Onebyone

Several LQS here has the Alphabitties. I have a few packages but haven't used them yet. I find that marking my blocks get me more confused. I get my markings all mixed up. is it A to B or B to A? It happens a lot.

beckyboo1

I ended up getting alphabet stickers and colored index cards at Dollar Tree and used my paper trimmer from my scrapbooking days to make pieces of index card the same size then added the stickers. They turned out really cute and much cheaper than alphabitties. Not sure how much I'll use them. Probably mainly on more difficult patterns (which I rarely do). Someone mentioned they would never tag all their fabric...well neither would I! Just on for occasional piecing.

Rhonda K

I put one pin on the seam side of sub units. They are stacked RST in the same order to go through the machine.

You only need to pin one set and not all of them. The pin is a reminder that is the seam side.

We just learned a tip in class today. Keep a picture of the unit or block next to the machine for reference.

AprilM

A lot of really great ideas! I usually use regular mailing labels and i can get about 4 to 6 blocks from one single label. So they dont stick forever, i just stick them on the leg of my jeans to get a little lint on the back before applying to my quilt blocks. I dont really like the idea of putting something sticky on my fabric, but sometimes ya gotta do what ya gotta do! I dont leave the labels on for an extended period of time because of the adhesive issue on fabric. Knowing that i dont want the labels on the blocks for very long also makes me get the piecing finished asap - so it forces me to finish piecing.

i really, really, really like the Painters tape idea! Next time i am out and about i will see what widths are available for rolls. Hoping for something more on the order of less than 2” wide - that would be perfect!

You all have such great ideas and really get me outta my box! 😊

Zinda

I used 2" long pins (corsage ones that have a pearl head look nice) or other pins, as long as they are extra long. I purchased alphabet beads and number beads. Using a drop of E600 glue, I glued the bead onto the pin. After that was dried, I glued a small seed bead on to help secure the larger bead. I used a small glass canning jar to hold the pins. On top of the canning jar, I made a pin cushion and glued it to the top of the jar. I made several and gave them to the other members of my small quilt group.

Iceblossom

Oh I like your idea Zinda, I often see bags/kits of those alphabet beads at the thrift store. Sometimes the kits might even work for me to hold the finished product. I'm thinking of using the diaper sized safety pins with a little jewelry ring through the number/letter beads through the round spring of the safety pin.

Never would have thought of this without you, and right now I'm working with some hand dyed fabric and really appreciating the organizational aspects of a basting pin right now.

wabekem

Love this idea. I've been using pieces of scrap paper and safety pins.