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Open Line Friday – Fabric Markers

January 23, 2015

Micron Pens, Fabric markersHurray!  It’s Friday…

Time for another Open Line Friday…Please ask away…No question is too big or too small.   Also, please help answer questions…as a group we have a lot of experience.  So join in!  The More, The Merrier!

I’ll start by commenting on the Mystery Whole Cloth Quilt-a-Long.  (By the way, if you haven’t joined in, it is not too late…You could easily catch up with the group!)

THE ZIG ZAG

I know a lot of you are struggling with the Zig Zag…and I think a little struggling is okay…that’s how we improve.  However, The Zig Zag is not critical to the design of this quilt and it is more important that you enjoy the process.  No one should be discouraged, nor should you spend inordinate amounts of time on The Zig Zag.  If you are struggling, replace the Zig Zag with a gentle wavy line.  Double this line IF it would be fun and a reasonable challenge for you.  If not, skip it.  Later in the project, you will be able to go back and add the extra line IF YOU WANT to do so…

I would rather see you do any free motion quilted line than a programmed stitch or a “feed dogs UP”  design.

Micron Pens, Fabric markersPERMANENT MARKING PENS FOR FABRIC

Today, I have a question for the group:  What are YOUR favorite permanent marking pens for fabric?  Can you recommend any good articles, links, tips about using marking pens on fabric?

FOLLOW UP ON STORING BOBBINS

Last week someone asked about storing bobbins and you all had great ideas!

I have two favorites:  The Bobbin Saver  and a wooden bobbin spool rack.

Thread Saver Bobbin HolderThe Bobbin rack is found at JoAnn Fabrics.  I use it of the Bernina 820 bobbins which are too large to fit in the Bobbin Saver above.

Bobbin HolderNow it’s YOUR turn…What are YOUR Questions and Answers!

Lori

PS…All tutorials, images and information are the property of Lori Kennedy at The Inbox Jaunt and are intended for personal use only. Feel free to re-blog, pin, or share with attribution to The Inbox Jaunt.  For all other purposes, please contact me at lckennedy@hotmail.com.  Thanks!

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Categories

Organization Product Reviews

Tagged

Bobbins Fabric Markers Open Line Friday

85 responses to “Open Line Friday – Fabric Markers”

  1. Hazel Spindler says:
    January 23, 2015 at 6:13 am

    I use the blue (or purple) marking pens (blue is water erasable and purple is air erasable) and to permanently erase I use Blue Line Eraser, the markings don’t come back as they sometimes do with just water.

    1. Mary Beanland says:
      January 23, 2015 at 6:35 am

      I use a 2b pencil with a sharp point (and a chalk marker on dark fabrics, but sparingly), and I rub out the pencil marks with a quality white eraser after completing the quilting. Any residual lead marks have washed out easily. I have had issues with the supposedly erasable markers..plus they are relatively expensive, dry out (the last time I bought one,in a packet, t was dry before I had even used it…took it back for a refund) and generally have caused more grief than ease in my experience (this is purely subjective). I have also had issues with chalk colouring my quilting thread – I have a favorite quilt which is quilted in beige thread, which is still bright yellow in parts, after multiple washes. (doesn’t detract from my enjoyment of this quilt, as it is a ‘shabby’ scrap quilt, but it made me rethink using my yellow chalk marker on other quilts).

    2. Paula Gilmore says:
      January 25, 2015 at 9:09 am

      I also use Blue Line Eraser, which I love, and most of the time it doesn’t come back but sometimes it does. A customer told me last week that it was coming back on a quilt I quilted for her so I told her to just spritz it with cool water. I quilted one of my own quilts with a lot of blue marker on white, however, and it hasn’t come back one bit. I wonder if the fabric also has something to do with whether it comes back or not?

      1. WordPress.com Support says:
        January 25, 2015 at 9:40 pm

        I am sure you are right!

