[quote=Peggy]I HAVE BEEN QUILTING FOR 25+ YEARS AND HAVE WON RIBBONS AT JUDGED SHOWS (NOT NATIONAL). THE FIRST THING THAT I DO WHEN I BRING NEW FABRIC HOME IS TO SOAK IT IN 120 DEGREE FAHR. WATER. THIS HAS 2 ADVANTAGES. ONE - IT IMMEDIATELY SHRINKS THE FIBERS SO THAT THERE IS NO FURTHER SHRINKING WHEN YOU LAUNDER YOUR QUILT LATER. SECOND - THE EXCESS DYE IS REMOVED. YOU MAY HAVE TO CHANGE YOUR WATER SEVERAL TIMES TO REMOVE ALL THE DYE. MY SISTER PURCHASED AN AMISH QUILT FOR $500 (RED & WHITE). SINCE SHE HAS PET DOGS, SHE SOON HAD TO LAUNDER IT. SINCE THE EXCESS DYE HAD NOT BEEN REMOVED, THE QUILT WAS RUINED.
AFTER THE FABRIC HAS SOAKED, I DRY IT IN THE DRYER, PRESS IT, AND STORE IT.
THIS WAY, YOUR QUILTS WILL NEVER SHRINK OR DYE RUIN YOUR BEAUTIFUL HANDMADE CREATION. BETTER SAFE THAN SORRY!
Peggy,
Welcome first off.
The washed and unwashed question will go on forever. Everyone has their preference. BUT, since the advent of the different color catchers I think things have changed. I, personally do want my fabric to shrink. I love the vintage look that the quilts get when first washed after quilting - that is a must for me.
It's sort of like vanilla/chocolate chocolate/vanilla or Republican/Democrat - lol. There is no best. There is what's right for you and your comfort level. I could not wash first and enjoy quilting - Peggy could never quilt first and then wash. So do what feels right for you.
Judi