Thread Types and Weights

Ask yourself what you want to see-

Quilting, Stitching or the Piecing

•12 wt.

Heaviest for machine quilting

Larger needle 110-120 (on long arm machine)

90/14 needle on home sewing machine

Stays on top of quilt

•30 & 40 wt. –long staple important for quilting

Most used thread weight for quilting on top

Needle size 100-110,

90/14 needle on home sewing machine

Stays on top of quilt

•50 & 60 wt. bobbin weight

Common size for bobbin weight thread

Lays in the fabric more that heavier weight threads

If you have a thread that does not like to go in a needle use it for bobbin

•Mark spool only for bobbin

•Why does thread break??

8/12 needle on home sewing machine

Stays on top of quilt

•100-50 wt. goes into the fabric

Piecing with 50 wt.

Micro quilting with light weight

90/14 long arm needle

75/11 or 80/12 needle on home sewing machine

Stays on top of quilt

You see the quilting on this exsample

Free Motion Frenzy Class - Loading Leaders

During the past month I have taught my Free Motion Frenzy class three times.  Each time it has been taught you have asked for the information to be put out somewhere for you to download.  So, since you asked here you go.  Some of the files were posted earlier on the blog for you to download.  Go to the search engine and type in what you are looking for such as batting or Momentum Frame.  The less you put in the search engine space the better.

You can also add your email address to subscribe and get notification that I have posted.  Following on Facebook will give you inspiration or ideas for future projects.


 Attaching leaders on most quilting frames is the same across the board. My suggestion is that you add a red stitch line to the center of each leader.  This helps when loading and keeping things straight.





Thanks for attending class and have a safe and happy holiday.
Denise

Purse Handles

After teaching today my students asked about making different purse handles so I thought this would be a good opportunity to post a few links on making handles.

The first on in my list below are my favorite way to do my handles.
I am sure that you will pick one to make that will become your favorite.
http://sewmodernbags.com/how-to-make-bag-handles-with-plastic-tubing-video/

http://makezine.com/2015/03/20/make-your-own-perfect-fabric-purse-handles/

http://www.sewcanshe.com/blog/2016/9/10/diy-clip-on-tote-bag-handles-free-tutorial

http://juniperplaceyarns.blogspot.com/2012/04/diy-purse-handles.html

http://www.sewcanshe.com/blog/2013/8/5/making-faux-leather-bag-handles

http://thesewingloftblog.com/rolled-handbag-handles/

Hope this helps to finish your bag off with style!

Happy Stitching,
Denise

Needle Know How

How important is a needle in your sewing world?  For my world it is the point in my stitching that get the job done.  

Learn more about needles with my friend. Rhonda. just watch his video and see more.

Needle education with Rhonda

Here are a few digital articles that I found very educational so I thought I'd share. them with you.  

schmetz digital-magazines

Happy. Sewing,

Denise

Quilt Club August

During Quilt Club in July and August we talked about continuous bias binding.  So I thought this would be a good time to share this video from Pam Damour.

Continuous Bias Binding Video

Happy Quilting,
Denise

Caring for your quilts...How do that?

A questions that is always coming up is about how to care for quilts.  This give me a great opportunity to give some suggestions and advice on what my thoughts are.
Here's my thoughts: Laundry detergents and Woolite are to harsh for quilts of any age.  At my home we us a product called Orvus Quilt Soap.  I purchase it from my local quilt shop.
It's really a detergent, not a soap, made of 100% sodium lauryl sulfate, with a neutral pH that is completely biodegradable.
The most important about a information is that it contains no:

• Optical brighteners which are really poor wash-fast fluorescent dyes (that means they wash out easily) that transform invisible ultraviolet light to make fabric colors appear brighter.
• Fabric softeners which can leave behind a residue on fabric that attracts dirt and oils.
• Fragrances
• Enzymes

One of its best features is that you know exactly what is and isn't in Orvus and what it is.
Though similar chemically, detergents and soaps are different. Soaps are made from animal or vegetable fat and oils which are then mixed with a strong alkali. Detergents are created from petro-chemicals.

Below are a few websites with information on caring for your quilts. 

http://museum.msu.edu/glqc/quiltcare.html
http://www.allpeoplequilt.com/how-to-quilt/quilting-basics/caring-your-quilts
http://www.si.edu/Encyclopedia_SI/nmah/vicquilt.htm 

Last I would like to tell you about what I do with regards to quilts that  I give as gifts.

1. Label
2. Give quilt with a card that describes best practices for caring for your new quilt. 
3. Also let the person know the quilt is made for loving, holding cuddling and washing is allowed. 
4. Include a bottle of quilt soap with each quilt. 

Happy Quilting,
Denise