I found a new medium to use, acrylic inks. They do not stiffen the fabric, are water cleanup & can be used on about anything. Although I haven't tried them on silk, that's the next thing to do, they do not bleed unless you use too much water or apply them next to a wet area. I found Liquitex brand at Hobby Lobby. Judy Coates Perez has an article in the current Quilting Arts magazine about it, she uses Daler-Rowney brand. I guess what ever brand you find would work.
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Cathy S/Willowwind