Welcome from Pine Grove, CA.

I am a relative newby to quilting starting only 1 1/2 years ago.

Most of the quilts I've made become gifts for those special
people in my life. I decided initially that I would start a
scrapbook of sorts to keep track of my projects. I include:
a picture of the finished product, a pic of the label,
swatches of all the fabric used and finally a picture of the
recipient with their quilt. It is fun to look back and see
those "smiles".

I found the mechanical chalk pencil at:

http://www.quilterswarehouse.com/P-7...-by-bohin.aspx

It's $10.92 if it's the same thing.

Hi Pam,

Welcome from Kansas. This is a wonderful group.

cyniree

who makes this pen - i'm always on the lookout for marking things

The link that conblond2005 posted is similar to item I bought. I got mine at my local quilt shop, but I have also seen them on line. I've looked at so many sites the last couple of days, I don't remember where. I did a quick google search and came up with the right one.

http://www.thebestkeptsecret.com/cgi...cking5=froogle

I like having the chalk because I don't have to worry that it won't come out of the fabric like some of the markers do. I can just see myself being in a hurry and using it without testing every fabric I'm using first, then having a problem.

These pens are wonderful!!! I bought mine at my local LQS and it was less than $10. And it washes out/rubs off like magic -- but not before you want it too!

My best tip is to make sure your fingers aren't hanging off the ruler when you use your rotary cutter. That will definitely put a halt to your quilting for a few days.

I too, keep tips, etc, in notebooks...many notebooks, lol. should have took a pic of those on my cave thread.
When learning how to quilt, and struggling for accuracy, don't be in a hurry. Cut your block as accurately as possible, and make a cardboard unit 1/2" smaller, all the way around, (it is the finished size of the square, etc.), and use this to lightly...I said, lightly, trace onto the back of your piece to use as a seam line.
You have to be careful of using pens, that show thru and hard to get ink out...and graphite pencils, bc the thread picks up the graphite at times.
I use the lead pencils, sometimes, bc the line is so thin, or I use a pen, but go ever so lightly, or a chalk pencil.
It's very encouraging to get accurate blocks, when just learning. :D

This may help me. I can cut OK, but my 1/4" seams are sometimes not.
Thanks.

Welcome Pam!

I was raised in Gilmer Co WV, just got back from a trip home!

There is always great info on this board and I learn something new everyday!


Ninnie