November 2022 Retain color with retayne
Color is a funny thing…as quilters we love color but not when it doesn’t stay put! Last year I made a Quilt of Valor and per instructions washed it before donating it. All of the white fabrics turned pink. I washed it 5 times with Color Catchers but it never sported the sparkling white contrast I had started with.
Well I decided this year I’d get ahead of it. After researching the best methods, I chose to use Retayne. I followed the instructions, which I found to be easy, and I’m so glad I did.
Note: This product is not for Energy Efficient Top and Front Loading washing machines due to the decreased amount of water used in the machine. Treat by hand.
Directions: Use 140 degree water to cover fabric and have it move freely in a pot or bucket. Add 1 teaspoon of Retayne for each yard of fabric. Add dry fabric and stir regularly for 20 minutes. Use cool water to rinse the fabric and dry at once.
This is the water remaining in the pot after I removed the red fabric.
This is the remaining water in the blue pot.
As a part of the experiment, I placed a color grabber in each of the pots of water along with the fabric.
As you can see, the unused sheet on the left is white compared to the “blue” sheet on top and the “red” sheet below.
I’m looking forward to completing my Quilt of Valor for a Veteran. My Dad and my Uncle Jim were in the Air Force, my grand-father served in the Army and my Uncle John was in the Navy. I aim to complete my QOV by Veteran’s Day. Stay tuned for the reveal!
If Retayne is a product you’d like to use for a QOV or any quilt that you’re making for a special someone, here is the Amazon link for the product I purchased: https://amzn.to/3CJW4No
As always, the price will remain the same for you and I will make a little bit if you follow the link to purchase.