Don't be afraid to use pastels! I use the Shout Color Catchers when I pre-wash fabric and when the quilts are done. I have not had any bleeding and I use a wide range of colors. The French Braid I posted earlier is shades of pastel yellow to cranberry. Just washed it this morning and it came out great. I also am working on one with white/black/orange/red/yellow for my son. I washed all the fabric together with the Color Catcher and not a single problem!