Pre-Washing Fabric

I know they do not look too white in this picture, but these colour catchers came out of the machine very white and clean.

 You have to love the French General fabrics. I first heard of them when I started the Ben Biggs QAL. I ended up purchasing not one, not two, but three fat quarter bundles from Craftsy on one of their outrageous sales last fall;  the classic selection, Rue Indienne, and Petite Prints. I also bought some yardage of the solid reds and light beigey one for the background on some of my quilt shop hops.

I cannot believe I am getting prepared to make yet another red quilt. This one will be red/pink, blues, golds/bieges and browns. Below is the second of four dryer loads of fat quarters I have been pre-washing. All this in anticipation of beginning the Sarah Morrell Quilt. I was taught to pre-wash all my fabrics for various reasons. I am making the Antique Wedding Sampler from kits from Homestead Heath and I am doing all that hand work with unwashed bits. I prefer the feel and softness of the washed fabric.

I am pulling the colours from this Winterthur Museum fabric from Andover. It took me about ten minutes to track it down on line after I saw others who had used it in their Morrell quilts for the broderie perse applique. This is going to be fun. If I can contain myself for now.

I am getting ready for the Just Takes 2 quilt retreat in Shipshewana Indiana in three weeks, but first I am flying out to New Brunswick to visit our daughter and the miracle grandson Jonathan. I have to teach him how to say "Gamma Kiss".  I have several BTCT blocks packed to take along to complete. I still have three blocks with countless circles to complete. They are all glue basted on the backgrounds so I will not have to keep track of tiny pins. The two little girl grand children were here over night Sunday and again tonight. Their daycare was closed yesterday and tomorrow so they come to the farm. They both know how to say Gramma Chris and Grampa Ken. Some of the most beautiful words in the world with little arms reaching around your neck and a sloppy "I love you" kiss. And, yes, I will be taking along just one textbook.

See you in a couple of weeks
Blessings,
Chris