Finally created a label for Aunt Martha’s quilt.
I’ll change up the label for each family member and add the poem I wrote on each one. I am not putting her date of birth (everyone knows when she was born), or her date of her death (that’s just too damn depressing) on any of the labels. I created it with Bubble Jet Set (just love that stuff!) and some Kona “Natural” fabric. Hopefully I’ll get it on the quilt and add the binding today. Then only 5 more to go!
Beautiful poem and label. I’ve not used Bubble Jet Set to create my own printable fabric. Does the text and image hold up well to multiple washings?
Hi Crystal!
I’ve not had any problems with my labels holding up, although on the first wash they do tend to lighten slightly. You do need to make sure to use only very dark colors for text, for the best results. Also, be sure that any pictures are actually darker than what you’d normally print them. I have found that the best pictures are ones that have a fairly dark background (not light or white), with plenty of shadow detail. In other words, don’t use pictures that are taken with the face in full sun. They’ll look washed out. Pictures will lighten about 50% when printed on fabric. Use only white or very light muslin fabric for your labels for the best results. I find that Kona cotton in white or natural works best for me. I like the tight weave, and it tends to hold color better.
Also, I almost always make two copies of my label, and wash one. I’ll set it in Bubble Jet Set Rinse (be sure to use this or the dye won’t set!), and let it sit for a day or two, then wash it. If the label washes up okay, it goes on the quilt. It’s well worth the little waste of fabric and ink to be sure the ink set correctly, although I’ve never had one wash out yet.
If you’re unsure of whether or not you want to use Bubble Jet Set, I suggest you make several different labels and wash them several times. If you like the result, then you can go on to use it. One thing I really like about the BJS is that the bottle lasts a LONG time, as once you’ve soaked your fabric in it, you can pour the leftover back into the bottle and re-use it again and again. I think I buy a bottle few years. It does a LOT of fabric!
If you have any questions about it, feel free to contact me. I’ve used it for quite a while, so I’ve learned a lot about preparing and printing fabric with BJS. I’d be happy to help you out!
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