...because our quilts are a reflection of the times in which we live.

Monday, November 18, 2013

Country Windows

 

Yesterday I finished laundering the last of the quilts I will be including in my Featured Artist display at the Cotton Patch Quilters of Kern County Biennial Quilt Show on February 8 & 9, 2014. I thought I had better take advantage of one of the last sunny weekends we will have as we head into winter.

This quilt, “Country Windows”, has always been a challenge to wash because of the intense rusts and adjoining creams.

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Every time I have laundered this one, the rusts have immediately began to bleed into the water—even yesterday, although the quilt is seven years old.

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Thank goodness for Synthrapol! I put a few tablespoons into a bathtub full of tepid water, then let everything soak for about 20 minutes. Then I rinsed with cool water, and finally, blocked the quilt on a flannel sheet spread on my back lawn.

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Sorry I was unable to get a full shot of the quilt. I decided not to put it up on the hanger above the couch where it usually resides.

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I want to keep it clean for the show.

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6 comments:

  1. magnoliasnteaNovember 19, 2013 at 5:08 AM

    Another testament to why you are a featured artist. Country windows is lovely.
    Thanks for mentioning Sythrapol, I didn't know it existed.

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  2. Barbara SindlingerNovember 19, 2013 at 9:42 AM

    I never thought to block my quilts outside on the lawn. To you pin it to the dirt then to block?

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    Replies
    1. QuiltedtimeNovember 19, 2013 at 10:22 AM

      Barb----I put a flannel sheet underneath the quilt. The weight of the water in the quilt and the texture of the flannel pretty much holds everything in place.

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  3. RoseNovember 19, 2013 at 9:21 PM

    Oh, Kay, this is beautiful. I would love to see the whole thing...sounds like you are like me and just don't have a good place. Roger made a stand for me but I have to have him here to help me hang on it. Then my next problem is I just have a camera mounted flash and quilting does not show then.

    anyway, this is just simply gorgeous.

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  4. ElaineNovember 20, 2013 at 7:35 AM

    That is beautiful, Kay. The sway borders gives the log cabin blocks a totally different look. Am anticipating seeing pics from the show.

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  5. Vivian HelenaNovember 21, 2013 at 11:26 AM

    Looks fantastic,,, I have never washed my "show" quilts.. .How brave... I have put those Color sheets in also.. then when they come out with color, I let them dry, and Iron them, some day will use them with something. Love your amazing quilts.. Terrible news.. I will be out of town at a quilt retreat when your show is on... I am so sad.. Hope you take lots of photos of your pieces hanging, I am sure it will be wonderful!! So sorry I will miss it!!! hugs, v

    ReplyDelete

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