Hand-lettered label

I'm still here. Just a little unscheduled blog break last week while I caught up on a few things.

Several people have asked about the dress label. Here's how I made it:

1. Use a favorite font on your computer to design the label. That way you can center the text, try out different sizes, etc. I like to use a font with serifs (the little lines at the tops and bottoms of the letters) because I think they add a little flair to the letters, but a sans serif font will work too.

2. When you're happy with the label, print a copy onto regular paper.

3. Tape a piece of muslin over the text, and hold the paper and fabric against a window to trace the text using a Pigma Micron pen. Most quilt shops and art supply stores carry these pens. I used a size 02 nib. The window acts like a light box so you can see the text clearly through the fabric. (Obviously you'll want to do this during the daytime so you'll have light outside.)

4. Once you've traced all your letters, remove the fabric from the paper and press it with an iron. Don't use steam. The heat sets the ink so it won't fade or bleed when the garment (or quilt) is washed, so be sure to heat the fabric well.

5. Then cut out the label leaving a generous 1/4" seam allowance.

6. Fold in the seam allowances at each corner first, pressing them into place. Then fold and press the seam allowances at each of the edges.

7. I used red embroidery floss and a running stitch to keep the seam allowances in place. Then I blind stitched the label to the garment. You could easily edgestitch the label to your fabric as well.