  2. 2huismuise says:
    January 23, 2015 at 6:16 am

    Ons (ek en my sus) gebruik ook die blou merk-penne. Hier is nie ‘n verskeidenheid beskikbaar nie 🙂

  3. Lynn Ehrmantraut says:
    January 23, 2015 at 6:25 am

    For permanent marking pens I use microns. For temporary I love Frixion except for batiks where they can leave a small permanent line :(. As for bobbins, the do make a bobbin saver in a larger size that fits the Bernina 820-830 bobbins! As an alternative I learned a great trick – if you store thread on a thread holder (similar to the bobbin rack you show) you can cut a drinking straw and slip it over the peg, slip the bobbin on and then your thread and the two will store together!

    1. Linda J. says:
      January 23, 2015 at 11:13 am

      I have successfully removed those pesky lines from batiks by spritzing them with Best Press and ironing them dry. I have the Frixion pens in several colors and love them.

    2. Shirl says:
      January 23, 2015 at 9:48 pm

      Lynn–great tip re: straw on a thread rack for holding bobbin. Thanks for sharing

    3. lilquilter says:
      February 1, 2015 at 8:23 pm

      Jumbo bobbin saver: http://www.sewforless.com/item/Jumbo_Bobbin_Saver_Ring_Lavender/15834
      There is also a bobbin saver for the M class (longarm/midarm) bobbin.

      1. Lori Kennedy says:
        February 2, 2015 at 8:56 pm

        Yay! Thanks for the link!

  4. westlakethymes says:
    January 23, 2015 at 6:30 am

    That pen holder is beautiful. I would love to know where you found it. I have a lot of Micron pens and that would make them look so organized.

    1. Marta. south Georgia says:
      January 23, 2015 at 6:55 am

      The pen holder is actually an old fashioned (or not) holder for stems of flowers in an arrangement. Wow Lori..great idea. Mine from my mom and grandmother are coming OUT of the dishes cabinet today! I inherited several sizes.Only flowers blooming right now are camellias and I usually float them. BTW, I had to go ahead with first cataract surgery on Tues, Other one will be done in 10 days..Eyes not working together right now. LOL I have one closed to type this. Will catch up with FMQ when I have new lenses for close work. Distance is clear with no lens after the laser technique. Oh, westlake, you can sometimes find the “frogs” as they are called for flowers, in thrift or antique shops.

      1. Jenlew says:
        January 23, 2015 at 11:25 am

        I’ve got one too, must find it, what a good idea.

      2. Mary Ann Floerke says:
        January 23, 2015 at 7:01 pm

        I thought it was a ‘frog’ for flowers! I, too, have my grandmother’s! It will now have a new use! Beautiful!

    2. Lori Kennedy says:
      January 23, 2015 at 7:14 am

      The glass pen holder is a flower “frog”. I have several –all purchased at antique stores. Some are quite shallow-look for the deep ones to hold pens. They usually cost between $10-15.

      1. Eunice Donges says:
        January 23, 2015 at 8:06 am

        I have an antique “frog” (it was my mother’s). I am going to go find it right now and put in my sewing room.

      2. westlakethymes says:
        January 23, 2015 at 9:59 am

        Now I have a new goal…to find the glass flower frog in an antique shop. Thank you for the idea. Seems others knew about them, too. Wish me luck!

      3. Lori Kennedy says:
        January 23, 2015 at 12:30 pm

        Luck! Remember–the deeper the better–bring your pencils with you to give it a try. Also watch the prices–you should be able to find them under $15.

      4. Ness says:
        January 23, 2015 at 10:12 am

        Added “frogs” to my list to antique for! Hmm…what else is in my cupboards that should be in my sewing room! 🙂

    3. Bonnie M. says:
      January 23, 2015 at 7:58 am

      It’s a flower frog! I use a vintage frog for my pens, too!

