How to hide a name written on a quilt in pen *sigh*
 

I'm doing a wedding quilt for some friends. I had their family and friends sign a 10.5" square (took 6 months to get all the squares back! ). The quilt top is all together, just waiting on a border. Well, since then, one of the marriages broke up and I have a lovely square, in the middle of the quilt, with both of their names on it. I used the Pigma permanent ink pens and have already iron set the ink. Any ideas how I can cover her name?

I included a picture of the quilt so you can get an idea of what it looks like. It's pretty basic in design so I feel like doing some raw edge applique would look very out of place.

I am not sure that I would cover the name at all. The message was heartfelt and reflected the wishes for the NEW couple (not the state of the signing couple).

I would leave it as it is. The sentiment was from both of them and just because they have separated, doesn't mean the couple doesn't still feel the same way about the couple that is marrying.

I agree whole-heartedly with this :thumbup:

Wow, my first thought was how important is it (or will it be) to the recipients of the quilt to have her name removed? Or does she want her name removed? The sentiment of good wishes may still apply and if they will stay on friendly terms with her maybe they will want her name to say there. Now, if they hate her guts ... that's a different story LOL. Sorry, I don't have any ideas for removing the ink. The quilt is lovely!

Suzy

Leave it unless she wants it deleted or the newlyweds want it deleted.

I don't know how she feels. The couple getting married are close friends with him. The groom was his best man. It's very clear that she and them won't stay friends which is why I thought of removing her name. No idea of how the couple feels.

You could add some darker fabric over the name as if it were pieced. then to another block, do the same by adding a square of different fabric. just make it look like pieced blocks and no one will know.

Contact the maker of the pen. Some inks are removeable with alcohol, Oxyclean, acetone, etc.

It's a snapshot of a place and time. Removing the name would alter that and really do a disservice to the whole quilt and reason the quilt is being made.

I think leave it 'as is' - unless the couple you are making it for specifically asks to have her name removed.

Then, I think I would applique a small something that would fit over the name. Might be necessary to applique a few other things here and thee then to make it look 'intentional'

Sometimes trying to remove ink makes a bigger mess than leaving it be.
'

You could ask the man if he would like his "ex" name to remain on the block, and if not, ask him to rewrite his block. It isn't that difficult to pick those stitches out & inset a new block.

That happened in my family too, we just left the name on.

agreed....just get a new block made and replace

I think I would just leave the name on. The wishes were from the both of them.

I would leave it.

I would just leave it as it is!!!!

The signers should have no say in the matter, the quilt is not for them and it's certainly not the only time their names will be linked "on record". Since the husband was the 'friend', he's the one who probably wrote the message...maybe even signing his wife's name.

Leave it be. If the wedding couple doesn't want her name there, they can either fix it themselves or ask you to do something about it later. Chances are, more than one couple will separate in the next 25 years anyway.

I would ask the couple, before doing anything.

If you really must cover it, why not applique something on that square.

I agree Leave it, it's a part of their history. Bad or good. If the couple wanted it removed I'd appliqué some hearts to cover the name but think it should remain.

This is my thought as well. I have made quilts of a similar nature. Families/couples change. It is one point in time. The people receiving the quilt will understand that.

i would leave it..after all they cant remove him from the wedding photos either!

I would leave it as is. Later on, if she wants to change it, you can hand sew an applique over the name if you want.

I would suggest that you find out how the couple feels about it before you decide...

What happens if you remove it then they get back together?! I'd leave it be.

I would leave it on there. It was meant to be regardless of there problems. It is not your responsibility to remove it. Hope it works out.

I agree with this.

I would offer to cover the name with a needle turn applique and use one of the leaves from the other fabric I see if that's what the recipients request

Leave it................................................ ..........

I would leave it - they were together at the time of the wedding. It's history - you can't change history ;-)

I guess this problem illustrates the risks of having autograph quilts. You certainly expect to have some names autographed that you don't really want later, but the problem sure came up quickly on yours -- before the quilt was even finished! I agree to leave it unless the couple requests a change.
Dayle

I wouldn't take her name out. The wishes were heartfelt and who knows, they may work things out and she might be back. Stranger things have happened.

Unless the circumstance is such that it would be hurtful to someone, I would leave it as it is. If you absolutely feel you have to remove it, maybe you could carefully cut the square out, pen a nice message on a new square, and hand stitch it over the empty space.

I would leave it.

why remove it..they were friends before the divorce

sorry, but I would leave it...what if they get back together? let the new bride decide what to do with it AFTER it is finished!

I agree with Candace. When I got married 100 years ago, my brother insisted his girlfriend be in our family portrait. I never saw her again after the wedding. When I look at my wedding photos, there she is--I don't even remember her name. But those signature squares symbolize the hopes and dreams for the new couple at that time. I'm sure they won't be the only couple who breakup while the quilt is being treasured.

Make another square or rectangle to cover just the area that has the problem name and write a small quote of your own, like.
Make the very best of what you have,
Life is always changing!

I agree with Candace. Our history is a part of us and when the newlyweds see the seperated couples names, they will remember events that occured with them in the past and be greatful for their wishes. I look at pictures of some of my friends now and remember and smile. And most of them are walking down different roads now.