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I have been researching ways to incorporate photos into quilts. I've done some research and narrowed it down to three photo fabric or the other option is using the Bubble Jet Set 2000 and Bubble Jet Set Rinse.
Was curious what everyone has tried and the results they have had. If they weren't so pricey it would be fun to do a comparison on several to see which is best.
Looking forward to reading the replies!
May your seams be straight, your bindings be strong and your quilts be loved...
From what I've read, the ink used in the printer is at least as important as the fabric or fixative.
There is another way.
You can upload photos to services like Spoonflower on line and have them print them to fabric. I have had good results from Spoonflower. The smallest piece you can have printed is fat quarter sized but if you want smaller you could get several on one fat quarter sized piece. It is fairly easy to prepare and upload the photos and there are several types of fabric available.
I know there are other on line fabric printing services but I only have experience with Spoonflower. Not affiliated, just a happy customer.
I have always used fabric sheets from The Electric Quilt Company, electricquilt.com, with good results. It is 100% cotton, 200 thread count fabric that takes the ink printing well. I used it for the pictures in avatar memory quilt.
I have also used The Electric quilt Company with great results.
I have used the Bubble Jet Set and I don't really think the photos last as long as when using a professional photo transfer fabric. It is expensive no matter what method you use... the big drawback for me when using the bubble jet set is if I only want it for one label.... I still have to prepare enough for more. Although it certainly goes a long way... and lasts a long time. (the solution that is) because you should use the prepared fabric in a very short time for optimal performance.
I have tried both the Bubble Jet 2000 along with the rinse and photo paper. I find the pictures done using Bubble Jet weren't as bright & didn't last as long as photos done with photo paper.
I've tried Printed Treasures, but I agree with bjchad that Spoonflower is really the way to go if you want something nice for a reasonable price (and assuming the photos are yours since Spoonflower won't print photos you downloaded online or such).
I use Printed Treasures for my quilt labels & it's okay for that being in all black & that way I don't have much waste, but the quality is just so-so & over time the ink fades even when you follow all the instructions about how to set the ink carefully.
I remember suggestions on this site of getting the photos professional printed on fabric so not to have any lost of the photo print.
A Good Friend, like an old quilt, is both a Treasure and a Comfort
I have tried Bubble Jet Set several times. I don't like the results. Colors get muted and are not sharp. It also fades with washing.
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