If you've used fabrics w/ metallics in them, how are they holding up? I have some fabrics that have gold on them and am concerned that the gold may "wear off" with washing repeatedly?

Probably wouldn't buy them any more, but since I have them, I'd like to use them up. If push comes to shove, I guess they could be backings.

I've used fabrics with metallic designs but only for table runners or toppers. I always Scotchguard these so they don't have to be washed very often. I agree with you--what would happen to a quilt that had to be washed more frequently? I'll be watching your post to see what other members have to say.

if its gold thread woven into the fabric it will withstand washing.

if its gold foiling that lays on top of the fabric it will not hold up to repeated washing (a washing every now and again is ok).

typically the foiling just wears away from the washings but i have seen it turn green on a friends project.

Yikes, I never thought of it tarnishing.

it was really good fabric too, it was kaufman.

her and i spent 2 weeks refoiling everything and she doesn't wash it any longer.

I wonder what made it oxidize like that. I've had it come off in the wash, too.

i think it was the laundry soap she used.

Well that gives me something to think about :!: I had intended to make my daughter a quilt with Asian fabrics that have loads of gold in them :(
It hadn't crossed my mind up till now.

Wow, I was thinking about it coming off, not turning a strange color. Guess those fabrics will be reserved for wall hangings, or used as backings. Wouldn't be washed as much, so hopefully not as much chance of damage. And then test a scrap w/ my detergent before washing.

I did freddom quilt for son when he turned 18. Rosewell, aliens, space and lots o black was the theme with silver in fabric every where. Back was black/grey with silver.....now he is 29 and there still is silver in blocks & backing. Maybe has to do with the fabric qualties? And how was washed?

i think you're right. i use kona bay asian fabrics all the time and have never had a problem.

once i saw what happened to her quilt i stopped buying kaufman asian fabric.

the upside, i was able to teach her how to do foiling on fabric.

Inquiring minds need to know, how do you do foiling on fabric?

here's a link to a FAQ about foiling fabric and i've attached a PDF file thats a tute on how to do it.

its all pretty much the same idea, you use an adhesive (powder, fusible web, liquid glue), make your design with the adhesive, and then apply the foiling over the adhesive.

i use a baby spoon to press the foil down onto the adhesive.

http://www.softexpressions.com/help/faq/FAQfoiling.htm

Thanks, Klue, that was instructive. I had never heard of foiling before.

I don't wash my quilt unless the kid pukes on it, and some have metallic. It seems to hold up really well, esp lame`. I use an iron-on fusible interfacing to use lame`, and it's much easier to handle. If you must wash, use Orvis soap. It's very gentle on quilts.

Orvis soap is very gentle on quilts,

It could have been minerals in the water, too. I've lived in areas where I could not use bleach with the well water, or risk rust spots. It will be interesting to see how the replacement fares when it gets laundered.

I have used metallics but only on things that do not have to be washed often. They do give a nice look to taple toppers & runners.
Serena

If I'm using something like gold lame, I'll bond it to a cotton fab about the same color.. that way, if it does dissappear down the road, at least the fab left will be close to the same color. sue:) :thumbup:

[quote=kluedesigns]it was really good fabric too, it was kaufman.

Klue, I have some fabric that I love by Kaufman with the gold you are talking about, is it from the Tuscan Wildflower line?

JulieM

[quote=JulieM]

it was asian fabric by kaufman the oriental traditions line.

Thanks Klue, I suppose the Tuscan Wildflower line is made the same as your Asian by Kaufman. I will be making a quilt for myself with that line, it will be a guest bedroom quilt, so it will not see alot of time is the laundry.

JulieM

I hope I do not have any problems with these gold threaded fabrics. I just finshed the November / December doll swap quilt and it has metallics on two of the choices of fabric. I'll keep my fingers and eyes crossed.

Ellis' Granny B

[quote=kluedesigns]here's a link to a FAQ about foiling fabric and i've attached a PDF file thats a tute on how to do it.

its all pretty much the same idea, you use an adhesive (powder, fusible web, liquid glue), make your design with the adhesive, and then apply the foiling over the adhesive.



That's neat, KLue. I've done a cake with gold leaf, but never foiled fabric (although I've SPoiled my share! :-D )

I must say it was neat to tell people who ate the cake that they were eating 24 carat gold leaf!!

PS The cake was made for Grandpa's 90th birthday party, the same one the quilt was for.

now thats a rich cake!!

i bet it tasted great and he loved it.

Thank you for the link to foiling :D :D :D