    4. Betty says:
      January 23, 2015 at 9:43 am

      It looks like what is called a “glass Frog”, florist use to use them in the bottom of a vase to hold fresh flowers so they can arrange them. I have only found them in antique shops. Very hard to find. Good luck

  5. Peter Sylvie says:
    January 23, 2015 at 6:32 am

    Coucou from East France( Mulhouse),I use the stylo FRIXION,which is erasable with heat,hair dryer or iron.

  6. Missy Lamb says:
    January 23, 2015 at 6:57 am

    I also like the Micron pens. However, you can make any pen permanent by brushing an art medium over it which dries clear, works even on colored pencils.
    Question: On bobbins how do you keep the thread from dangling off. I always seem to have several in my keeper that want to escape.

    1. Marta. south Georgia says:
      January 23, 2015 at 7:46 am

      Hmm..how to describe this… we use a small section of the curly plastic binding used on folders in business made at printing shops. One individual segment just fits around bobbins..cuts easy with paper cutting scissors.Camera is defunct or would post photo. I bought 50 of them at printing shop for next to nothing because businesses weren’t calling for that type binding from that shop anymore. My bindings are 10.5 inches long and have 18-19 segments that can be cut off for bobbin thread protectors. Some folks in our guild love them and others not so much.

      1. Judy says:
        January 23, 2015 at 7:58 am

        You can also use little hair ponytail bands. The kind for babies.

      2. Marta. south Georgia says:
        January 23, 2015 at 8:03 am

        Judy ..You are so right ! I use the fluffy ones for spools of thread.

      3. michele says:
        January 23, 2015 at 10:57 am

        You know, I tried to do something like that but the colors of thread are so close that I want to make sure I’m using the same color in the bobbin. I accomplish this by placing both the thread and the bobbin in a small clear ziploc-closure plastic bag–the bags can be purchased in the jewelry/craft section of any store (100 bags for about $5 but maybe snack-size ziplocs would also work). This way, I’m sure that the thread on the spool and on the bobbin are exact matches, I don’t have to hunt, and any tails are kept inside the bag.

      4. Lori Kennedy says:
        January 23, 2015 at 12:39 pm

        Michele, You are so detail-oriented–that’s what makes you a great editor! We ALL LOVE American Quilter Magazine! Thanks for the tip…

  7. Brenda Iwami says:
    January 23, 2015 at 6:59 am

    I have never used a PERMANENT marking pen on any fabric.

    1. Sara says:
      January 24, 2015 at 12:24 am

      Most quilters make a label for their quilts, to document who made it, when and the recipient of the quilt (if there is one). To do this you can either embroider the label or uses a permanent pen to write on the label. I like to make mine with a pen in my own handwriting. Should my quilt survive many years, there will be a part of me with it. (Although, they will probably say, “Wow she had terrible penmenship!”. LOL It will still be my writing.)

  8. Jane says:
    January 23, 2015 at 6:59 am

    I have used magic markers on fabric and then spritzed with rubbing alcohol for a nice effect. Heat set with an iron! They don’t give a crisp line and tend to bleed. I’ve used fabric crayons but the colors are not as intense as I like so I have gone to water soluble wax pencils and inktense pencils. I can get a much stronger color that way.

  9. Lois Weissberg says:
    January 23, 2015 at 6:59 am

    I’m grateful that others are having trouble with the zig zag. It’ll be a wavy line for me!

  10. Peggy Mislock says:
    January 23, 2015 at 7:00 am

    Lori, The Bobbin Saver comes in a larger size now, perfect for Bernina’s bobbins. Same price as the regular one.

  11. Kathy says:
    January 23, 2015 at 7:09 am

    Lori you can get the bobbin saver in two larger sizes. One of course is called large and the other is for the M class bobbins for the long arms.
    I have used the Copic fabric markers before. They are a permant marker and add to your design.

  12. helenmarie says:
    January 23, 2015 at 7:09 am

    I have had trouble with those blue marking pens in the past. I currently use the sewline pencil and love it. It makes a nice fine point. For permanent marking I used a sharpie…. until recently I bought a Frixon when I read that the sharpie will fade over time…. I guess I haven’t quilted long enough for that to happen yet 🙂

    1. dandelionflossRaymonda Crowe says:
      January 23, 2015 at 8:59 am

      What does C50 mean in the instructions for the Mystery Quilt?

