I always read about the wonderful finds the QB members stumble across at garage sales, so last week I went to one myself and hit pay dirt. Attached are the pictures of the yardage I found and also some hand pieced blocks. I spent $16.30 and got 17+ yards, 108 of these blocks and still have a paper box and Rubbermaid container of various pieces of material, miscellaneous cut pieces, a cigar box of scraps, sheets and about 10 sets of pillow cases and about 2 dozen cookie cutters. There are a couple of crewel work pillow fronts (completed). My problem is it all smells horrible from cigarette smoke. I have washed the yardage and that washed up fine, but what do I do about the handpieced blocks and miscellaneous cut pieces? They smell so bad I don't want them in my sewing room until they smell better. Is there a way to wash them without them falling apart?

Great finds!

Great find, as for washing the blocks .. I would soak in a sink or tub with water and vinegar , occasionally swishing . And lay flat to dry. You may want to roll the wet squares in a dry towel prior to laying flat ,to speed up the drying .
Do just a few as a test first.

Hand wash and let dry in a shaded area outside. Do a search on this page for helpful hints. Everyone has their own best fix. I had some like that and just left them out to air and they are fine now to work with.

Maybe try putting them in a fine washables garmet bag on a delicate cycle.

Maybe alittle vinegar in the soaking water?

I would put the blocks in a lingerie bag and wash them. If they fall apart, so what? You can't use them the way they are. To me, it would be worth the gamble.

Yes you could soak them in a bath tub ... rinse and see how they smell then. You can also use a fine net bag for you fine sweaters and such .. and place that in the washer on gentle cycle and let them soak there. Do in several bags if you can or do so many each time. Good luck... it should work for you. :)

OH, and what a great find! Congratulations on your bargain seeking :)

I have washed scraps that I have bought several times, It is quite a fluffy mess right out of the dryer but just sit with a good movie and press away !