Moon Holiday

Oh my... been there....done that... that is why I always use Retayne, especially when using red. I made a red/white/blue quilted jackets for a friend only to have the red dye completely ruin it.

craftymatt2

WOW that is beautiful though

Theresa

Does anyone know why red dye is so unstable these days? MANY years ago (and since), we've have the same problem, but you'd think modern science would have a solution to this very frustrating situation.

SandraD

Okay, I hope I never need them, but what are color catchers??

maine ladybug

You can find them in the grocery store right with the laundry detergent. They are sheets that you place in the washer, with the wash, and do your load as usual. They soak up the color that is released into the water by the fabric.

ConcreteSher

This was my first thought too. As long as the whole piece is the same color, no one will know but you.

matraina

Love your quilt. When I had a black and white Capris pant fade the black onto the white, I let it soak in cold water after letting it agitate for a while. BEFORE I put it in the dryer, I checked to make sure the fading came out. It did.

Kas

I noticed that too. Very fortunate, but strange!

Divokittysmom

I am overwhelmed at your kindness and fast responses and... support! Thank you all so much!!! You have all given me hope that it's not a lost cause!
I didn't think of the dye catcher at all... I was in a state of panic and heartsick. Thank you so much for the suggestion! I have 2 but they are pretty dark so I will get some new ones before attempting to use one... or two. :-)
I too found it interesting that it didn't run into the white! How lucky was that?? I'll take it whatever caused it to stay away from that piece!
Thank you also for the very nice compliments on my project. I have made quite a few wallhangings before using fusible applique. This is my first attempt at piecing and I must say I am totally hooked! I had so much fun working on this even though it is a super simple project.
I will let you know how everything turns out after using the dye catcher. Thank you, thank you for all of your great ideas but mostly your wonderful support!
This is the most incredible gathering of the worlds most wonderfully helpful people!! What a great place to visit or... call home! :-D

PS: I forgot to mention this particular piece of fabric was a last minute inclusion from my fabric stash. I felt I needed another fabric so I wouldn't have too much repitition of the squares. It is about 10 yrs old so maybe it came from some non colorfast fabric line. Whatever the case, the small amount that is left is going directly in the garbage can, soooo not worth keeping the scraps!

sblancarte

try the dye catchers but in the future prewash!!! All red dyes need to be set also, I add 1 cup of vinegar to the rinse cycle as a mordant. I do this with any red clothes I have the first time I wash them and only wash them with reds.