Fabric Bleed

This little quilt sits on our kitchen table under a lazy susan.  A long time ago I noticed that some of the colors had bled.  Not sure how it got wet but I was heart broken.  I never prewash my fabrics and when I wash a quilt for the first time, I use Retayne to stop any fabric color bleed.  I've never had any trouble at all, even with a quilt that was red and white.  The whites were perfect.  

When researching, I found this blog post on the topic and figured I didn't have anything to lose.  So I pulled out a plastic tub and my Dawn and got to work.

 I filled my tub with hot water and added about 1/3 of Dawn.  It turned the water blue and I was a little worried about that because I have light fabrics in my mini-quilt.  Then again, the quilt was already ruined so why not?

In went the quilt.  I got a bunch of fabric bleed immediately so I kept soaking it for about 30 minutes and replacing the Dawn/water mixture until it seemed to be done bleeding.  Then I left it to soakfor the day.

I was shocked that it worked!  All of the bleed that was there for more than a year GONE!  I was so happy because even though this is a mini-quilt, there is a ton of time put into it and I really liked it!  FYI:  This is a Jo Morton quilt pattern.  Dawn saved the day!

 Whatever is going on in your world I hope you're finding some "save the day" moments!

Ornaments

 When I was putting our Christmas tree away this past Christmas, I realized that I had not added any stitched ornaments to our collection in 2019.  I was so disappointed in that and decided to take care of that for 2020 early in the year.  So far this year, I have stitched 4 ornaments for our 2020 tree.  Hopefully I will get them fully finished in time!   I'll repost these when they are fully finished.  In the meantime, here is how they stand now.

A Woodland Wish from Blue Ribbon Designs

Just Cross Stitch Ornament Issue 2014

Farmhouse Christmas Series by LHN.  Called for fabric and threads.

Be Merry by Chessie and Me.  Called for fabric and threads.  I really enjoyed stitching this one.  The kit (from Needlecraft Corner) was a Christmas gift.

This is from Hands on Designs Cranberry Christmas and uses the Sulky threads.  I like the Sulky threads but this is a 32 count fabric and I typically like a bit of a more delicate look.  I would highly encourage you to try the Sulky though!  I love not stranding my threads and only using one thread!  This was also a gift (kit from Needlecraft Corner, scroll down)

I hope you are all safe, have everything you need and that all your stitches are happy ones!

Before the Craziness

Two weeks ago we spontaneously went on vacation.  Usually we plan our trips to the mountains months in advance but this time we made plans 3 weeks before we left.  We are so glad we went, it was just what we needed.  We gone the week of Friday the 13th, the full moon, and the time change.  Little did we know things would get even worse with the virus.

Here is the place we stayed at in NE Georgia.  My parents had a cabin there for 30ish years and my first visit to this area was in 1982.  I'd love to live there full time but it would be hard to leave my adult children and healthcare could be tricky. 

My stitching nest was set up in the chair by the window.

 We could watch the sunrise from the bed in the master bedroom without even getting out of bed.  It was glorious!  I haven't seen a sunrise like this in years and years and am glad I'm waking earlier these days.

 The almost full moon from my stitching nest was also beautiful.  It was overcast on the night the moon was completely full.

 The overcast days were just as beautiful.  I live in Florida very near to beaches but my heart is really in the mountains.  They are never not beautiful to me!

There was even a little yarn and fabric buying.  

A lot of things have changed since we've been home.  All of our activities etc have been cancelled.  I was already working mostly from home.  Greg works for the school but has to go in because he is a 12 month employee (not sure how that makes sense) but I'm hoping he will be working from home starting mid next week.  He is a licensed clinical social worker and has already practiced having a therapy session virtually with a student and it went well.  My oldest son is a nurse as is his girlfriend so I worry about their health.  My youngest son has to go into work as well and I'm pretty sure that won't change.  My mom is in memory care and we can't see her for at least a month.  I woke up yesterday with a sore throat and sniffles so I cancelled our visit to my dad. 

I'm so thankful during this time for our online community and my love of stitching, knitting, sewing and reading.  It's truly been a source of comfort.  Greg doesn't have hobbies like that so he's working in the yard.  I'm certain that I will enjoy my time more than he will!

I hope you and your family are safe and have the supplies you need.  May your stitches be happy ones!