Just started "my whimsical garden quilt" by Piece o' Cake. Has anyone done one of their patterns? Their appliques technique seems to have many steps. The step I am having problems with is where you transfer the pattern onto clear vinyl. I am using a permanent marker but it seems to wipe off. Any suggestions?

I really like the Piece of Cake applique patterns. Sorry I can't help with your issue tho. I've not used vinyl.

The vinyl is only to guide you in the placement. To me is kind of an extra step I can do without.

How do you get accurate placement? Any special tricks? I also felt the vinyl was an over-the-top method. First attempt at applique.

Hmmmm I acquired one--think it is the same one. I have yet to complete the first block! Someone got all the blocks and started one but I did not like her technique so I started over. She gave it to my DIL and she gave it to me. Another lady has done one and it is stunning and she gave me all of her overlays so I did not have to do them. I get sidetracked and it is an UFO that we talked about today. LOL

Permanent markers work better on the clear overlays used on overhead projectors. They would probably work just as well as the vinyl. :D:D:D

I avoid at any cost patterns that require accurate placement. I like to do my own thing and make my quilts very unpredictable.

When I'm doing an applique that has a distinct pattern that needs to be followed. I take the paper that I printed it out on and tape it to a window and place my material over it and trace it out with my blue Dritz water soluable marker. When I'm done I just spray the block with water and set it aside and marks all gone. :thumbup:

Overhead markers Hum! Never thought of that. I will try that and also the idea of the window. I have a "light box". Made it myself with a piece of plexiglas and a small lamp in a box. Forgot I even had it.

Thanks for all the suggestions. I think it will be a work in progress for many, many years. I might have bitten off more than I can sew.

Carol :thumbup:

I use a Sharpie fine tip permanent marker and have never had a problem, you do need to give it a second or two to dry.