First kilt done!

[Aspiringloser]

Does that chalk have wax in it? I'd say try steaming it but it seems that pressing would've gotten it out.

[HarveyH]

I'd say try steaming it but it seems that pressing would've gotten it out.

I'd be cautious about too much steam. Even dressmaker's chalk has some colour which could be set by too much heat. Unless it is very visible I would suggest living with it, the gentle brushing of use should be enough to lift residual colour over a short span of time. And remember you know where the chalk is, no one else does, so you may be the only person who can see it.

[piperdbh]

Would going over the chalk with a lint roller do any good, or maybe some masking tape?

[Elizabeth]

She looks so happy and proud! Nice job mom!

[Celtic Mom]

The chalk isn't supposed to have any wax in it. I'll try the tape and see if that works. If nothing else, I suppose I will have to go with patience!

[tulloch]

Brush, brush, brush - maybe with a wire bristle lint brush. Looks fantastic! Congratulations.

[ceallaigh]

Good job! Both kids look great (and I'm sure mom is too proud for words ) ...and did I mention I'm jealous of the talent you have?

[Jon Lilley]

Great job, Carrie! There's no turning back, now. Just keep your eye pealed for the next tartan bargain, etc.

Oooo, wax in your chalk, huh? Ouch! Try rubbing over the lines with another piece of tartan. If it's dress tartan, use the lightest part, OK? You don't want to run the risk of bleeding colors. Also, if you know someone with an air compressor that can try blowing it out . . . Anything's worth a try, right? I use Clove (white) waxless tailors chalk and haven't had any problems. You have to get it online at Joann Fabrics. They don't carry it in the stores.

Slàinte!,

[Aspiringloser]

If you use an air compressor, be sure the air is clean. Compressed air can have oil and other contaminants in it.

[bluebonnet]

Celticmom, why not go back to the roots of woolen cloth making and try a wee bit of fuller's earth to lift the wax? Back in the very old days, woolen mills had their "fuller" ("waulking" in Scotland) use this clay compound on the wool to clean it up and soak up the lanolin. Fuller's earth also assisted in making the threads thicker so the weave was "milled".

Fuller's earth is used in dry shampoos, CBN hazmat decontaminants and by costume and set designers in Hollywood (makes explosions look bigger because fuller's earth is lighter and stays airborne longer.)

Anyway, I've used fuller's earth on my dancing kilts for years - I dust a bit on the waist band and leave it for a day - it absorbs all the oil and sweat and then I use a fine wire brush to brush it all clean.

Just for interests, here's a link for Milling or Waulking songs sung in Cape Breton Island... http://www.mun.ca/folklore/leach/songs/milling.htm This one is appropriate for the topic... (and one of my favs) http://www.mun.ca/folklore/leach/songs/CB/8-06.htm