Sunday, October 18, 2026

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! Linking to Oh Scrap, Sew & Tell.and To Do Tuesday.


13 comments:

Linda at Texas Quilt Gal said...

I'm sorry to read about your setback. It is so hard to take it easy and be patient when you start to feel better! If I was there I'd iron those pieces of fabric for you - I love to iron!

Vicki in MN said...

You did good to get all those washed and pressed. I hope your knee lets you sew a while this week.

LIttle Penguin Quilts said...

I'm sorry you had a setback this week, Terry! Good for you to work on being patient and persistent - that is hard to do. That's a beautiful bundle of fabric you're sharing there! Is it for your string quilt? Sending you good thoughts for more pain-free days! 🩷

FlourishingPalms said...

In spite of your setback, I'm glad you could find a not-too-strenuous activity to exercise your knee while accomplishing something. I pre-wash everything, most times in the washing machine with a color catcher. Even with that practice, twice I've been moved to tears because of fabric that ran after a the quilt was finished. I take NO chances! In fact, I hand-washed several pieces of Anna Maria canvas fabric this week, after Googling to read that it shrinks. Pressing (no starch) happens today, so I can start several Christmas gifts.

Cherie Moore said...

Knee surgeries are so painful it’s hard to know if you are making forward progress. I admire your persistence as I understand you have to keep working at regaining range of motion. Glad you could accomplish washing and ironing your fabrics. I, like Linda, use the washing machine with color catchers.

Melisa- pinkernpunkinquilting said...

I am so sorry to hear about your setback, Terry. Hopefully, a little rest will get you back on track . The selection of black fabrics are so pretty. I am glad to hear that all went well in the wash process. I wish you a lovely week as you enjoy your time at the sewing machine. Hugs.

Carolyn said...

I’m sorry you had a setback. I hope you have a speedy recovery!

Astrid said...

I'm drooling over those pretty fabrics, Terry! I usually machine wash with color catcher, I'm too lazy to hand wash, lol. So sorry about your setback. Please try not to overdo. Thinking about you and wishing you a speedy recovery.

Julierose said...

So sorry to hear about your setback; I totally get that issue--keeps happening with my herniated disc problem. Walking is my issue--some days I can do 20-30 min on treadmill--others disappointingly only 5 or so...I hope that rest will help--it seems to help me a lot...
I use Best Press also and really like it...I no longer starch...You have some really pretty fabrics in line to work with for RSC..take care and rest up
Hugs, Julierose

Stephanie Harris said...

You continue to inspire me. You got this. Hopefully it will be sooner than later that all of this is a distant memory. Go Team Knott! 📣

Jeanna said...

Oh Terry, I'm so sorry you had a setback. I hope you are feeling much better and can sit at the machine soon.

Nancy said...

So sorry that you had a setback with your knee and hope things get back on track now! It must be very frustrating! Good for you, getting all of that fabric prepared. Fabric preparation is definitely not the most fun part of quilting!!

Kate said...

Recovering from knee surgery isn't fun. Sorry about the set back. Hopefully the knee is back to improving. Looking forward to seeing what your RSC project is for next year.