      1. WordPress.com Support says:
        January 23, 2015 at 9:21 am

        Thats THE Mystery!

  13. Beverly says:
    January 23, 2015 at 7:32 am

    I use the Sewline pencil and love them! For those who use the Blue water soluble pen, if you have problems with the blue coming out, spray your piece with water and lay a paper towel over it. Pat the paper towel down on the piece, walk away and let it dry. It will pull up any left over color.

  14. Marta. south Georgia says:
    January 23, 2015 at 7:32 am

    Hmm. permanent marking pen…the few times i have needed a permanent pen was for making a label/ID on something due to be turned in at guild asap. I like the Micron pens and the ZIG Millenium pens by Kuretake. I find each in the fine art or the scrapbooking section of the stores. They are archival. We used those when we sewed a snowball block pattern with our guild member signatures in center of the blocks. I also use fabric paint sticks..can’t find them to tell you the brand name. They came in a box of 12. Have you ever had a dark part of a design to land by a seam and it looked like lint ora string? I have tried to pick those off! Thus I touch them up somehow witha paint stick to look like part of fabric design. This especially works well on a pillow cover or wall hanging or if you are seeing a pair of” eyes” where they don;t belong!!

    1. WordPress.com Support says:
      January 23, 2015 at 7:45 am

      Thanks Marta! Great info!

  15. Beverly says:
    January 23, 2015 at 7:37 am

    Lori, I really want to thank you for your blog. I LOVE it. You really have a heart to teach quilters free-motion quilting and you do a great job, too! Your blogs are interesting, your challenges are fun, and I look forward to it each day. It’s the only one I follow daily. Thank you and have a great day.

    1. WordPress.com Support says:
      January 23, 2015 at 7:44 am

      Thank you Beverly! That really means a lit to me!

  16. Hazel Bartoszek says:
    January 23, 2015 at 7:45 am

    I use the blue washable markers there great just spritz a little water on them and there gone .

  17. Bonnie M. says:
    January 23, 2015 at 7:55 am

    The Bobbin Saver ring comes in a jumbo size also…for those XL Bernina bobbins!

  18. Ruth Briggs says:
    January 23, 2015 at 8:00 am

    Instead of free motion zig zag, I used a double needle and two shades of cream thread. I set my Bernina 440 QE on a zig zag pattern using as wide of a stitch as my foot would handle. It made a really pretty stitch, and the back was lovely, also. Since doing this I found a triple needle and will give that a try too.
    For temporary marking, I use a Frixion. It is easy to use and always completely erases with a hot iron. Micron is a great permanent marker, comes in several sizes and is archival. Love your blog, Lori

  19. Carola S. De Pasuale says:
    January 23, 2015 at 8:01 am

    I use Bohinn mechanical pencil ( white), Pat Campbell’s fabric markers, and Roxanne quilters markers ( silver).

  20. Judy says:
    January 23, 2015 at 8:01 am

    I have always enjoyed your blog, but the new changes you have made since the new year have made it even more enjoyable and motivating. Thanks. Go bobbin savers….and frixion pens!

  21. SueP says:
    January 23, 2015 at 8:03 am

    Still swear by the little square bobbin box my grandmother bought me 60 years ago. It holds 24, the bobbins are easy to take out of the box, the color of the thread faces up so there is no searching, it came with a lid (never used it) and since it is a nice little flat box it fits nicely in a drawer. When quilting I fill 5 or 6 bobbins at a time. The second spindle on my machine becomes my “holder” for all the filled bobbins – you can grab one in two seconds when you need it.
    As for permanent markers – rarely use them. The only permanent pen I have ever used (on a label) is Rub-a-Dub Laundry Marking pen!

