Friday, September 24, 2010

Before and after

It might have scared you if I'd shown you the during photos of the great fabric stash clean up so I'm happy to just say that it's done and the five bags of orphaned fabrics will be going to a worthy cause soon I hope.
I don't have the fortitude to go diving into the bins under the table just yet.
I've been testing again, I did a barter with a blog buddy and got these Crayola washable markers a while back which I've been using. I haven't found the fine tipped ones here in Australia, just the thick ones and they're no good for my purposes.

 I recently read about these pens from England.  They are Berol handwriting pens that are designed to wash out of clothing and used by young children learning to write with a pen. They make a nice fine line but again, not available here.
I bought a pile off EBay which was the cheapest option and they cost around $AU 1.60 each including postage. You can get dark blue, light blue and black.
Both test samples went into cool water but then I decided to switch them to a bowl of warm soapy water. I used the dish washing liquid that was sitting on the bench since it was handy.
They sat in the water for 45 minutes while I went and did other things. I did swish them a few times at the beginning.
The results speak for themselves, not a skerrick of a mark on either sample. You can read more test results on the Berol pens over on the Feather On A Wire blog here.
As always, I'd recommend that you do your own testing.
And just because I'd like a progress photo on my blog.
No free motion Friday today, I haven't organised myself, maybe I'll get on the machine today.

73 comments:

Jocelyn said...

Oh Wow thanks for the test results! I did not know about these for marking fabric. Great tip. And great job on your organization!

Unknown said...

Always love those side by side tests. I think they are a great way to see the difference in the products. Thanks for doing yours. And ACK!! I am in love with your quilt!! Just amazing!!

Hen House Studio said...

Can I come shopping now in your cupboards?

Sandie @ crazy'boutquilts said...

Great organization, but I am really drooling over your quilt top!! It looks fantastic!! :-)

Jeanette said...

You quilt top is absoltely amazing! What an heirloom you have made!

Meredith said...

The quilt top looks great. You must be happy.

Teresa Rawson said...

Wow! Good cleaning and organizing...want to do my sewing room?? LOL

Your Stars and Sprigs is SO lovely!! I am so eager for the pattern to go up for sale!! Your colors and technique are so wonderful!

In stitches,
Teresa :o)

John'aLee said...

What an inspiration your organized stash is! I love what you shared about the pens too...and my oh my...that is one beauty of a quilt!

Blogless me said...

Absolutely amazing colours in your quilt top. I love the sharpness of the stars next to the curvines of the flowers.

Loris said...

Your quilt is beautiful! Love the colors!

Terry said...

Wow! Your quilt just looks more amazing every time I see it! Love the washable markers too! I have a blue one I use but sometimes it's very light.

Rebecca Merry said...

I ONLY use the crayola washables!! I've left them on a quilt for OVER a year and have had no problem getting them to wash completly out. They are sooo much cheaper that the more expensive markers specifically for quilting too. LOVE THEM!!

Karen said...

The quilt is coming along beautifully! You can be very proud of it.

Taryn said...

I kind of liked the before photo of your stash cupboard. It was kind of exciting and dangerous looking. Those berol pens look very tempting. I am going to have to try to track some down. I am always looking for the next best marking tool.

Sherri said...

Love your before and after photos...and your process photo...wow...what a quilt...amazing!

Nat Palaskas said...

Thanks for the pen review Janet. I don't use them but I can see they would be good for my DGD to play with. Your stash blasting is interesting to compare. Love looking at your quilt and the two borders, lovely! Hugs Nat

Thimbleanna said...

You're making great progress on your quilt Janet. And very interesting about the pens. I'm thinking I've missed something? Are you looking for a replacement for the blue quilting pens?

Sequana said...

Congrats on your organizing! I'm doing the very same thing, and it doesn't go quickly, does it? But Oh, what a reward. *S*

Quilts And Pieces said...

Oh the progress on there is AWESOME! I've heard about those Berol pens before. Don't think I've ever seen them in the US either.

Janet said...

So what are your purposes for the crayola markers?? :0) Thanks for the test and results - I had no idea they were THAT washable! We have those markers all over the house.
Your Stars and Sprigs quilt is beyond words amazing!!

PatchworkRose said...

Thank you for tat wonderful photo on the progress of your quilt Janet. I it jaw dropping :-)
Have a great Weekend
Cheers
Lynne

Sharon said...

Great test on the markers. Your sprigs is absolutely superb. I would love to see this in person. Wow!

Lori said...

I always love to hear about a product that may not for quilting specific but works wonders, Thanks for the test:)

Oh my! I may faint at your beautiful quilt with the two borders attached. You must be so pleased with it!!

Kerry said...

Thanks for the heads up on the product testing. I am happy to learn from your experience and will definitely have a look for them. Love your applique work!

