Harpsichord block number 15 is now done. Only 139 to go. Only!? These are actually quite quick to stitch together, but I’m trying to work on some Christmas gifts at the same time which means, rather than getting 2 blocks done while we watched the baseball, only 1 was finished. 
The back:
This fabric was, I thought, perfect for the black octagons in the Harpsichord Quilt. I washed it and was stunned that the water was pitch black. Did a little research and read that soaking a fabric like this for 24/36 hours in plain cool water will draw out all the excess dye molecules. Did that. Water still pitch black. Rinsed it out and soaked it again, this time with a piece of plain cream cotton fabric. After a few hours, the water was again pitch black. The cream fabric didn’t pick up the dye, but it made me a bit apprehensive about using this in my quilt. To spend the hours it will take to hand piece this quilt and take the chance the black is going to spoil it when washed is just not a risk I’m willing to take!
The part I find most curious is that, even though the water consistently was showing a lot of dye, the fabric itself didn’t show any signs of fading. I’ve never run into this with a black fabric before. The fabric is now going to be used only in pieces which I expect will never be washed. Perhaps some fun needle books.
Smudge trying to ensure that no toys vanish from the toy basket while he sleeps.
And Lester on the windowsill — again. We’re supposed to have 3 or 4 days of quite mild temperatures so I think he’ll be enjoying the squirrel antics on the roof garden all week. Monday was rather mild as well and we were able to turn the heat off. 
Quilt Obsession 
Have you tried that Retayne product? It's suppose to work really well. Also, if you remember where you got the fabric, let the shop owner know of the bleeding, they really appreciate this sort of information.Crispy
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I tie-dye and use Synthrapol, a "stripping" soap to remove excess dye after I'm finished with Tees or fabrics. I get it from dharmatrading.com.
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I also use Retayne. It works really well and I use a lot of black.
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That is excess dead (exhausted) dye when it doesn't collect on another fabric. I think it might transfer if the quilt was washed and left piled wet for a length of time before it was dried. Otherwise it probably wouldn't be a problem.
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Interesting to read everyone's comments because I have had that same experience — the water gets dark but nothing else seems affected. Nothing has been ruined so far!
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If you don't have Ratyne you can try putting a Tablespoon (or a splash) of vinegar in the water when you rinse it then when damp/dry iron on medium to high heat. Then rinse the fabric and see if the dye is still coming off…an old quilter in my guild showed me this and it seemed to work on my red that was shedding dye.
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Well…one stitch at a time and you beautiful quilt will be done…..sorry for the bleeding
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I use Retayne as well, Cathy and it has worked really well for me, especially for reds and indigos. Give it a try before making your final decision if you feel it's worth the effort.
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Here I am…a little late today but still here in time to get a kitty fix!
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Only 139 to go, but who is counting? Have you ever tried the Shout Color Catchers in the washer? They are fabulous for drawing out the dye in the fabrics.
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Cathi,Another beauty. I especially like the gold fabric.
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