Hi All! I finished twelve 8×8″ star blocks for my Summer Quilt and added white white fabric strips for the rest of the quilt top. Boy, is that a lot of white! So I decided to add some smaller star blocks (4×4″ finished) in between the larger ones so they don’t seem so lost in a sea of white fabric.
Have you ever made a mistake and then asked yourself “What the heck was I thinking when I decided to do that?” I wish I could explain my rationale when I decided to mark my seam lines to sew the flying geese sections with a fine point marker. Perhaps thinking it wouldn’t bleed? The lines wouldn’t show when sewn? Well, guess what? When I went steam iron them, they bled and it showed!
Well, I resigned myself to starting all over but for the heck of it I put these inked up geese in a little tub of water with a hefty dose of (generic) oxiclean. Several hours later I rinsed and realized these guys might be salvageable :) Here is a picture of the ones with the most visible stains after soaking:
Not too bad? I’m going for it and using them! This quilt is for me (yippee:) so I’m not judging! By the way, I used a product that I bought at the wonderful Dollar Tree (of everything is a $1 fame) and it works just as well as its more expensive counterpart 🤑
I hope your sewing projects are going smoothly. If any one has some “hacks” to share about removing fabric stains, I’d love to hear them. ~Abbie
Sparkle On! 
I’d use them, especially if it was a quilt for me. I’m a stain removal idiot, so I can’t offer you any help. LOL
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Ha! Me too! I’m going to use them. I am letting go of over scrutinizing little flaws 😀
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Let us know how it works out. Read an extensive test on a few things and Dawn came out on top. I used it with a piece that picked up some blue and it worked pretty well. Use them, but try, and good luck.
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Thanks Kathleen! I will try Dawn too and I am going to use them 😀
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It seems I am always asking myself, “What the heck was I thinking?”! I can’t wait to see your summer quilt. And thanks for the information about the cleanser from the Dollar Store.
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Sometimes it is so easy to plow ahead and not stop to think things through! Live and learn, right? 😊 I can’t wait to finish it and show you!
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My mom swears by the cleansers in the Dollar Store! I’m going to try them while doing my spring cleaning. I’ve heard that hairspray can remove ink stains and have tried it a few times…it worked for me!
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Yes, the $ store has all kinds of good stuff. Going today to get some Easter basket stuff. I used hairspray too and it did help!
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Have you ever made a mistake and then asked yourself “What the heck was I thinking when I decided to do that?” – My answer is YES, YES, YES! Been there! I figure it is all a learning and growth experience :-)
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Hi Tierney, happy to read your resounding yes!!! 😄 Now I say to myself mistakes are crucial in order to grow 🌾
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I actually do use a fine point marker regularly–but it’s one I found in an embroidery shop, and it always washes off in just water. I’m glad you were able to salvage your blocks, that would’ve been very sad!
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Thank you! Sad to happy I was…and next time I will use the erasing fabric pen for sure!
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I would definitely use them. It’s really not that noticeable. Besides, it’s a lovely reminder of a lesson learned. I like it.
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Thanks Cate! I am using them and good point, I like your choice of words a”lovely ” reminder.
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Great save on the marker points Abbie. I did the same type of thing using black not pre-washed fabric with cream. Bled like crazy. I used Shout color catcher, Carbona color run remover and Sew Clean fabric spot cleaners. Keep them in my cabinet. Still don’t pre-wash unless I feel it might bleed. Use Retayne to wash fabrics that might bleed. Great to get to know you. I’m happy you are enjoying quilting.
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Hi Vivian! Thanks for this comment. It’s good to know about all the products for fabric mishaps! It happens right! It is great getting to know you too 😃
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