lin

I see nothing wrong with mixing machine and hand quilting. I think using the machine for the sitd would work for you Steve (and no, it's not hard) and you could have a little fun with patterns in the sashing and borders by hand. Whatever you decide, it's going to be great.

Steve

Will give it a go then when I get to that point. Thanks for the words of encouragement. :-)

Judy Gail

When I machine stitch in the ditch I use the the open-toed sole plate on the even feed foot. I think it makes it easier to stay on the line.

I also pretreat all batiks with Retayne to set the dyes.
http://www.prochemical.com/directions/Retayne.htm[/url]

amma

thanks for the tip on pretreating batiks, I would hate to have spent so much money on them to have them fade away.......

Steve

I've been using vinegar thus far, isn't it OK to use as well?

Judy Gail

I have never tried to set the dye with vinegar but when I first started sewing with batiks I used salt to set the dyes. I had to do it over and over again to get the rinse water to run clear. When I use Retayne I only have to treat the fabric once.

Judy

Steve

I hand wash the fabrics now to get the sizing out, then rinse and wash again in a vinegar water mix, rinse it again, put it though the salad spinner and then heat set in the dryer. I notice the dark and red colors are the most susceptible to bleeding, though have started the process with every bit of fabric. I note also that there is a heck of a lot less fraying when done by hand.

Picked up a couple more yards this morning to practice the paper piecing with. I want to see how batik will hold up against regular cottons when done this way, though imagine there will be little problem on that score.