Marking dark fabrics for quilting

Recently I managed to finish a 100" square Amish inspired 'Bears Paw' quilt. Every block was done in a different coloured Homespun and there were 36 blocks all up, all on black.  Well, I decided to handquilt the entire thing and after slowly working my way through a variety of markers with varying degrees of success I came across a great idea towards the end - as you do!
I wanted really fine lines and had discovered those magical markers where the marks disappear with a steam iron.  Unfortunately, the lines were never thin enough so in desperation I emptied out my chaco marker and filled it with the magic marker powder - ta daa, fine lines that don't rub off but do steam off at the end of the project - give it a go, it works!

Stitcheries fingers

Having just completed another little stitchery I thought I should share something that saved me untold frustration.  It's simple really, when in the past I have sewn stitcheries I have always used some type of light weight batting on the back of the fabric, this allowed the stitches to 'float' on the fabric and sometimes created a quilted look,  many sewers do this - it's a good thing.  However, I have always used an embroidery needle for my stitching, it was just something I did until recently when a customer told me that she used a fine tapestry needle.  after suffering with stitchers fingers where there was rough skin due to untold pricking by the sharp needle.  This wasn't on my stitching hand but on the hand that held the fabric, usually on the fingers.  Anyway I tried a very fine tapestry needle and it worked!  No catchy skin to get tugged on by my batting and no pain! For many this is probably obvious to you ,but if you haven't been taught any other way you just go with what you know.  Now I know, try it, it works.
Happy stitching
Miche'le