mjpEncinitas

I brought pieces from a signature thank you quilt top to my fortieth high school reunion for the whole class to sign. We used Pigma micron pens. Someone smoked near it and actually dropped ashes on it. I brushed those off. What should I do? Can I wash the quilt top? Will the signatures come out? Do I need to iron the quilt top before I wash it. I'm reluctant to do that is it may set the ashes and smoke in the pieces.

Any suggestions?
Thanks, Mary Jo

thimblebug6000

I would not wash it until you have heat set that ink. Take a scrap fabric and use the same pen and then wash/scrub it under the tap and the ink will probably wash right out, I know I have done it on purpose though.

Faintly Artistic

I don't know about washing Pigmas, but you could try airing it outside on breezy days for awhile. Can't believe someone was that inconsiderate!

nativetexan

can you finish the quilt first then wash? I have done swaps for many years and always used Micron Pigma pens .05 size sign best. i usually heat set mine and all that i received. just in case. i would be hesitant to heat set due to the ashes or smoke in the fabric at time time. test a fabric signed with out heat setting, then wash and see how it does. should be fine.

Peckish

I received some blocks in an exchange once that were sooooo incredibly smoky, they made me gag. My poor mailman! I set them outside, sprinkled baking soda all over them, and let them sit for a few hours. The smoke smell was completely gone. Hope this helps.

Doggramma

I use Pigma pens for all my labels. It doesn't wash out. But it sounds like you have some other tips to try first.

Kas

Definitely heat set first.

QuiltnNan

i use pigmas, too. and they are permanent. i don't even heat set mine. my DGD just showed me the lable on her 2011 quilt and it is still clear

mjpEncinitas

Thanks. I will try the baking soda and do a test wash with the pigmas first.

lots2do

If worst comes to worst, can you figure out how to trace the signatures and make a few new blocks? I'm not sure how many were affected or what condition they are in.