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Using Black Fabric (or not)

Using Black Fabric (or not)

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Old 03-29-2011, 04:10 AM
  #21  
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i usually get a black with very small prints in it...i use it a lot and never had any problem
Originally Posted by jillaine
While I love the drama that black fabric brings to a quilt, I've been avoiding it for a couple of reasons:

1. black typically fades fast and badly-- i.e., you don't knowif you'll end up with a red-black, a green-black or a charcoal-black, etc...

2. black is a magnet for dust and pet hair and sewing thread and anything else that happens to be around.

What are your experiences and thoughts about the best use and care of black-based quilts?
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Old 03-29-2011, 04:54 AM
  #22  
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I made an absolutely wild (and definitely not award winning) quilt with all the techniques I wanted to try and leftover fabric. I used black for the backing and bring it out for soccer games and picnics to toss on the ground. It never looks dirty and it has washed well.
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Old 03-29-2011, 08:04 AM
  #23  
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Rinse the black fabric in clear water with vinegar added. The vinegar sets the dye.

I had to prepare for a tee shirt quilting class this past Saturday. We were told to rinse all of our FQ's til water was clear. Mine were fine, no fading 'til I got to the 2 1/2 yards that I plan to use for border; a light black. It kept fading and fading into the water.

Then I remembered from way back in the '60's when madras plaids were big. Instructions were to soak it in vinegar water before washing! Now why didn't I think of that sooner?? So I added about 1/3 cup of white vinegar to a pail full of rinse water and swished my black fabric in it over and over just waiting for the dye to make its de'but but hey, it came out clear!!
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Old 03-29-2011, 08:19 AM
  #24  
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I have used the Kona cottons black with good results. Also, I believe it;s Keepsake Quilting that has the Amish black, which is a very good, true black. I use a lot of brights and autumn colors, so I love to use black to make those colors "pop" in my quilts.
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Old 03-29-2011, 08:34 AM
  #25  
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Tudey the quilt in your avatar is beautifal.
I live to use black. I"ve not had any problems with.
And I have black dogs so I don't worry about that. It ads warmth and character to the quilt. :thumbup:
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Old 03-29-2011, 08:47 AM
  #26  
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Originally Posted by dglvr
Tudey the quilt in your avatar is beautifal.
I live to use black. I"ve not had any problems with.
And I have black dogs so I don't worry about that. It ads warmth and character to the quilt. :thumbup:
Gee, thanks! I have mentioned it before, but that was a HUGE project. 63 different blocks and when I quilted it, I didn't do an all over pattern, I chose to go block by block to try to detail each block on its own merit. Between the piecing and the quilting, it took the better part of 6 months! But my niece loves it. I think it's the best one I ever made.
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Old 03-29-2011, 08:56 AM
  #27  
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Originally Posted by jaciqltznok
I use Micheal Miller JET black and it has never faded, even in the sun...I tested a piece before I bought the whole bolt...the Kona faded and turned purple...
Good to know that the Michael Miller black does not fade.

It does, however, shrink a LOT - up to three inches in width - although it seemed to maintain the length.
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Old 03-29-2011, 09:00 AM
  #28  
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I really do love some black in the right quilt but I find black so hard to see when sewing. I will probably continue to use some black, at times and for the right quilts. I use Kona Solid and hoping it will not fade easily, over time.
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Old 03-29-2011, 01:43 PM
  #29  
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I love black in quilts,,,,,,,,,, as you can see LOL
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Old 03-30-2011, 01:13 PM
  #30  
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I use black quite a bit, love, love, love Michael Miller.
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