Vicki ♥ said...

Those pens look like good ones to get. Might have to search them out ...thanks for showing us. I love your quilt..that is one stunning quilt and a lot of work has gone into it and it is really lovely :) Give yourself a pat on the back...fabulous :)

Unknown said...

PHEW! what a Big Job you've had with your Fabric's...Great Stash you have...thanks for the tip on the Pen..works a treat...Enjoy your Weekend.
cheers

mbroider said...

Pull me up, i have fainted.... Wonderful wonderful quilt!!!

Also thanks for the tip on Beron, loved it.

Shirley said...

Well you learn something new everyday. Here I am in England and didn't know about the berol pens. Will have a look for some of them when I next go in to town. That cupboard looks like it might have some space now for a few more pieces of fabric. The quilt is looking fab.
Love Shirley.x

Rachaeldaisy said...

Well done cleaning up your stash! Did you find any lovely surprises? Thanks for the info about the pens and markers. I learn so much from you! Words can't express how stunning your quilt is. It's like a good book, I can't wait to see it finished but I also want you to keep working on it so we keep getting regular glimpses.

Unknown said...

I've been using the Crayola pens to mark for quilting - love them - yes they are a bit thick but I'm using them generally for 'guidance' - I'm hunting myself here in the UK for the Berol fineliner washable pens -unfortunately they only seem to come in sets of multiple colours, but I'll by them when those I use mainly in the Crayola pack run out (or hopefully I'll be able to get to a good art/pen shop and buy a select range of colours of the Berol separately)

Marit said...

Your shelves looks very inviting now! And it is lovely to see the progress picture. Some "jobs" take a bit of time, and are so worth it!
; )

Kath said...

Thankyou for the tip about the pens. I do live in England but I havent seen these, probably because my son is 21! I was wondering about markeres that are non permanent, as I am a new quilter. I dont imagine I would wash a whole quilt, so could you suggest a pen that maybe fades out over time, or can be brushed away? I am thinking of when I do my hand quilting. thankyou.
I love the photo of your beautiful quilt in progres, Im very pleased you posted it.

Theresa said...

Janet - thankyou, your pen testing has just saved me a trip to the shops. I had lost the pen that I trace stitcheries with but...I had a stack of Berol pens from the when the children were at school...just tested one and it washed out perfectly so I've sat and traced a stitchery...in record time too!
Your stars and sprigs looks wonderful, I can't wait for the pattern to be available in a few weeks time.

antique quilter said...

I am still nervous about using those markers long term
guess I am a worrier!
oh your quilt is just beautiful I would love to have that one hanging in my home!
Kathie

Janet said...

You Stars and Sprigs is just lovely. You should be so proud.
Wow, your cabinet is very neat.
What are planning on using the markers for?
Janet

kim mclean said...

Very neat Janet, I think you need to fill up those empty spaces in your fabric cupboard! Your S & S is looking great. Cheers, Kim McL

Kaaren said...

Your quilt is simply amazing, Janet. I don't know what else to say so I'll just sit and stare a while longer.

I know it's an overwhelming job but don't you feel re-energized after organizing your stash cupboard?

Great info on the washable markers.

*karendianne. said...

Yeah, "...and just because I like a progress photo on my blog" was a fun way to slide in my favorite Stars & Sprigs. What a great place to photograph this amazing quilt, too. Do you know, at this very moment, I have the biggest 'karen apple cheek' smile on my face? I do! Oh man. You do me good my friend, you do me so much good!

alobsiger said...

OHhhhhhhhhhh! Your Sprigs and Stars, Janet! I'm just swooning over here. May keep that open on my computer all day so I can gaze at it. Beautiful!! Very much appreciate the marker tests too. I'd always heard that green Flair (brand) pens also washed out but never tried it. I'll have to sneak some markers from dear daughter's desk while she's at school!

Carol said...

Your cupboard looks wonderful...amazing results with the pens and your quilt...OMG! Breathtaking!

Miriam said...

Wow, what a transformation with your fabric stash! Very organised!
Thank you for the information about the water soluble markers.
Stars and Sprigs is stunning!!!

onlymehere said...

This quilt is so beautiful and will certainly be an instant heirloom. Thanks for the tip on the markers. I wouldn't have thought of them.

Crispy said...

I do love my Crayolas and will have to see if I can get the berols to try out.

Your cupboard looks lovely!! Is there a betting pool to see how long is stays this nice? If there is put me down for 2 hours after you start your next large applique project :0)

Crispy

Doris said...

Wow, you have been a busy girl! The stars quilt is gorgeous!

Stina Blomgren said...

