Monday, February 1, 2010

Testing and Experimenting

I belong to a wonderful quilt group and they have decided to do a signature block swap. Well, I decided not to join. Why? Because I cannot write, lol. I have the worst handwriting, my brain does not connect to my hand during writing, so I scribble. The girls were unrelenting and talked me into doing it with them, so I guess I am going to have to practice my penmanship skills, what little I have, that is. Today I decided to try out some pens and markers, I have, to see how they would wash up.

I should have taken a picture before hand, but I did write the names of the pens, so you can see what ones show up, after a wash.
Some washed right out, as you can see from the blank spaces and ones like the rub a dub and the Zig writer, bled out a bit in the wash. It was a fun test though and I still think my faber castell artist's pen, writes the best and holds it's ink. I also did this on a piece of fabric with no backing, so it was harder to write. Someone mentioned using freezer paper to support it, while I write, so I will try that on a small block to get the hang of writing on fabric.



Another project I am working on is, a crazy block. Every one is talking about making the new wool crazy blocks and I have always wanted to make one, so I made one up to practice on. Some stitches I can figure out, some make no sense. I added a few appliques and will do stitchery and maybe some words in the rest of the blocks. I might just bind it and use it as a hanging, way too much work to make a whole quilt like this;) Taking a picture with flash is tough with so many colors, came out way too bright.

18 comments:

  1. I love!!! your crazy quilt..it is just puurrrfffeeeccctt.:)

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  2. Debbie, it's interesting to see the result of the test you did.
    Very nice crazy quilt!
    Imi

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  3. That crazy block is wonderful!! Let us know about your test results please!

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  4. I LOVE THIS QUILT!! Way to go!! Now you have inspired me to keep going on my crazy quilt!! I know it's a lot of work but it is SO worth it!! Keep going..just gorgeous!
    Paulette

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  5. I LOVE THIS QUILT!! Way to go!! Now you have inspired me to keep going on my crazy quilt!! I know it's a lot of work but it is SO worth it!! Keep going..just gorgeous!
    Paulette

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  6. Debbie ~
    I LOVE the crazy quilt block :-)
    Lauren

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  7. I hear ya bout the penmanship..As I get older mine gets worse..Love the crazy patch, colors blend and looks like it is going to be gorgeous.. Have a great day ........
    Maggey

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  8. Your crazy block is CRAZY BEAUTIFUL! :)

    As for the hand writing thing... oh my can I totally understand that! I cannot write legibly at all! I think it is related to all the computer typing I do now 'cause back in high school I could write pretty. :)

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  9. How about using a fancy font on the computer and tracing it??

    The quilt block is nice...

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  10. ooohh Deb! Lovin the wool crazy quilt block!! You crack me up with the handwriting thing! I am always searching for a pen that wont bleed, and will write on fabric without being sooo bold!

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  11. The wool crazy quilt is so great. I just love it! Maria

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  12. Oh Debbie- you are something else - what you started this crazy quilt like 5 minutes ago and look at all you have done - beautiful

    Can't help you with the handwriting thing - In 4th grade I got my only "D" of my life in handwriting - still hasn't improved 40 some years later!

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  13. Hi Debbie, A crazy quilt is on my wish list...yours is just beautiful. I was just part of a signature block swap...it's so great to receive all the blocks from everyone. One tip for any ink on fabric is that you can set the ink with an iron before you wash it. I have a bunch of extra pigma pens that I use on fabric. If you want to email me your address, I'll send you a couple pens to try. You can also write your signature once and copy it on a printer on freezer paper. Then you have the stability of the paper and you can trace your signature on every block.
    Take care,
    ~Karen~

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  14. Cute crazy quilt!
    Great idea to test the pens. Your writing is fine. I can read it and that is what counts. Freezer paper is great to use on the back as a stabilizer or you use a piece of fine grain sandpaper to hold the fabric in place as you write. Have fun with your blocks.

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  15. I gave up quilting looong ago,BUT I've always wanted to make a Crazy quilt. And this one that you've done, well it's a true work of Folk Art!!!! I LOVE it!!!! I picture it in a neat old vintage or antique frame!!!!
    Writing???? Well the older & sicker that I get,the worse it gets. Would love to have the talent of doing calligraphy. That ain't gonna happen LOL!!!!
    Did I say how much I LOVE your quilt,well I do!!!!!
    Sherry aka:The Queen
    From Sherry's Heart

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  16. Your wool crazy test quilt is a keeper for sure!! I love it!!

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  17. Love that Crazy wool block! That is so awesome!

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