    1. Eliz says:
      January 24, 2015 at 9:27 am

      It never dawned on me to use the second spindle for wound bobbins. Mine seem to wander all over the place in the middle of a project. Thank you, Sue, for this easy fix!

  22. Patricia says:
    January 23, 2015 at 8:07 am

    Morning……just a note on the Micron pens: I wish they would put the size number on the pen itself instead of the cap. It’s too easy to get those mixed up.
    Thanks for all of the good information.

  23. Linda says:
    January 23, 2015 at 8:15 am

    I use Microns for my quilt labels. I learned online (can’t remember where) to compose the text on my computer, print it, place it on a lightbox, and then place the label fabric over it so that I can trace the lettering. So far none of my quilt labels have faded, and they are washed often.

  24. ecole63 says:
    January 23, 2015 at 8:18 am

    I am looking for someone or a program I can purchase to create a pattern for me to piece from a pdf file I have. It is an emblem from a club I am in and I would like to paper piece the emblem and it it to a quilt. I would need it atleast 16×16 would like it larger to place in the center of a king size bed. Any advice or guidance would be much appreciated. Thanks all, elizabeth

    1. Marta. south Georgia says:
      January 23, 2015 at 8:47 am

      Would a copying machine help? Blow it up as large as possible. Cut the pieces apart. Blow them up individually at the same %. Lay them out to make sure they fit back together. Make pattern pieces from them by adding a seam width around each piece.Just sayin’…I would try that.

  25. Shar says:
    January 23, 2015 at 8:35 am

    I notice some of you are talking about removeable markers and Lori’s question was for permanent pens which are used for label making or in art quilts are sometimes used in embellishing. I think the best are Micron since they come in great widths. But there are other permanent pens that work well. I think you just need to test them on the fabric you are using. Ink works well, too, if you are embellishing. Art stores are a great place to look.

  26. Jan says:
    January 23, 2015 at 9:11 am

    I have a wooden spool rack that can be hung on the wall or stand. It is very similar to your bobbin holder. I love having the colors of the thread visible but worry about dust. I wish there was a clear plastic or plexiglass cover. Do you know if there is anything like that?

    1. Shirll says:
      January 23, 2015 at 10:17 pm

      Hi Jan,
      I made a clear vinyl cover for my large wall rack. I measured then made a deep dart on upper top/sides & bottom/sides so that with both sides creased length of cover, the cover sets over the rack with top, bottom & side edges touching wall. I hope this makes sense. I bought the medium weight vinyl at JoAnns on sale.

  27. Janet says:
    January 23, 2015 at 9:17 am

    Thank you Lori and readers–love all the tips! I love the Mircrons because they are acid free and archival. I also love the Sewline pens. I confess disappearing pens, in general, make me nervous so I use lots of wax free chalk.

    I’m happy to hear that the Frixion needs to be pre tested on batiks. I’ll try it!

    My tip is if you accidentally iron your Frixion marks but still need them, don’t retrace. Put your piece in the freezer for a while and the marks will reappear, more faintly, but they will be there. To get rid of them entirely, soaking the piece several times after completion may keep them from reappearing in cold temps. Show quilts are often mailed and fly to show in cold air plane baggage compartments. They could arrive with Frixion marks that have reappeared on them. Yikes!

    1. Susan Ketcham says:
      January 23, 2015 at 9:40 am

      Chalk is the great standard in sewing clothes. We used it to mark quilt designs and it was perfect.

  28. Rose Peeters says:
    January 23, 2015 at 9:31 am

    Your tips are very helpful and informative.

  29. Joyce says:
    January 23, 2015 at 9:45 am

    I use Micron markers for permanent marking ( mostly for quilt labels). When it comes to temporary marking on my quilt for quilting, I most often use fine point washable Crayola or Rose Art markers. I’ve learned to stay away from reds as they are more stubborn when removing with a cold water rinse.

