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From: KarenQuilts
Date: 01-07-2005, 02:14 AM (1 of 19)
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I am a new quilter and made my first major goof! I couldn't find a good quality cotton fabric that I liked to back my first twin-size quilt for my grandson, so I bought some poly/cotton at Joanne's. The red color with white dots was perfect. Since the top was a kit and it said not to prewash it, I didn't think I needed to prewash the back either. I was concerned about bleeding though so instead of prewashing it, I soaked a corner in warm water for several hours. Since the water was clear, I thought it would be okay to use as is. After much quilting, I suddenly noticed that the surface of my new sewing machine was now pink! I tried mild detergent, windex, dryer sheets and hair spray. So far it is still there. Any other thoughts? Also what shall I put in the washing machine when I first wash the quilt? There is some white fabric on the front. I know there is a sheet that is supposed to absorb dye, also the quilt shop had some liquids she thought would help. Has anyone dried anything successfully for a problem like this? Probably no one else has been dumb enough to do it in the first place. Thanks! Karen |
User: KarenQuilts
Member since: 12-02-2004 Total posts: 5 |
From: MaryW
Date: 01-07-2005, 07:23 AM (2 of 19)
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Karen, don't be silly. You are not the first one to do something like this. We have all made mistakes in quilting. It is interesting that a poly cotton would transfer colour like that. I didn't think polyesters had that problem. I will check around to see what I can find out for you. I wonder if some bleach gel would do the trick for your machine? Try a tiny bit in one spot with a Q tip maybe. Does anyone else have any suggestions? MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542 
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From: paroper
Date: 01-07-2005, 07:42 AM (3 of 19)
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It is upsetting but over time the color will wear off your machine. I have had it happen to me when I was sewing professionally. I wouldn't try too many things that might dehydrate your machine's surface because it isn't that good for the case and if it get into your machine it can dry out some of the mechanics of the machine and cause premature wear. The best solution is just to use your machine and the color should start to disappear.
pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: Holly Berry
Date: 01-07-2005, 08:09 AM (4 of 19)
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Hi, I mark seam allowances on my machine with a sharpie marker and alcohol will take it right off. It may work with dye. Holly Berry
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User: Holly Berry
Member since: 09-10-2003 Total posts: 77 
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From: grandmasue
Date: 01-07-2005, 09:26 AM (5 of 19)
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I too have had the paint on my machines turn colors and never found anything to get it off. It never transfered to the next project and I finally gave up and kept sewing. As for the fabric itself I also found that the colors didn't run when I washed them! It has always remained a mystery to me, but I did discover the 2 most important things for me, the color on the machine didn't transfer to other projects and the dye in the fabric didn't run when I washed the fabric. Happy sewing and enjoy the new machine! Grandma Sue
------------ At the end I am not showing up at my grave all pretty and well preserved...I am coming in sliding, yelling "What a ride!" |
User: grandmasue
Member since: 10-26-2004 Total posts: 138 
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From: paroper
Date: 01-07-2005, 10:24 AM (6 of 19)
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Someone told me when it first happened to me that I could take Glad wrap and cover the white of my machine with it and protect the machine from the dye but by the time I was told my projects were over (they were school choir dresses). It is like extra dye on the fabric. I too did not have any or transfer problems with the fabric on anything but my machine. Once in a while I will get some thread that will do the same thing.
pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: Chrysantha
Date: 01-07-2005, 10:50 AM (7 of 19)
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I've had denim make my hands blue when sewing, but not a machine.... I'd try one of the new 'bleach' sprays for the kitchen..(like you clean your counter with..) spray it on a paper towel, but don't use too much...just wipe down the machine...Mary's idea of the bleach pen is good too...I've used one on my light colored counter to take a juice stain out....it worked very well and very fast.... Chrys
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User: Chrysantha
Member since: 09-06-2002 Total posts: 2414 
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From: dmoses
Date: 01-07-2005, 10:55 AM (8 of 19)
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Perhaps a little baking soda on a damp sponge might work.
