Being a devout member of Camp Pre-wash, I decided to try my hand at washing the ruby bundle after reading this reassuring post. The result? Brand new-looking 'shott cottons. With a bit of throwback fringe...
On the positive side, the oakshotts really do look new (hallelujah!). And as an added bonus, now I know exactly what color thread has been interwoven in each of the reds ;)
The not-so-positive? All that fraying took about an inch off the width of each piece (they now measure ~8" wide rather than 9-ish"). I'm no mathematician (or am I?!), but that makes for quite a bit more than the otherwise expected 5% shrink rate.
So what am I taking away from this? Next time, I'm going to see if I can't get by with a little water spritz, steam, and a fresh press to help with the pre-shrinking process. Here's a little preview of what's on the ironing board...
Wish me luck!
So, do you have any advice for working with Oakshotts?
Linking up with Molli @ Lee's :)
Oh frustrating to lose that much fabric in the wash! Such beautiful colours though!
ReplyDeleteOh I'm looking forward your next creation and congrats on your Forest QAL win!
ReplyDeleteOOOhhh...such fantastic solid colors! Eye candy....yummm!
ReplyDeleteAdvice? Starch like crazy if you're sewing bias edges :o) And massive congrats, so happy for you!
ReplyDeleteWOW that's a ton of shrinkage! I would be worried about NOT prewashing with that much shrinkage and I am not a prewaher.
ReplyDeleteEeek, that is a lot of fabric to lose! That bundle of Oakshotts on your ironing board...want. I am hanging out for their next sale or free shipping event and then I'm stashing up large!
ReplyDeleteOoh that's a lot of shrinkage! I've made a cushion cover without prewashing, uh oh!
ReplyDeleteBTW congrats on getting 2nd in the Forest QAL, I told you you deserved a prize (and my bloggy friend Teje got 1st too)!
I love the colors on your ironing board! The shrinking fabric doesn't sound good. I'm starting to lean towards the pre-washing side... :)
ReplyDeleteMelanie at 1000Needles.com
Haven't yet used Oakshotts but thanks for the heads up on the shrinkage. I don't always pre-wash but will with them if I ever get the chance!
ReplyDeleteSo looks like you must have won the bundle/tutorial deal. AND you won the Forest QAL. You lucky talented girl! Good for you :)
ReplyDeleteLOVE the colors! Can't wait to see it come together :)
ReplyDeleteFirst a big huge Congratulations on the forest QAL - I love your quilt. I haven't ever used Oakshott but I keep drooling over it. I love the looks of that with the Constellations.
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to see what you make.
Have fun.
xo jan@sewandsowfarm
Loving the stack with the Constellations print! Can't wait to see what it becomes!
ReplyDeleteI have yet to use Oakshotts but i'm definitely keeping the shrinkage in mind when i do!
I have never prewashed Oakshotts. But I use a lot of Best Press.
ReplyDeleteI Love what's on your ironing board! Beautiful! Maybe I would treat them as I do canvas and do a little fray-check treatment on the edges before I launder them.
ReplyDeleteI have a bundle of Oakshott that I haven't washed yet. Like you I was wondering if I'd lose that shimmery beauty in the wash. I'm firmly in the prewash camp. I also always wash my quilts when they are done. Thanks for the info. I'm new to your blog. Love your work. Very cool.
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