I have some 5" squares that I have been saving for a charm quilt. I usually wash my fabrics before I make a quilt. I am unsure as to what to do with these charms. The sizing bothers both my hands and allergies. How could I wash these without them raveling to nothing? Should I be washing them at all? Could I use a sink with a little dishwashing detergent and wash them that way? Any and all suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I am lost on this one.
Michele
Grab an old pillow case or a "smalls bag" (the kind you use for your bra's) toss the squares in, seal the end (I use a bit of string for my old pillowcase) and wash as you would normally wash your fabric then take them out and press them dry - tied in a pillow case they won't dry in a drier and loose in a drier will get them lost.
alternatively send them to me for processing
If you could "catch" them inside a small laundry bag, or maybe tack them with needle and thread inside some net curtaining so that they cant be agitated too much you should be able to wash them in the machine or in the sink ! Hope this works for you!
Howdy!
I swish small pieces of fabric in a bowl or tub of soapy water, rinse them, lay them on a towel to dry (the clothesline is not installed at this time). Only takes a few minutes, they will dry quickly.
What 'cha gonna' make, Michele?
Ragmop/Sandy
I'd toss them into a plastic food container like a Tupperware, Gladware, or Rubbermaid bowl, add water to half fill the bowl, add one or two drops of detergent, put lid on bowl and shake a little (see note), pour water out and add rinse water, shake a little again, rinse twice if needed, roll them into a hand towel to remove excess water, then press dry.
Note: Hold lid firmly on bowl while shaking lightly. Shaking too hard will make a lot of suds that force the lid off the bowl. Debra in VA See my quilts at
I used zippered pillowcases.
I love this idea! That might even work with fat quarters in a larger container.
I really don't know yet. The fabric hasn't spoke to me. I am thinking about a simple quilt. The colors I have are off white, purple, lavender, pinks & reds. Oh, oh, I just checked and the reds & pinks are 5" squares & the rest are 4" squares. Time to rethink this one. Any ideas?
Michele
No problem Michele: five 4" squares and four 5" squares will make 20" - so, even if you used them just as they are, you would be able to make a pretty quilt, just putting the 4" squares and 5" squares together (in
25's and 16's) . In message , M writes
I've used a sink and a dash of laundry detergent before with great success.
I have been thinking about washing the charms. Then the "Great Idea" struck. I put about 25 of the purples in a lingere mesh bag and took a shower with them, literally. I had to shower any way and thought what do I use in the shower....shampoo, gentle face cleanser and bar soap. I figured that if I used the stuff on my body it should work on the fabric too. The fabric wasn't dirty I just needed to get the sizing out. It worked like a charm (pun intended). I rinsed them under the shower real well and let them sit for a while on my shower chair. I use a chair because I have MS and standing is not an option. I did 2 things that needed to be done at one time. Best of all it worked! I just used my feet to kick the bag around the shower. I must have gotten some exercise in there too. That is what I am going to do from now on.
Michele
Aren't you a clever person!! Great idea.
Emilia
M wrote:
On Mon, 26 Mar 2007 00:02:24 -0500, M wrote (in article ):
Neat idea!
Maureen
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