Explain the bleeding and let her make the choice whether or not the red is included.

There's also a product called Retayne that sets colors. But you'd have to do a lot of testing before wasting your time on a quilt that would later not hold up. Some of these old fabrics have poly in them and don't hold color like modern fabrics. I think I'd avoid the red altogether and explain to her why.

I agree with Toolgranny. Retayne might be your only hope to stop the bleeding.

thanks for the quick comments. think I'm going the closer side of safe; will retain the red and maybe make her a set of apple or holiday placemats, or maybe a table runner (or both!). there is enough seersucker (probably 10 to 12 different prints/stripes) in the box to do an entire coverlet...probably any size, because I'm going to go buy either white or some tiny print for the 'uniform half'. I've been itching to do something with a bunch of HST anyway, since I saw a tutorial by Miss.Quilt. Not sure of what pattern yet...think I'll make a bunch of HST and then see what develops!! This is going to be a surprise for my friend, so she won't care....

I always love the opinions from this group...thanks so much!

How old are the fabrics? I'd be worried about dry rot. If any of them tear very easily I wouldn't use them in a quilt. They might be okay for a wall hanging or something that won't be used much.

I just mention it b/c I was gifted a beautiful embroidered linen tablecloth that my FIL's step-mother was working on when she passed away back in the 30s. He thought I might like to finish the embroidery and use the cloth. Before I started to work on it I found that the fabric tore very easily due to dry rot. I don't think it would have stood up to stretching in an embroidery hoop, and I'm sure it wouldn't have lasted long with use!

Donna

Thanks for that warning, Donna! I've put the fabrics that I'm using to the rigors and just not using any that don't seem sturdy. Seems that I'm always doing something wonky...this will be no exception...most all the seersuckers are stripes! NOT my favorite, but think I can make it look pretty cool....alternating with a beautiful wow with butterflies...should be perfect combo for a summer cover. I hope! My sister is coming tomorrow so we will probably start cutting LOTS of little six inch squares....it could go toward pinwheel...or it could go toward 'flags'.

Beth, it sounds like it will be lovely!

I wish so, too, Linda...perhaps you'll have to make a flying trip to Florida! :)