Seems like two weird topics, but I was trying to find out if the question had been asked and couldn't find how to search topics, first question.

Second and reason for writing, how do you stop colors from bleeding - any home remedies?

As far as stopping colors from bleeding use Retayne prior to construction. If it is fabric that is already in a Quilt use Synthropol in the wash. Color catchers are also effective once a quilt been constructed.

The "search" function is at the top of the screen, right underneath the Message Board title.

If you have a piece of yardage that is bleeding, then Retayne is the best thing to use nowadays. It is widely available in quilting shops that cater to dyers and online at place such as Amazon and DharmaTrading. Retayne permanently fixes unset dye into fabric. Very occasionally a piece of fabric might need two washings with Retayne to become colorfast. Test by dropping a small square of fabric in water to see if dye expands into the water, and also rub a damp piece of the fabric against a white fabric to see if there is any dye transfer.

If the fabrics are already in a quilt, then it is not safe to use Retayne because any bleeds will be permanently set into other fabrics. In this case you want to use Synthrapol. This is a wash chemical that suspends unset dye particles in water until they can be rinsed away. This prevents unset dye particles from staining other fabrics. It will also gradually remove dye particles from bleeds as long as the bleeds have not been permanently set.

Vinegar and salt used to work when dyes were primarily organic in composition. However, nowadays almost all dyes are chemical in origin so vinegar and salt really don't work anymore.

Can you order Retayne online? My quilt shop no longer carries it.

To search.....click on the word "Search" at the top of this page. In the space type in what you are looking for. Click on advanced and it will give you a list of topics, ie. pictures, tutorials, etc. Hope this helps.

Here is a link to Retayne on Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Craft-Retayne-...dp/B001HZOZGW/

DharmaTrading and ProChem also carry it.

thanks everyone