Prewashing

Fabrics to prewash

Goal number three on my October list was to prewash and starch some fabrics for the Rainbow Scrap Challenge. In the photo were also background and accent fabrics for the Marigold Mystery.

Since my knee revision surgery on September 14, I've been working on standing and sitting. I've also been working on flexing and bending! I had a set back last week. I'm working through the pain and hope each day will be better than the last. So far it is a toss up whether I'm making forward progress or not! I am approaching this recovery with patience and persistence!

Black fabrics ready for starch and pressing

Generally, I test each fabric for color fastness so that means a separate hand wash for each item. I knew I didn't have the ability to follow that protocol for all those black fat quarters. I--gasp--broke protocol and washed all of them at once in the machine! These fabrics will be used to make a border for my Rainbow Scrap Challenge project.

I did wash the yellow and brown yardage separately and by hand. Neither fabric had a color fast issue.

Instead of using the heavy starch process I often use, I went with a gentle spritz of Best Press. I did manage to iron all of the fabrics the same day. I did take several breaks; but, I was able to stand and press without causing more pain or swelling to my recovering knee.

Ready to be added to a project

In a day or two, I will try again to sit and sew at my machine. Fingers crossed that my body is ready for a little stitching actions!