    Joyce

    1. Kathy says:
      January 24, 2015 at 12:00 pm

      I just bought some of those – new to me – but never thought to use them for quilting! Thanks

  30. Jan says:
    January 23, 2015 at 9:46 am

    Thank you, Lori. I don’t just want to DO fmq…I want to master it. The fmq mystery quilt a long is giving me the incentive and reason to work at a little every day. I have a hard time with “practicing a design” but totally get the step by step leading to try something I may not have done before with a purpose.

    I never tried zigzags but after working with it a while I can add it to my I CAN DO THIS list 🙂

    To answer todays question I have only used permanent markers once..on a friendship quilt..and used Micron pens.

    Thank you again. By the way, I subscribed to the AQS magazine just because of your articles.

    1. Lori Kennedy says:
      January 23, 2015 at 12:36 pm

      Thrilling to hear that you mastered Zig Zags. Just a little practice every day and you will get there way sooner than you think.
      I’m so excited to hear you subscribed to AQ Magazine–there are so many great articles, don’t you think?

  31. Cheri Barker says:
    January 23, 2015 at 10:09 am

    I purchase clear flexible plastic tubing from my hardware store…1 foot will last a long time (1/2″ – 3/4″ interior diameter depending on the size of your bobbin), measure the interior height of your bobbin and use an exacto knife to cut the tube in sections to that size. Slice down the length of the sliced off tubing, and wrap around your bobbin. This will keep the thread from winding off the bobbin. This is a less expensive way than anything else I’ve found.

    1. Lori Kennedy says:
      January 23, 2015 at 12:29 pm

      Great idea!

    2. Dione says:
      January 24, 2015 at 4:40 am

      This is indeed a great idea, I was so excited when I learned this at a workshop I went to a while back. I have been doing this for my bobbins for a while and it works a treat. I found that my quilting friends also love them but some of them found that making their own was a hassle or worse still, that cutting them was quite hard on their older hands and wrists. After I had made them all a batch I found I had kind of perfected my technique, so I started selling them locally to people who don’t want to make their own, and just this week a friend and I opened a little web shop. I call them Happy Bobbin Rings. I am happy to supply a web-link to my shop if anyone thinks they might like to buy them pre-made and Lori doesn’t mind. I don’t want to offend. I love this blog, it’s the only one I never miss a post!

      1. WordPress.com Support says:
        January 24, 2015 at 6:02 am

        Please supply the link! We would love to try them!

  32. Sandra Brown says:
    January 23, 2015 at 10:12 am

    I Am only a beginner…so I always look forward to your posts Lori. You make it easier to understand. Thank you so so much. I use a 2b pencil. And toe sponge separators for my bobbins.

    1. lilquilter says:
      February 1, 2015 at 8:49 pm

      Toe separators – what a great idea! Thanks – I’ve got to try that!

  33. Ness says:
    January 23, 2015 at 10:19 am

    I just used Microns on the labels instead of stitching…I was hoping it would last and was glad to hear good results from other quilters that they do. 🙂

  34. Anne says:
    January 23, 2015 at 10:31 am

    Hi Lori, Lovin’ your site. My question is do your markers not dry out faster standing on end in the frog? I thought one time long ago that it was better to keep them and gel pens laying down to prevent them drying out. I use Micron for labels, chalk for hand quilting and pencil 2h I also use ceramic pencil Bohinn.

    1. Lori Kennedy says:
      January 23, 2015 at 12:28 pm

      I’m laughing out loud right now…I DO store my micron pens in ziploc bags–but that simply is not PHOTOGENIC! I usually store pencils in my frog, but dumped them for the photo-op! I agree, it’s best to store marking pens flat in a ziploc bag or plastic box.

  35. Kathryn says:
    January 23, 2015 at 10:43 am

    I was told to leave my micron pens lying flat. Which I have done in a cigar box and they have been lasting for years. I use them when I make quilt labels.

    1. Lori Kennedy says:
      January 23, 2015 at 12:42 pm

      I think you are right–ink pens last longer when they are flat.

