Jane's Quilt Project

Hi to all summer conference friends! I started working on my plans for Jane's quilt project and wanted to share a couple of tips.
If you are going to use the men's handkerchief squares (available in pkg. of 12 at Wal-Mart for about $6 or $7), wash them before doing any artwork on them. The ink/paint will take to the fabric better.

If you iron the fabric to a piece of freezer paper it will be easier to color. Be sure to have the glossy side of paper face up and it will very lightly adhere to the fabric, giving it more stability. It won't stick tight, so will need to be handled gently. Then you can staple or tape the fabric and paper to a piece of posterboard for a smooth surface for the kids to work on.

Sharpie markers will color nicely on the fabric, but you will need to use a very light touch. The ink will spread slightly on the fabric, so a fine point marker works best for outlining, then fill in with the broader points. It is also helpful to allow some drying time between outlining and filling in.

To prevent smearing, keep a tissue or piece of paper under the heel of your hand while coloring (so your hand doesn't rub on the fabric).

You can buy fabric markers that are water-soluble in the quilt/fabric section of a craft store. This would be a good way for kids to draw their designs onto the fabric. I was able to print my design on a computer and by using a light box I could see through to trace it - even through the freezer paper. If you don't have a light box, designs could be taped to a window and the freezer paper/fabric taped over it for tracing.

Hope these ideas help. Have fun!
Debbie