I can't believe it. I traced my quilting design with a pencil. Pinned the tracing paper to my quilt and stitched. Never even THOUGHT about the graphite - which came thru with every needle stroke. Now my white thread is an ugly dark gray.
Google tells me to treat with ammonia, then launder. But I can't wash an unfinished quilt sandwich. Will it wash out later? Someone somewhere HAS to have made this error before. Puh-leeease tell me it will be OK.
Meanwhile, how do I mark the remainder? I avoided ballpoint, thinking it would do the same thing. Maybe quilting pens work on paper?
3 comments:
Hi Chris,
I've heard that you can get orange "Goop" (brand name) without the grit and it is supposed to get graphite out of fabric. Goop is a special soap mechanics use to get grease off their hands and out of their nails. You can pick it up at the dollar store even - but a car parts store should have it. Be sure to get the kind without grit- you don't want to hurt the fabric fibers. I haven't tried it myself yet, but I would recommend testing on a scrap piece first. Once the quilt is finished, I'd also recommend Oxyclean. I've had good luck with Oxyclean (use as directed- it works best with warm or hot water).
As for finishing the rest, I've successfully used the plastic wrap, "Press 'n Seal" (brand) and laid it sticky side down on your quilt top and then drawn the quilting design on the plastic with ball point pen. Draw lightly enough that the pen won't break through the plastic. So long as your stitches are short enough, it tears off easily and leaves no adhesive on the fabric. I haven't had any problems with the ink turning my thread a different color either. Hope that helps!
Kait
I'm a firm believer in testing anything that can leave a mark all the way thru the washing process, as well as future sunlight damage. But, without going into all those tricks, I'd caution against Oxyclean or Goop. I'm cautious on chemicals that can damage your fabric. I'd recommend completing your quilt and doing "several" light soaks and washing with mild soap.
Years ago, my first experience with graphite was on an heirloom quilt that I had marked for quilting. I was heartbroken. It was a painful process but with patience and multiple washing cycles it did come out.
I've now learned about better marking methods & marking tools...but I do emphasize testing anything new for marking on fabrics.
Good luck. I'm sure you can get it out with patience! Just don't damage your fabric in the process.
SewCalGal
www.sewcalgal.blogspot.com
Oh, how heartbreaking, Chris. I don't have any other ideas than the ones above. I do hope one of them works for you.
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