Julie,
About your bleeding thread, when you finish your quilt wash it again with a 'dye magnet'. There are several different brands out there. I am using the one by Shout. I was told a story about a woman who made her quilt without pre-washing the fabrics and ... you guessed it, the red ran. The woman re-washed the quilt a few times with the dye magnet and managed to get most of the 'pink' out, not all but most. It's certainly worth a try.
Remember also what Elenor Burns says, "Hang it high and keep it moving!" :lol:
Most importantly, DO NOT tell anyone or point out to anyone the lines on your quilt. Most people will never see them! Trust me! Just smile and say thank you when everyone raves about your beautiful work.
Oh, the hard way we learn our lessons! :wink: