Answering the Prewash Question

 

I'm getting ready to work on some blocks for a group quilt and was reminded by the helpful instructions to pre-wash the red-purple fabrics I'm using.

Hoo boy! I thought I'd already washed all of these fabrics so I was surprised to see so much free dye captured in the Color Catcher. They're now all soaking in a bucket with some Synthropol and then I'll short wash them with some Retayne. Hopefully that will work well enough.

Whenever people tell me that they don't regularly pre-wash all their new fabrics I try really hard not to make a face, but I know I probably do. And the above is why! Why would you risk it?