sparkly fabric

Don't know how happy this will make you but IME I have found that "sparklies" are best restricted to seasonal stuff that won't see much wash or use.

If you wash it try putting it in a lingerie bag or pillow case - unless you want residual sparkles on everything you wash for days. It will soften up some, but will not feel like "normal" quilting fabric unless you wash it a lot - and then it will not sparkle anymore! Catch 22.

I did use a sparkly fabric in a child's quilt once (princess's dresses have to sparkle!) but I sewed clear organza over it. I haven't checked lately to see how it is holding up.

I don't know about this particular one, but in general, I've had mixed results with the sparklies. A couple have lost all their sparklies in the wash, a couple have lost most of their sparklies, and a couple have lost just a few sparklies.

If you're concerned, you could try just hand washing it, which might be more gentle. (I wash mine in hot, regular cycle, because I want to know before I use it what I'm up against. *grin*)

OK, thanks Cheryl and Kathy. I plan to make a set of Christmas stockings as a gift with the fabric, so maybe a quick handwash and drip dry would be best (I can't imagine the recipients will put them in the dryer). I guess the look of the fabric isn't one I'm likely to toss into other quilts anyway, so that should do it. Thanks!!

Lynn

Kathy Applebaum wrote:

I don't actually have much in the way of sparly fabric, but I have a skirt with a design enhanced with sparkly bits. They come off in the wash over time (40C gentle cycle reduced spin). I don't mind but you sould see the looks my husband gets at work with the "diamente accents" on his work shirts!

Cheers,Fay

I think it depends on how much you like the sparklie thing.

I have had sparkle fabrics that I just loved where all the sparkles came off the very second it smelled water. I have also had perfectly hideous sparkly clothes where you could put them in the wash on hot, with bleach, and with a load of denim and canvas work clothes, and the sparkle would still be there after it dried. It would be on the work clothes too. In fact I've had some clothes where I spread fairy dust everywhere I went when wearing them. I've never understood how some clothes can shed more glitter than was on them in the first place and still look good as new.

NightMist

Those fabrics are positively yummy, Lynn! I doubt that the washer/dryer will hurt them, but I'm not sure -- don't take my word for it.

Howdy!

"Mixed results" -- same here, mostly good. I like the gold-touched and sparkly fabrics. I wash all fabric before using it, and the sparkly stuff usually holds up pretty well, esp. when it's a brand I know is good/reliable. As you plan to use it for Christmas stockings there shouldn't be much trouble w/ the sparklies washing off, Lynn. Make a matching wallhanging and some ornaments with it. Wash it, use it, have fun with it.

Good luck!

Ragmop/Sandy