Originally Posted by
Peckish
Another tip - when writing on signature quilts, non-quilters will oftentimes write to the very edge of the fabric. To prevent this, put masking tape on the seam allowances of the blocks.
Putting masking tape on would be time consuming and difficult. What I have done is prepare a "folder" from a manila folder like we used in school or a hanging file folder from a file cabinet. Cut a hole in the center of one side of the folder the size you want your finished block to be in the quilt. Draw a line around that hole so that shows when you open the folder. Open the folder and draw another line at least a half inch from those lines, as in a large seam allowance.
Cut the fabric squares at least that large, maybe a little larger.
When guests come, place the fabric inside the folder to cover those lines. Close the folder and the guest writes on only the part that shows through the "hole". It helps to have an "attendant" at the table where this is being done. You might also want more than one folder to work with when larger groups come in together.
Now you just trim your blocks to the correct dimension with a quarter inch seam allowance, and continue with your quilt.
PS With some groups it may help to say that inappropriate blocks will be rejected.