It's past the mid-point in July and we're getting close to the mid-point for the Blockheads.  Still, where has this year gone?  Is it flying by for you too?

It's Betsy's turn with the Blockheads ...

This is Devil's Claw made with Farmhouse by Fig Tree & Co. ~ Joanna Figueroa.  (Okay, so I had an issue or two with the triangles on one side... I'm not sure what happened but it's "close enough" that it'll work.)

CLICK HERE for the link to Betsy's Block 20 - Devil's Claw.

Tammy's Claw - stripes up-and-down?

Or sideways?

I like both - and I look forward to seeing which direction Tammy chooses in her setting.

The fabric is Bramblewood by Betsy Chutchian - a wonderful Reproduction Halloween-Fall collection from a year or so ago.  It will fit in perfectly with Tammy's "fall theme" blocks.  She posted this picture a week or so ago and I have shamelessly swiped it to share.

Because she loves scrap quilts - the scrappier the better! - Tammy has made a point of using a different background for each block.  (The blocks that look almost white background are the result of quirky lighting, they're definitely creamier in tone.)

So Week 24 - we'll get pictures of our first 24 Blockheads blocks together!

Question of the Week ~ Do you wash or clean your quilts?  If so, do you have any special tips to share?

Yes, I wash my quilts.  I love the way they feel and look after they've been washed, all soft, squishy and quilty. 

There have been some discussions lately about colors running and excess dye, and despite all the vibrant, saturated colors I like and use, I've had very few problems over the years, and none in the last ten or so.

This is what I do:

• Only one quilt in the washer at a time.  (Unless they're really small.)
• Use a large-capacity washer, or one that easily fits your quilt with room to spare.
• Wash in cold water.
• Use the setting that fills the washtub with water - water-flow is important.
  • Note: High-efficiency washers can be part of the problem with colors running-bleeding as there isn't much water in the washtub to disperse-dilute any excess dye.
• Use a soap or detergent that does not contain any fragrance, brighteners, whiteners or fabric softeners.  Orvus is what I've used for years.  It is often sold in shops as "quilt soap" but I get large containers at the feed store.  (It's used to bathe-shampoo livestock.)
• Remove the quilt from the washer as soon as the cycle ends.
• Dry with heat - some heat.  If you have a clothesline, dry the quilt until "almost dry" in the dryer, then line dry.  The weight of a wet quilt is hard on the fibers.

Just in case you missed it - CLICK HERE for the link to Betsy's Block 20 - Devil's Claw.

That's it for today, July 19.  Be sure to visit Lisa, Lynne, J0 and Jan to see their blocks and what other good things they might have made:

• Lynne’s Blog / Facebook / Website
• Betsy’s Blog / Facebook / Instagram
• Jo’s Blog / Instagram
• Jan’s Blog / Website
• Lisa’s Blog / Website / Instagram

Be sure to see the blocks being posted to #modablockheads on Instagram and Facebook. If you're not already a member, you can also join the fun in the Moda Blockheads Facebook group.  It's a busy group with folks sharing tips, suggestions and support.

Happy Blockhead Wednesday!