Tuesday, August 20, 2013

A Little Something is Better than Nothing!

I have been doing a little hand work here and there.

Two more blocks of Snowbound by Pat Wys are just short a few stitches on the wool, but the hand applique is done.  I had hoped to have all four center blocks done before leaving Colorado this weekend, but 3 out of 4 is not bad!

So, to answer my question from the last post...how to care for your wool and cotton combo quilts.  I decided to go to the source and emailed Primitive Gatherings and asked them.  They were gracious enough to answer my email and here is what Jessica had to say...
" I will usually use a lint roller, and then use a steamer from the back side.  That will get a lot of the allergine out of it, and the dust.  You can also put it in the dryer with one of those Dryel sheets that they have in the laundry aisle.  Just don't put it on a high heat.  Lastly you could take it to a dry cleaners, the customer just really has to be firm that it can not be washed in any way in hot water.  I have had a customer that did that with her dry cleaner and they ruined the quilt.  Any time it is out of my hands I am always leary of having someone do it."
She also recommended that I google the question.  I did and dry cleaning was recommended.  Since my mother never dry cleaned anything, claiming hand washing was just as good, I will just do what I always do...a gentle cool bath and air dry. I will let you all know how it works out.

During these last few days in the mountains, I hope to do a little machine work and finish up those sunshine blocks.  PFH will, I said WILL, get to the flimsy state before the end of the year...I hope.

13 comments:

  1. I love your blocks! That's a fabulous project, Cheryl.

    Great information on cotton/wool quilts.

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  2. Thanks for the tips, Cheryl! Love your blocks, I agree--- what you always do... I'm sure it will be fine.

    Enjoy your last days in the mountain's!

    :) Carolyn

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  3. Cheryl - I'm just beginning to applique the wool leaves around the border on a Kim Diehl quilt like you have in your header. I always like to wash my quilts when they're done to shrink them up and get puckery, but I was really hesitant to do this with the wool - afraid of bleeding etc. So the information you shared today is perfectly timed for me - thank you! Your snowman blocks look great!

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  4. Darling little winter blocks! Love 'em! I have washed my cotton and wool quilts in the front loading washer. Makes it ravel a wee bit, but then I just trim away the furry sides being careful not to cut the threads. Works for me! :-)

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  5. I love these winter blocks - SO adorable!
    Wishing you safe travels as you make your way back to AZ!

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  6. Oh man! You just know I'm like g what I'm seeing!!!

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  7. Love your Snowman block! I think 3 out of 4 blocks is awesome ! That means you spent more time in your gardens and relaxing . Nothing wrong with that. Have a safe trip home

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  8. Those snowman/winter blocks are really cute. I love the background fabric. I would never have liked it but it looks good.

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  9. Great! Thanks for passing along the care info! Be sure and add one of those color catchers to your wash too... I've had red and black hand dyed wool bleed...

    Snowbound blocks are looking fabulous... and so is the finish of Grand ol' Flag! Love this series!

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  10. The snowman on the sled is so cute!

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  11. Wow, I really like the stripe fabric backgrounds for your Snowbound blocks. Very cute! Thanks for posting the info, interesting. I don't do any dry cleaning. After years in the drapery business the smell is an instant headache for me. My mom always used Woolite and hand washed which I do as well.

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  12. interesting info and options . . . i think what you have planned sounds like it will work but i'm anxious to hear how it goes.

    i have to agree; most things can be gently washed at home. the dry cleaners use lots of horrible chemicals that probably aren't too good for the long term life of any quilt.

    love your patriotic snowman block~! very cute.

    take care.
    :-)
    libbyQ

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  13. A little hand work is perfect for the summer!
    I think you are smart to just continue hand washing and air drying your cotton and wool quilts. Why risk it with a dry cleaner?

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