Havent seen those pens around here.. but will have a lookout for them.. thanks for the tip!!
I am right in the middle of organizing and cleaning up in my sewing room ... after the exhibition sewing... yikkes... havent had the lust or the energy until now... or maybe the NEED...:o) And am almost finished.. and it feels wonderful.. maybe some sewing will be done this weekend.. ..and before I forget.. WOW.. LOve the progress on your quilt.. it is absolutely magnificent!!! :o9

Donna Keating said...

You quilt is exquisite! So colorful and vibrant -- plus I absolutely love stars.

imquilternity said...

OMG....your quilt!! It's stunning....absolutely stunning! Wow.

Funoldhag said...

Looks like I see lots of beautiful Kaffee fabrics in your nice, orderly stash. I want you to know that I think your quilts are spectacular!! Carol

Munaiba said...

Five bags of orphaned fabric!!! Oh my. I love the quilt top it will be stunning when it's finished.

Teresa said...

Your quilt is breathtaking! Beautiful. I can't wait to see it completed.

Teresa said...

Your quilt is breathtaking! Beautiful. I can't wait to see it completed.

Anonymous said...

That cupboard may quite possibly be like The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe.. filled with all sorts of quilty wonderment and delight...!!! ; )

Thank you for the pen and marker review. Very interesting. I am familiar with Berol pencils, but not the pens. Hmmm. Will have to look for some!

Your borders are looking smashing! Good to get the browns done with and tidied up, lickity split then! Onto FUN and colorful leaves and such. ; ) Will be watching and drooling, Janet!

Martha said...

You may have inspired me to clean up my fabrics -- yours look wonderful.

Your quilt is breathtaking -- the fabulous pattern, the perfect stitching, the luscious fabrics -- it's all just so amazing.

When I look at your quilts, I find myself feeling mainly inspired, but also a little bit depressed that my work will never be this beautiful.

Anonymous said...

you must be pleased with yourself, well done.

cheers
Christine

Angie said...

Your quilt is absolutely breathtaking!!! And thanks bunches for the pen tests/tips. I'm going to look for the Berol pens here in the southeast USA. :)

wishes, true and kind said...

That quilt top is so beautiful, it hurts! It's a show stopper!!!

Julie in the Barn said...

Thanks so much for the washable pen test. I'll have to keep my eye out for those pens. Your quilt top is just amazing! A real stunner.

LuAnn said...

The Stars and Sprigs quilt is just breathtaking. Wow!!! Great job on sorting out those old fabrics and organizing.

Sally Anne said...

Magnificent work Janet. Your version of the Stars and Sprigs is so beautiful I can't stop looking at it !!
I think I am going to have to buy the pattern as soon as it is available...can't wait !

Sue-Anne said...

Stars & Sprigs looks fantastic!!!!
That's interesting about the pens, I haven't heard of them before, I am assuming you were testing them for marking out for applique? Your cupboard looks very very neat, can you come and clean up mine please?

Anonymous said...

Drooling here....wow, wow and OMGoodness WOW!!

Lisa said...

Your quilt is breathtaking, Janet. Thanks for the tip about the markers. I may have to check them out. How long do you think your cupboard will look like that?!

Janet said...

That is a be-u-ti-ful quilt! I've just recently heard about using washable felts for marking and bought some two days ago. I'll have to try the test.

Ivory Spring said...

Oh my,

Your quilt top is phenomenal!

Barb said...

hey, nice organizing!
I have had great luck with the washable makers. Thanks for the test photos, they were great.
Your quilt is absolutely a feast for the eyes - wonderful!

Gisele said...

Congratulations on completing such a mammoth task Janet & thanks for posting about the pen tests, really helpful to know. I'm familiar with the Berol pens which I've seen in our local School supplies shop in the past. Let me know if you need more & I can pop down & see if they still stock them.No trouble sending you some. Stars & Sprigs is looking fabulous!

pratima said...

Your quilt is so breathtaking! The sparkle of colors against pure white is stunning! Thank you for the tips about the markers :)

Dixie Howard said...

Words cannot describe how beautiful your progress quilt is - the border is just amazing. Thanks for the review of the marking tools. Will have to stock up!

Kim D. said...

Your cupboard looks so organized, great job! Are you using the crayola's to mark your quilt for quilting? Your quilt is gorgeous, can't wait to see it quilted.

The Quilted Finish said...

Great before and after photos of your stash tidy up.
Always looking for new markers, thanks.
Love, love, love your quilt!!

Corrie said...

oh what a pretty stash! I'm too embarrassed to show my stash - one double wardrobe and lots of plastic tubs piled to the ceiling - it ain't pretty!

oh and the quilt so far, gorgeous! you are one clever lady

Corrie:)

Nanette Merrill said...

Wow good info on the markers. Your stash cleaned up so great. Ant this quilt is fabulous.

Joan said...

Your work is so stunning Janet...I really admire what you do and your patience!