not preview PAPER...
 

But preview "Plastic"
I took a fmq class and she had a roll of plastic that you drew your pattern/motif on with a felt tip and you could preview your pattern/motif. THEN you could wipe it off ( I think she used alcohol)
or unroll some more keep the pattern/motif and draw a new one on the fresh piece.
It was not paper that you punched hole in.
It was just for seeing what your motif looked like on your quilt/square.
I should have bought it then and there but didn't.
Anyone know the name or where to get it?
Thanks in advance, Linda
PS not thin like saran wrap

I bought something like this at JoAnns. It was on a large roll and was less than 10 a yard. A clear plastic tablecloth, is what it most resembles....you should be able to write on and wipe off but........not sure! There were different thickness of this clear vinal ''fabric''. Good luck....good idea!!

don't know where to get that but have another option for you. had a speaker at our guild who uses clear plastic shower curtains. they are inexpensive and you can cut your piece as large, or small, as you want. works same as the rolls or plastic.

i can't remember the name of it, but it might be the plastic wrap that sticks to the bowl.

I just use the vinyl table cloth sold by the yard from WM or Joann's. I use dry mark pens.

I think you are thinking of Press & Seal wrap

yes, thank you. Brain not in gear this AM.
I even have some heavy plastic from Walmart when I covered my sewing table.
Bet that will work. I'll give it a try.

You could also use velum sheets used in overhead projectors and some dry erase markers.

Don't use a permanent marking pen, only the dry erasable one.

Linda. First your profile pic just made me dizzy and I couldn't focus on your question....lol tired by now??.

I can't help much with your question but noticed you are about 45 min from me so where did you take your fm class if I may ask? I am trying to find some classes so I can use my long arm better and without the robot.
Thanks

As Pat mentioned, clear vinyl shower curtain works great. Then get the wet erase markers from an office supply store. Personally, I am not at all crazy about the technique. I prefer to draw out my block design on paper then use tracing paper to audition motifs. If I come up with something I really like it goes into my portfolio of quilting ideas and I can do it from the comfort of my sofa without having the quilt there. Finally I am not risking the quilt at all by accidentally marking it.

Joanns in the longarm section

Walmart carries clear vinyl in different weights in the fabric dept. on rolls.

For blocks I use the plastic sheets that you use for binding reports and a dry erase pen. I get them pretty inexpensively from Staples and they hold up well. I would like to try the roll from Joann so that I can audition a larger design but so far the smaller sheets have worked well for me.

i think this would make a mess...at least for me! heck, i can't even get it stretched out to go over the bowl!

if you decide to use a permanent marking pen, like sharpie, it will come off with alcohol, because the marker itself is alcohol-based. don't use other permanent markers that are solvent-based. the solvent you must use to remove the ink will probably cloud the clear whatever-you-use, and it is way stinkier than sharpies. all-in-all, i would go with the dry erase markers. just be careful not to slip off the side no matter what kind of writing instrument you use!

You can get that heavy clear plastic at Jo ann's. I use it for my over lays when I do Hand Applique.

I have used freezer paper to preview patterns on my longarm - it is almost see through enough and you can write on the dull side with a sharpie and it does not bleed through onto the quilt. Once I got the pattern I wanted, I put it on the back and used it like a pantograph. It's cheap!

It sounds like sheets of clear mylar which come in various sizes but start as small as note book paper. I get mine at a teahers store

It is called Quilters Preview Paper. You can purchase it at Handiquilter.com.

I see you have info now on where to find it. Alcohol will remove permanent sharpie, old exrox ink, etc from plastic so I am thinking it will work on not so permanent markers as well.

that same plastic (from JoAnn's) works well when doing an applique pattern...draw the entire pattern on it...place ove the block and then pin down each applique piece as you do it. I saw this way of working in one of the app books I have, but don't remember which one right now.....

Charming,
Tried to PM you but you box is full.

I took the class at Gingers just off Foothill Blvd
gingersquiltshoppe.com
(909) 920-3099
1120 Dewey way, Upland, CA

I think you are referring to Press n Seal wrap. I wouldn't use that on a quilt. I have stopped using it in the kitchen because it leaves a sticky residue on the bowls that is very difficult to remove.

I saw in an online class to get a piece of 1/4" plexiglass. I got one and put painters tape around the edges so you knew where to end with your washable marker. I use it all the time when starting a new quilt on the frame. I can lay it between the bars and draw what I want.
I'm sure the vinyl would work too, but not stable like the plexiglass.
Washable markers work too.