Take care,
Donna |
User: dmoses
Member since: 02-22-2002 Total posts: 964 
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From: Sewhappie
Date: 01-07-2005, 11:57 AM (9 of 19)
| I have used the alcohol wipes, preoxcide, and nail polish remover pads in the past. We always used the alcohol on the whites at work, and it got the stains out. I also like Mary's idea of the bleach gels, just wipe it off good after you use it. |
User: Sewhappie
Member since: 10-27-2001 Total posts: 1427 |
From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 01-07-2005, 05:53 PM (10 of 19)
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Hey friends, Am I the only antique in this group that remembers the main complaint when polyester/cotton blends first came out, that was the main gripe.. They do not fade, they just have an over abundance of color and it rubs off onto other surfaces.. To test for this, all you need is a small piece of white fabric and rub it on the surface to see if any color transfers. If it does, throw it (the fabric) in the washer with a white washcloth and put it thru the longest wash cycle.. Usually once is enough..Most of the time, this happens when the fabric has been dyed in another country..I always have to smell dark colors because Taiwan uses something in their black and brown that smells like fish, and never goes away..I try to stick with local mfrs. of cottons and blends so that I don't have the problem.. Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022 
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From: paroper
Date: 01-07-2005, 07:25 PM (11 of 19)
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I'm not antique, I'm vintage.
pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: soverysewey
Date: 01-07-2005, 07:37 PM (12 of 19)
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I am glad that this thread was started.I have not had this happen yet but would freak if my nice whte sewing machine bed turned pink or gray!!! Good to know what to look for. I am not antique or vintage..I am Eames era.Or Mid-century. 
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User: soverysewey
Member since: 12-19-2003 Total posts: 56 |
From: joannequilts
Date: 01-07-2005, 08:07 PM (13 of 19)
| I had that happen and I used WD40, came right off. |
User: joannequilts
Member since: 12-22-2000 Total posts: 3070 
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From: plrlegal
Date: 01-07-2005, 08:18 PM (14 of 19)
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I was sewing with black polyester fabric at Christmas and now my casing on my Pfaff is various shades of gray. Oh well, as long as it still sews good. Hey Jo???? What happened. Your machine have an electrical short in it?????  Patsy Patsy
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User: plrlegal
Member since: 05-19-2001 Total posts: 318 |
From: joannequilts
Date: 01-07-2005, 08:21 PM (15 of 19)
LOL no silly, took the stain off. I too had the red come off on my new machine 
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User: joannequilts
Member since: 12-22-2000 Total posts: 3070
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From: KarenQuilts
Date: 01-07-2005, 08:32 PM (16 of 19)
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Thanks to everyone for all the ideas. I didn't get a chance to try them all but of the ones I did, the WD40 did it! Now when I go in for my first free lesson on how to work this thing, I won't have to go in blushing the same color as the surface of the machine. Joanne, you're an angel! Karen |
User: KarenQuilts
Member since: 12-02-2004 Total posts: 5 |
From: Mother in Law
Date: 01-07-2005, 10:01 PM (17 of 19)
| Funny I was going to tell you the same thing about the WD40. It will take out black grease stains off of floors and black marks also. Then use a little mild detergent to get the oily residue from the WD40 off. |
User: Mother in Law
Member since: Total posts: |
From: paroper
Date: 01-07-2005, 11:25 PM (18 of 19)
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I had rather wondered if an oil based substance would take it off...often does. I was thinking some sort of oil like baby oil but I was also thinking that baby oil or kitchen oil might build up even a light sewing machine oil. WD40 is probably a much better idea...and much better for you machine than all that drying acetone, alcohol or bleach.
pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: Kylnne2
Date: 01-08-2005, 01:58 AM (19 of 19)
| I use "Spot Shot" on everything and it has worked without discoloration or damage. I have not tried it on a sewing machine..but you might want to try it on a little area with a cloth if all other methods fail. |
User: Kylnne2
Member since: 07-10-2004 Total posts: 629 |
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