Signature Quilt Help

[sewengel]

I know you guys can help me with this problem. I have volunteered to make a signature quilt by June 3rd. I need help finding a pattern, cheap and easy. On the 3rd I will have everyone sign it and then quilt it later. Any suggestions on what to sign with. Any suggestions for the pattern is appreciated.

Sharon

[sewengel]

A Rail Fence is about as easy a block to make as they come. Use the colors you need/want on the outer strips and white or muslin for the center strip. Easiest way to do the block is to strip piece the three fabrics, then sub cut them into squares. A 6" finished block is a nice size. So that means each of the strips would be 2 1/2" wide and finish at 6 1/2". Subcut at 6 1/2".

Buy about 6 Pigma Pens from JoAnns or Michaels. I like a chunkier size about a .5 or .8 . Black is best. If only the blocks will be at the function, then you can mark a 1/4" seam allowance on the white strip's outer raw edges with a blue washout marker to let the signers know not to write past the line. Then take the blocks home, remove the blue marker and then heat press them to fix the ink.

Or if you have time, you can set the quilt top, and bring that to the event. No need then to mark each block's edges, except maybe on the outermost edges, if there is no border.

Here's some examples... The first one is set on point with a border. The second one is also on point with sashing and cornerstones but no border. The third one is strait set without signatures but with appliques. They all used 6" blocks.

[sewengel]

Michelle -- I cannot thank you enough. I just drew a blank. I like the first picture with the blocks on point. I will have the top made so I won't have to worry about seam allowances. WOW, thanks again. TQS is the greatest.

Sharon in Colorado

[Sewdreamy]

Sharon, Sounds like you have your plan already, but thought I'd mention that if you own Electric Quilt 5, 6, or 7, they have several signature quilt blocks in their collection.

[sewengel]

Betty Jo, I don't have a EQ, but it's on my list for purchasing this year. Thanks, Sharon

[Sewdreamy]

Sharon, Hope you can. I don't know what I'd do without mine...helps eliminate the need for much math. :lol: :lol: Plus it helps with deciding how to quilt things, and auditioning fabrics together, etc.

[loise98]

Sharon, Hope you can. I don't know what I'd do without mine...helps eliminate the need for much math. :lol: :lol: Plus it helps with deciding how to quilt things, and auditioning fabrics together, etc.

I have a Mac. Does anyone here run Electric Quilt on a Mac? Maybe I should start a different thread to get that answer. Lois

[Reetzbobeetz]

Lois, I have a Mac too and I am pretty sure they don't run on a Mac :cry: If anyone knows of a programme that would work on a Mac please let us know. Thanks.

Michelle what great suggestions you gave Sharon - I must try to remember them! :roll:

And Sharon, good luck with the quilt.

[Franceslovesfabric]

Sharon,
Before I subcut my Rail Fence blocks, I iron a strip of freezer paper to the white. It helps stabilize the fabric and makes it easier for people to sign. I only do this if I am going to have people sign the blocks and then I put the quilt together later. I just made one at the end of last year and I used colored Pigma pens. I usually use the black and I have never had problems with the ink running if I set it with an iron. I figured the colored pens would be the same, but they weren't, they ran even though I set them with an iron.

Frances

[sewengel]

Frances -- that is a wonderful suggestion, that of course, I wouldn't have thought of. You girls are the best.

Thanks, Sharon