"New" quilt looks old
05-27-2011, 04:53 AM
#22
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Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Shreveport, LA
Posts: 733
My sister's best friend had just gotten pregnant after losing a baby the year before (she did have a 12 yr.old daughter,also). We were so excited, I offered to surprise her with a hand knitted blanket. So the older daughter would not feel left out, I made one for her and for the baby- a natural bonding gift. When finished, I sent them to my sister(I live 5 hours away)to bring to the shower. Several months later, I asked how the mom & teenager had responded to the matching gifts. My sister,who does no crafts, said "Well,I know how sensitive babies are, so I washed both blankets on hot. They shrank so much, I could only give the big one to the baby." What did she do with the original baby sized blanket? She gave it to her chihuaua.(Sigh!) She couldn't understand my silence.
It is always a good idea to send a note on care with a handmade gift!
It is always a good idea to send a note on care with a handmade gift!
05-27-2011, 05:31 AM
#23
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Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Fort White, Fl
Posts: 2,689
Originally Posted by feline fanatic
What kind of batting did you use? If it was anything other than poly you will not be able to press the puckers out because your batting shrunk and gave the well used look to your washed quilt. Additionally 100% cotton thread also has a bit of shrinkage causing these small wrinkles along your quilting stitches. Personally I like this look. Give the quilt with all the love you intended. My view is it is better to give the quilt washed so any changes in appearance are already there and the intended recipient does not think they "ruined" it or did something wrong after their first washing.
05-27-2011, 07:03 AM
#26
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Sunny Arizona
Posts: 476
This is the look I work for!! I don't prewash my fabrics or batting. When I finish quilting and binding, then I wash it in the machine, warm water, and dry in the dryer, medium heat. I love the puffy look!!
05-27-2011, 10:49 AM
#28
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Shipshewana, IN
Posts: 775
Originally Posted by Tartan
I would give the quilt with a little note attached. It could say, "I just made this little quilt especially for your little one and I've pre-washed it to remove any chemicals used in the fabric manufacture process."
05-27-2011, 10:58 AM
#29
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Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Here and there
Posts: 1,669
Originally Posted by bigsister63
What is the quality of fabric you used? There is an on going discussion about LQS/name brand fabric vs "other" less expensive fabric. If you used the less expensive fabric then that could be the cause! And is a good testimonial to using LQS or name brand fabric!
As a matter of fact, if you want to avoid any shrinkage, use a 65% cotton, 35% poly blend and you will get a wrinkle free and virtually shrink free product. And, it will feel wonderful to boot. froggyintexas
05-27-2011, 11:01 AM
#30
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Join Date: May 2008
Location: MN
Posts: 25,186
Originally Posted by bigsister63
What is the quality of fabric you used? There is an on going discussion about LQS/name brand fabric vs "other" less expensive fabric. If you used the less expensive fabric then that could be the cause! And is a good testimonial to using LQS or name brand fabric!
I have had major shrinkage from LQS fabric - a Michael Miller black, for one - it shrank over two inches in width!
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