I do want to let you know of a little experiment that I'm conducting at the moment. I'm tired of paying high prices for marking tools. So I decided to test the children's Crayola washable markers. Hence the experiment is called the "Crayola Experiment". Perhaps I should call it the Crayola Affair, it sounds much more catchy!It was started on July 5, 2007 and will continue for quite some time. It dawned on me that if these markers actually wash out, why wouldn't they be good for marking quilts? I think I paid like $4.00 for eight (8) colours. For this experiment, I'm mainly concentrating on the black marker. I will report as I obtain more data from my experiment, at which case the detail (variable) will be explained.
As you can see I have all of these four (4) inch squares, marked and machine quilted. I do have one that is marked and not machine quilted. I also made blocks using the other colours and I will just let them sit till the end of the experiment. I intend on washing a block every 7 days, making the project last approximately 10 weeks. I figure I wouldn't want a marked quilt sitting for longer than that anyway.For those scientific minds here are the products:
Fabric - pre-washed cotton fabric (quilt store quality) - No fabric softener (I don't use the stuff for my fabrics)
Batting: Left over Warm & Natural unbleached and unwashed
Thread: Coats & Clark Machine Quilting & Craft 100% Mercerized Cotton - Off white #470 - size 50 Egypt
Stencil: KQK Designs 2 1/2 - Q15 - Kitty
Laundry soap: Arm & Hammer Liquid - Powerfully Clean - Naturally Fresh - Clean Burst
This is block 1 (one). I thought I would test the stencil as is, without washing. My daughter had used her crayons to trace it out about two (2) years ago. I figured, most of us do not wash our stencils after each used. Well, unless they are a mess like this one was at first. The block was washed on July 8th. As you can see, the marks have washed out. I did put a Dye Catch sheet in the wash, just in case. The block was washed with a light load of laundry! Everything came out clean.Thanks for stopping by. I do hope that you will be as excited about the Crayola Affair as I am. They mark fabric well, unlike the blue one's where I feel I need to go over the line a couple of times just to be able to see it.
On July 17, 2007, I shall be attending a Seminar given by Pam Damour, who is dubbed "The Decorating Diva" (I'm quoting this from the spew on her seminar). Since I have not been born with the decorating gene, I thought I'd educate myself. This seminar is for a benefit, which makes it even more appealing. Not only will I become educated in the decorating domain, but I also assist in a good cause. Bonus!
Have a great day every one!
24 comments:
Hi,
I always use the Crayola washable markers and never have had a problem. Our local quilt shop has stopped stocking the blue wash out markers because they are so unreliable. The crayola markers are great...the only thing is that you HAVE to use soap to get the markers out. You cannot just soak your quilt, as you would with the blue markers.
Thanks for doing this experiment. I have the markers, bought for the very same reason. I have not gotten around to using them yet. I will be watching your blog to see how things work out.
Cool experiment, and I'm surprised the two comments before mine mention already using them--or intending to use them. I never thought of it or heard of it before. I've been using a white Pat Campbell pencil or a regular graphite pencil, depending on background color, and both work just fine, but every so often, I need something else--this would be a good alternative!
Fantastic experiment. Can't wait to hear the outcome. I have been using Elmer's Washable School Glue for applique basting for sometime now. It washes out perfectly. If used cautiously, I can get just as fine a bead as the expensive quilters brand.
Thanks for sharing--- Great Tip...
Wonderful project - thank you so much! I have had a box of these crayone for so long, trying to get "a round tuit" experiment, but haven't, and have been afraid to try on a 'real' quilt, when I actually think of it. The blue markers are just another too-high expense, and need to buy them fresh - another trip to store!, and I DO want something less costly. Keep up the good work.
I recently experimented with a washable red crayola on white muslin - I was practicing feathers - I was disappointed that it left quite a bit of pink in the fabric - I rinsed it, soaked it, and washed it using All Free and Clear Laundry Detergent. I was nervous enough about the results that I didn't want to risk it on a "real" quilt top. Maybe different colors of marker come out easier than others - too bad about the red - it showed up great on the muslin and was so easy for me to follow my design.
LJ
Wow, wonderful experiment. I'll be watching your reports.
I'll just add my own experience - I used the green one on a test quilt. It did become permanent.
i was in the wall (walmart) this morning and they have the school supplies out already and when it gets closer to September the crayola and elmers is on sale for dirt cheap!! Glue sticks are $.20 and so are the boxes of crayons and i do believe the boxes of markers are $.88. It's a great deal--I stock up every september!!! I will be monitoring your little experiment!! Einstein would be proud!!!
I too will be awaiting your final results. My grandchildren use washable markers at my house for art and so far we've had no accidental stains on clothing or furniture that I'm aware of.
I planned to do the same with watercolor pencils. Will try to post it similar to what you are doing!
Great idea!
I'm hooked on your experiment. I'll be waiting for the next lab.
You know how if you use one of those blue washout markers and then put your quilt/block in the car to go somewhere. You stop for lunch and your quilt/block is in the hot car. The heat sets the blue and it won't wash out. You should try this with the Crayola markers.
You just want to keep colouring in like when you were little.........he he...I have tagged you on my blog....take a look.........
WOW thanks for that great tip. I can't wait to tell my Mom too cause she is the hand quilter in the family.
What a good experiment. I never even thought about those - probably because my kids are way past the Crayola stage. Are you going to try other colours?
Did you put up a special lab for this experiment LOL
Thanks for the tip - I'm going to raid the childrens' art box and try it myself. It will be so much cheaper and easier if it works!
Fantastic tip about the washable Crayola markers! I will be giving them a try too.
I have used the markers for years and have never had a problem yet. Glad you're finding a way to save a little fabric $!
Carole-- this is a fantastic service you're providing here! I admit to being one who never would have even thought of Crayola markers; and why? I don't know, it only makes so much sense. I have a box FULL of marking tools and am forever adding new ones, too. Many have been used with less than satisfactory results, and they're not cheap, either. Can't wait for more data to be revealed... thanks!
good luck with the experiment. Hope your machine is ok. I do not enjoy dropping mine off for service. Enjoy the decorating seminar let us know what you learned.
I have had good and bad success with these markers. With one quilt, the marks would not wash out and it was on white patches. The only way I could get rid of them was by using a bleach pen (lucky for me the backing was white). Other times, they wash out very well and have been on for almost a year. Now, I test first on my fabrics to see if they will wash out well or not. I have heard that you should stay away from the red and blue markers.
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