water or Bounce or other fabric softner strips in the dryer. I am sensitive to all kinds of things and found when I was pressing the fabric squares the smell of softener just about knocked me over!

-- Helen Banham (ghbanham@shaw.ca), March 30, 2002.

OMGoodness Helen, I have already done mine, and I did use fabric softner...Oh me now what to do???Im so sorry Helen..That is a good point, and I never even thought about it, but will remember it for the next time..Hey I know, after I finish the blocks, I can do a stay stick close to the edge and wash them again..Maybe it will work..I hope this will help not to make your allergies flair up..Happy Quilting Helen....Amelia Kay

-- Amelia Kay (bluegrassgirl@charter.net), March 30, 2002.

I found my quilt pattern Im gonna use today, and I cant wait to get started, being im blonde it took me a couple of hours to fiqure out how to make a 71/2 inch to 12 1/2 inch, but I got it... my quilt calculator is packed, boohoo. But on with the quilting...LOL

-- Kristean Thompson (pigalena_babe@yahoo.com), March 30, 2002.

Kristean,

What is a quilt calculator?? I'm guessing something to refigure block sizes???? I don't believe I've ever heard of or seen one.

-- Terri in WV (mrs_swift_26547@yahoo.com), March 30, 2002.