UFO # 7 Swirls Finished

     The year long challenge for the Greater Columbia Quilters has been wonderful for me because I am finally getting some of my many UFO’s finished and it feels great.  The quilting is finished and the binding is on my swirls wallhanging.  For the background quilting I used the free-motion Echo Shortcut from Leah Day  (  day-257-echo-shortcut  ) .  I found it very easy and I think it is the perfect design to go with the swirls.  Sorry the black on black stitching does not show up well in the photo. 

Quilting UFO Swirls

  
      I sandwiched the swirls and started free-motion quilting using a coordinating thread in each area. I am satisfied with most of  the quilting and any wobbles will just have to stay.

     I am still thinking about the filler design to be used on the black. Leah Day has many great free-motion fillers.  If you have not visited her website, you should.  Free-motion quilting project

Problem with Reds

      Today I had trouble again with reds running after it has been pieced into a quilt project.  I always pre-wash my fabrics before they are used, thinking that will prevent the problems.  I was reminded AGAIN that some reds require more treatment to stop them from running.    In my swirl project from Cara Gulati’s workshop, we used glue sticks and freezer paper as part of the appliqué technique.  After I machine appliquéd the parts together, I had to dampen the fabric to release the freezer paper from the glue.   When I did, spots of red ran.  

 I quickly dissolved about a tablespoon of Oxi Clean in ¼ cup of water, got some Shout Color Catchers and put a little on each area where the red ran.   I think it took out most.  I still have to appliqué the swirls to the background and quilt.  Then I will try to gently wash the whole thing with Color Catchers in the water to make sure the chemicals are out.  Have another suggestion?