Archive for December 1st, 2016
Turkey Tracks: Quilt Label Problem
Turkey Tracks: December 1, 2016
Quilt Label Problem
I’ve never had this problem happen before now:
What on earth???
I use Sharpie precision (very fine) permanent ink pens to write on labels.
I prewash my fabrics, so I never wash a quilt before sending it along–and this time, because I used a blue marking pen for the quilting grid, I did. As an aside, I will say that I absolutely loved how washing the quilt makes it look. Soft, cuddly, altogether wonderful. I may be a new convert to washing right after finishing a quilt.
So, now, I was horrified that all my labels would run like the one above.
So, I began testing the markers–and micron 08 archival pens–on muslin and running them through the washer. I like the Sharpies because they don’t dry out quickly. Friend Megan Bruns suggested I store all pens upside down in jars to prevent drying out. The gel pens, in particular, dry up pretty fast.
Here’s the first test:
The silver gel pen washed right out. but look at the rest. Not a smudge!
So, maybe it was the COLOR of the pens. Like the teal/green I used in the label above.
Here’s the second test:
Some smudging on the teal IRONED marking. the rest is clear. I did iron the label on the quilt. Why I don’t know. Maybe because I was going to wash it right away and wanted to heat set the label.
So, I do not have a clue as to why that particular label ran so badly.
It will have to come out, of course.
Maybe it is a good idea to prep the label and wash it BEFORE putting it into the quilt.
Comments from you all would be welcome.
Turkey Tracks: Bonnie Hunter 2016 Mystery Quilt: First Clue
Turkey Tracks: December 1, 2016
Bonnie Hunter 2016 Mystery Quilt: First Clue
I’ve finished the first clue: 221 neutral 4 Patches.
I’m liking what I see:
I chose my neutrals for two goals: to blend with the purple, magenta, grass green, gold other fabrics AND to contrast print with plain neutrals.
I don’t yet know if these units will work in the quilt to form a plain and a patterned line…
??? Time will tell.