I found that the best marking pencil on dark fabrics is Miracle Chalk. They have a pounce pad for the stencils, but also have a wonderful "crayon" and then the "tailor's chalk" shaped ones. They come out with a puff from the steam iron and they definately stay in through handling. (the crayon and tailor's chalk better than the pounce) I hae the same issue with no bar soap in the house and I never get to go anywhere to stay at a hotel. :D