3 Questions: Fabric Pens, Pinked Edges, & Siggy Blocks?

This post will answer some questions that were asked in the comments section when the 101 Blocks post was written.

1. First, Kathie wondered about the quality of the fabric pen that I used to sign the siggy blocks or "signature" blocks. Here's a picture of my pens:

I have used these Pigma Micron pens for several projects but have never washed an item after using them--always assuming that they are permanent as advertised. 

To be able to answer Kathie's question, I just washed a leftover siggy block to test the pen. The ink seemed to hold up well and didn't fade or smear.

2. Second question, Sherrin asked about the zig-zags on the edges of the blocks I made. Here's a picture of an extra siggy that wasn't mailed. Can you see the pinked edges on both sides of the printed fabric?

They are pinked when Moda manufactures the pre-cuts they produce. Honey Buns are strips that are 1 1/2" wide and 45" long. For this block I cut strips that were 4 1/2" long that were sewn on each side of a Kona white 2 1/2" x 4 1/2" piece to produce the siggy block. I'm guessing the pinked edges just help with any fraying.

3. And the third question was by Val who lives in the UK who said she has no clue what siggy blocks are. Val, quilters all over the United States, and in fact all over the world, make siggy (signature) blocks to swap.

I joined in a Modern Siggy Swap and made 101 blocks (like the one above) which were mailed to the coordinator of the Swap. She will divvy out all the blocks she receives from participants so everyone will receive one of my blocks, and I will receive a block from each of the participants. It's exciting because there are so many different fabrics that will be sewn together to make a very colorful quilt.

I love this idea because I will end up completing a quilt that has a block in it from quilters all over the world with their names and where they live.

Here's a link to some Flickr pictures of siggies which show some of the blocks others have made for this Swap. I'll receive some of those blocks you see pictured.

I hope this helps to answer everyone's questions.

~Deb

Comments

[Kathie]

Thanks for the info, Deb. I will take my coupons from Joanns Fabrics and Michaels and see if they have it. We use our pens to sign quilt labels.

I haven't touched my pinking shears in years...not since I got my serger.

I've enjoyed all your posts lately. Even enjoyed browsing through the Siggy Swap link. Thanks so much!