Jeanette, it sure doesn't sound dumb to me. I used to consider using the store bought ones but I have a wonderful friend who appraises quilts and she talked me into doing my own labels simply because of the historical value later on. The more information that is known about a quilt the higher the value. I tend to make my quilts with the idea that they will last a generation or two (or four!) and so I keep that in mind when making a label. There is no right or wrong way though and if you are comfortable with using the little store bought labels then that is good too. The key is that you are using a label and as long as it has your name on it and the date that is really all that counts.

If you decide to make quilts to enter into shows or Challenges, you will need to do a regular label like the kind many of us are talking about here. Some shows have very specific information they require on the quilt label and sometimes, depending on how many shows it is in, your quilt could actually end up with several labels to meet each requirement. And for shows, the reason for adding the date to your label isn't just to know when you made it but because many shows have a time limit, especially shows at a national level. Once you have put the very last stitch into your quilt you only have 2 years to enter it into as many quilt shows and Challenges as you would like, unless it is an antique quilt. Those are an entirely different catagory all together.

Sadly, I have given away all my quilts so I literally do not have a label I can take a picture of to show you. I've just finished making a baby quilt for my soon to arrive grandson (due Feb 10th) and I haven't made a label for it yet. I'll make sure to take a picture and post it once done so you can see exactly what I am talking about. That said, if you go to a quilt store or to a quilt show, often you can look at the back of the quilts - as long as you have a glove of some kind on. They tend to frown on people who handle the quilts with bare hands. If it is a place with a no-touch policy, ask whoever is in charge or working security if they will show you several examples of what a good quilt label looks like. Most people will be more than happy to share.
~Tiffany

I always sign and date everything. My prefered method is embroidery, using a color that corresponds with the background. I even initial and date the quilts for myself, to sell, to give away. I tried a sharpie on a quickie project, and didn't like the effect, so I haven't tried that one again. I have an old old quilt, and sure wish it were signed and dated! Sara

Someone told me once that when all other belongings have been thrown away in a family..."Grandma's quilts will always be saved". That being said, I take "grandma" generically and think that all quilts should be labeled because they are being made to last for many years after the
"quilt maker" is gone. Its nice to know that someday, somewhere someone will say..."here's another quilt by that crazy Patti"!

Tiffany thanks for all of your input. But for me to enter a show is sooooo far away if at all. I just started to quilt a year ago this last november. I have not yet done any kind of piece quilts that I can say I have learned to do. This is one project that I am going to make sure it is on my 2008 list to learn to do some real quilting. Like I have mentioned in other threads I have made about 6 twin size quilts now that I have only did outling on and then 4 of them were for my grandkids and wished I had seen the tags before then. So that is why I say I want to learn to do some real quilting this year. But as I am learning I want to make each grandchild another one and bigger later on. I want to make them some special design. But for now those are in the future.

Jeanette

I love that you are smart enough to have quilt goals. I didn't when I first started quilting and it took me a few years before I realized how important they are. If you can, definitely take a class or two. Besides learning quilting you will make some amazing friends. Quilters are the nicest people. :!: Do you get HGTV or PBS on your tv? If so, there are some good quilt shows that will really help you get headed in the direction you want to go. Also, any local quilt guilds or bees can be helpful. And you already know about this wonderful place. I hope to see you around and look forward to seeing pictures from your first pieced quilt. ;)
~Tiffany

Yes I have watched Simply Quilts.

Hi!
My quilts are labeled using my Janome Memory Craft lettering option.
The picture shows a quilt I made for my husband to be...
I always use this quote that I think is original to me!

"May this quilt tell a story of love."

Can't ask for anything for for all our hard work and good wishes that we put into making a quilt!

Lori

Well Mamagus, the lable is nice, now may we see the quilt?

Since I mostly do applique, I try to make soemthing for a label that goes with the front. Ex: smaller Sunbonnet Sue on the back than the one on the front. For the pansy quilt that I made, I used an Easter basket from clip art for my pattern. I try to use double fabric and satin stitch around the whole thing. By doing it this way, it helps with possible puckering or pulling of the satin stitch. I use a fine point fabric marker and write the recipient's name, the date and then my name. Then I slip stitch it to the back of the quilt usually in one of the bottom corners.

wow1 these are beautiful. you have inspired me to do the same.
thanks,
jeanne