December 2009 Archives

"Hello, I read your info on made in japan items.  I am trying to
determine if items have a red oval sticker on the bottom that says Japan
if they are still considered antique or collectible.  Can you tell me when
these items were made..year etc. I am looking at some supposedly bisque
figurines and wonder if they are worth the trouble.  Meaning they are not
so pretty and remind me of dollar store stuff.  Thanks so much."

Hi Jean,

It's hard for me to tell without seeing the items.

If it's a peel away sticker, the items are definitely not antique;
may be vintage if they're 20 yrs old or older.

You can find more on Made in Japan marks here:

http://www.gotheborg.com/marks/index_jap_marks.htm

Charlotte

 "am making a quilt for my niece's college graduation and want to
have personal message blocks, signed by friends and family.  what
fabric/material is best?  should i have interfacing on the back?  what
marking pen is best so it doesn't fade or run?"  

Hi Jo,

The best fabric is a combination cotton/polyfill using indelible markers. Look for
something with a very fine thread count to make it easy to write on.

In terms of pens, any indelible ink markers will work. I would choose 
a regular size instead of a fine point so the signatures can be 
clearly seen on fabric.

Good luck!

Charlotte

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