  36. Mary says:
    January 23, 2015 at 10:54 am

    Wow, so many posts, no idea how you have time to respond to all of them!
    I practiced my writing, it is fun, because I “know” where to go. Should I develop the habit of pulling up the bobbin thread each time I start a new word? And then how to end the stitch? I have a “fix” on my machine… Where it stops in place for a few stitches…. But what should I do?
    One inch seems quite large, is there a reason you recommended that? Bigger is easier?
    The zig zag, is / was a challenge… Bad tension for 1/2 of it…. Perhaps this will become the practice piece! My zigs seem to be about 1/2 ” across, and it is reducing the space in the box…. Yours look about an 1/8 of an inch…someday…. Mine might too.

    1. Lori Kennedy says:
      January 23, 2015 at 12:41 pm

      Mary, I try to link the words with a sweeping line so there are less stops and starts. When you start a new line, then pull up the bobbin thread and stitch several very very tiny stitches to secure before beginning the writing. I chose one inch because that was the size of my ruler and it seemed easy to read. Bigger or smaller would work too–

  37. Michelle says:
    January 23, 2015 at 11:14 am

    I really like the Clover Stack-n-store (with Nancy Zieman) Bobbin Tower which I have found at JoAnn Fabric since it holds bobbins securely including capturing the thread ends enough that they don’t unravel creating a thread mess! I’d post a photo if I could, as this is a great tool for me.

    1. Lori Kennedy says:
      January 23, 2015 at 12:37 pm

      Thanks for the tip!

  38. denisezapf says:
    January 23, 2015 at 11:52 am

    I confess I’m not done with my zig zags but the practice has been beneficial. I was having a lot of problems…I was fine going down the line but echoing back up on the left I was crossing over and not able to keep even spacing. Then it dawned on me to try echoing on the right and VOILA! it worked. I have my mystery quilt hanging on my design board and every time I walk into my sewing room I like my zig zags even more.

    I never thought of using the Micron for quilt labels…I have it for marking embroidery patterns, but it is a good idea for quilt labels.

  39. Judy Buzby says:
    January 23, 2015 at 12:53 pm

    Wow, all the comments are Spot on!!! thanks Lori for the Mystery, my zig/zags are progressing… I found that drawing 2 lines on either side of the main line 1/8 out, I am able to hit the line each time and am getting into the rythum of the stitch. The tension is important as I would get the bobbin thread on the tip of each zig or zag when I moved the other way. When I decreased the tension and went slower it was better. I use the micron pens for not only my quilts but also for zentangling. another way to train my mind and keep the synapses charged!!!!

  40. The Lisa Marie says:
    January 23, 2015 at 1:00 pm

    I don’t have a favorite permanent marker. However, 25 years ago when I learned how to quilt, the local quilt shop owner recommended a green Flair marker for marking quilting lines. I test it on every fabric in the quilt before I use it. But, It has never failed to wash out.

  41. Lea Langston says:
    January 23, 2015 at 1:23 pm

    Those Frixion pens are wonderful. I use them around my longarm quilter a lot. Just touch them with a warm iron and they are gone.

  42. Ann Waddle says:
    January 23, 2015 at 9:34 pm

    I have been working on a project that has.to.be.finished, so the mystery has been delayed. HOWEVER, I am now in the midst of it. I have just been practicing zigging and zagging and echoing and trying some writing. I have a really busy week and think I will practice a few minutes each day, and next weekend, I will have time to put the pieces together on the real quilt! Thanks so much for your blog and your fun suggestions.

  43. Barb E says:
    January 24, 2015 at 8:02 am

    To keep my bobbins from unravelling I use clear tubing cut at a little less then 1/4″ and split it on one side. I saw this on a Fons & Porter show and it works great. It wraps around the bobbin and you can still easily see the color of your thread. I really like the idea of the straw in your thread to put the bobbin on top. I will try this one soon. Thanks

  44. Pingback: Evidence and Deduction: The Mystery Quilt-a-Long | The Inbox Jaunt
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