Do you ever have an idea for a blog post but while you're prepping for it, the content changes as if it has a mind of it's own? I intended to share with you the finished quilt block that I wrote about earlier this week. I was so excited to share the finished block by posting a picture here. That was the initial reason for the post, just a quick update, and to ask if anyone had any insight about curved seams and slightly wavy fabric. (I think the inset circle is slightly too large because of mishaps with the millions of seams making it so the whole thing is doing a great impression of gentle gulf waves.)
Before I could take a picture though, I wanted to give the block one last press to see if it could be just a little more flat. That's when my iron decided to leak some ghastly brownish orange liquid on my quilt block! What do you do when your iron pees on your fabric!? What is wrong with my iron?! I decided to take a picture to show the damage. The lighting last night did not show the extent of the damage, so I knew I would take additional photos in the daylight before I could finish up my post.
Here is a close up of the damaged area. I'm not sure if you can see it, a slight rust stain around those precious points. Now the purpose of the post is a plea for help!
But wait there is more! I was fidgeting with the functions of my phone's camera trying to get a more clear shot of the destruction when this popped up:
Google Goggles is an app that I had heard about and downloaded a couple of days ago to play with. My understanding is that you could use it to take pictures of QR codes, UPC symbols and major logos and then search the internet based on the image. This is probably no big deal to the 'tech-ier' people of the world, but advances in technology are always surprising to me. Google Goggles scanned the image and was able to decipher what the main fabric was and then located it on sale on the internet! I should clarify, that while I did not intentionally use the app to search for the fabric, the app was running in the background of my phone from playing with it a couple of days ago. Now this post has more of a "I need to share about this 'What?!' strange/intriguing thing that just happened and ask if anyone else has been using the app?" kind of tone.
Have you ever had a blog post go in a completely different direction than what you intended? Do you use Google Goggles? What other apps do you use in your quilt making?
I'm linking up with Diana at Red Delicious Life, who is guest hosting Anything Goes Monday!
.
* My posts delivered to you *
yeah, my iron does this too. i usually have to re-piece if it's not something i can spot clean. but i do clean my iron before using it again.
ReplyDeletegood luck! the block is magnificent!
That block is awesome. As to the stain, I would ask what the block is for? Did you try to hand wash out the color? I don't think it looks awful. Maybe it adds to the rustic charm... But I do know how frustrating that can be. I don't know what that is that came out of the iron unless it's some kind of oil or something... Did you try googling the problem? I bet some one has posted about it. Google "leaking iron stained fabric" or something.
ReplyDeleteThat's pretty amazing about google goggles to identify the fabric. Maybe the concept is a little creepy though if there is some supercomputer at google running algorithms and they know from the photos you're taking places you are and things you like so they can target market to you....
As for the block, you could try starching it lightly to add a slight bit of firmness and then press it from the center outward then block it or square it up. But I think the best way to handle it would depend on what you plan to do with the block. Good luck!!!
The iron is spewing rust. I always press with a DRY iron. I get tired of the splurting and steam can distort a block as well as help it.
ReplyDeleteWhat I do instead is keep a water spray bottle there, spritz the fabric if I want it to relax or steam, wait a sec, then press with dry iron. No more iron peeing.
Inset circles must be treated with care, all that bias will stretch and not go back. Consider pinning on registration marks to keep it evenly distributed. Also a bit of spray starch on the background before cutting the bias curve helps. Looks good though, really sharp and even otherwise. Good job!!
LeeAnna Paylor
Not Afraid of Color!
Ooh, that app sounds fab! Albeit a teensy bit scary, I fear I might find myself matched with a prize heifer or something ;o)
ReplyDeleteWill a Tide pen work on the mark? Failing that, it might require a little surgery - on the plus side, as it's right at the edge it shouldn't be too hard to just unpick a little around it
Oh I HEAR you about the blog post going off in a totally different direction! Or ending up MUCH longer than originally intended! All interesting stuff, and yes, I've had this happen before. Descale your iron regularly (says she who doesn't, and really should go do that...). I see you've had some other suggestions for removing the stain, so I'll not add to them, but I DO love your Mariner's Compass! Colours, precision, great job. I did one years ago for my youngest, but using the folded technique, wrote about it a little while ago in my blog..I'll send you the link. It was a cool technique.
ReplyDeleteGoogle Goggles? Nope! But I'm going to check it out! Like Shazam for fabric! Now have you ever had a comment run on longer than you intended?!! Here's my example, like I've NEVER had this happen before...
I use a separate spray bottle of water, as well. That way my iron can't spit anything. You should be able to wash the stain out with some gentle detergent. The Mariner's Compass is one of my favourite blocks and you've done an amazing job with this one.
ReplyDeleteI can't help you with the stain, but that block looks great!
ReplyDelete