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Tuesday, September 3, 2013

on {washing} oakshotts

It's been a while since I last laid my hands on my very first oakshott bundle.  Mostly because I was scared to mess with its shimmery perfection.  (Can you blame me?) Having since received a second bundle in the mail courtesy of Lynne, I realized I needed to get comfortable working with this majestic material.  And fast (!)

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 :)
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17 comments:

  1. Kristy @ Quiet PlaySeptember 4, 2013 at 1:21 AM

    Oh frustrating to lose that much fabric in the wash! Such beautiful colours though!

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  2. VeraSeptember 4, 2013 at 2:15 AM

    Oh I'm looking forward your next creation and congrats on your Forest QAL win!

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  3. VickiSeptember 4, 2013 at 2:42 AM

    OOOhhh...such fantastic solid colors! Eye candy....yummm!

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  4. Jess @ Elven Garden QuiltsSeptember 4, 2013 at 3:53 AM

    Advice? Starch like crazy if you're sewing bias edges :o) And massive congrats, so happy for you!

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  5. Leigh AnneSeptember 4, 2013 at 5:42 AM

    WOW that's a ton of shrinkage! I would be worried about NOT prewashing with that much shrinkage and I am not a prewaher.

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  6. Adrianne @ On the Windy SideSeptember 4, 2013 at 6:21 AM

    Eeek, 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!

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  7. pennydogSeptember 4, 2013 at 6:37 AM

    Ooh that's a lot of shrinkage! I've made a cushion cover without prewashing, uh oh!

    BTW congrats on getting 2nd in the Forest QAL, I told you you deserved a prize (and my bloggy friend Teje got 1st too)!

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  8. MelanieSeptember 4, 2013 at 8:56 AM

    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... :)
    Melanie at 1000Needles.com

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  9. Celtic ThistleSeptember 4, 2013 at 9:19 AM

    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!

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  10. UnknownSeptember 4, 2013 at 10:11 AM

    So looks like you must have won the bundle/tutorial deal. AND you won the Forest QAL. You lucky talented girl! Good for you :)

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  11. AmandaK@whatthebobbinSeptember 4, 2013 at 10:36 AM

    LOVE the colors! Can't wait to see it come together :)

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  12. janSeptember 4, 2013 at 11:59 PM

    First 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.
    I can't wait to see what you make.
    Have fun.
    xo jan@sewandsowfarm

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  13. nicoleSeptember 5, 2013 at 9:19 AM

    Loving the stack with the Constellations print! Can't wait to see what it becomes!
    I have yet to use Oakshotts but i'm definitely keeping the shrinkage in mind when i do!

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  14. Live a Colorful LifeSeptember 5, 2013 at 11:33 PM

    I have never prewashed Oakshotts. But I use a lot of Best Press.

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  15. jeifnerSeptember 5, 2013 at 11:59 PM

    I 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.

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  16. janequiltsslowlyNovember 7, 2013 at 1:17 AM

    I 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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  17. EmmaSeptember 10, 2022 at 8:30 AM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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