I had a similar incident. Took a trip, gone 2 weeks. When we returned, the first thing I did was the laundry. I opened the washer and there was a lizard in the bottom, about 6 inches long. Of course I called DH to get it out. He ran some water in the washer, and the lizard finally came to the top of the water. DH scooped it out. From now on I will check the washer before putting clothes in it! By the way, you did a great job on the quilt. Love those layer cakes.