Nearly...
How typical is that? My best guestimate was close, but not quite close enough. But then I won't complain, because on the other 2 quilts I have bound recently, I guessed correctly.
It feels so good to be finishing up some stuff. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel with the 2 Bricks and Stepping Stones quilts - all I need to do now is the hand sewing, and as it is Daniel's birthday this week, I might just get it finished. I have been very good and haven't started the ZigZag quilt, and I have finished the knitting on Mum's scarf (her birthday is the same day as Daniel's). I just have to do something with the ends, and I don't really think it needs blocking, which is good.
I have been meaning to ask for some time about thread for piecing and general sewing. I see the ads for Essential Thread all the time, and wanted to get the opinion of American quilters. Do any of you use it, or do you have any opinions about it? I have been tempted to order it when I order fabric as they sell it in packs of useful colours, but haven't been game. Is it a good quality thread? Any other recommendations? Thanks.
Addit: the joke's on me, as I have just been to Connecting Threads for a closer look and they don't ship Internationally. Any other suggestions for thread?
I'm a big fan of Aurifil. I have bought it from That Thread Shop - they ship overseas. http://www.thatthreadshop.com/ I just use the 50 wt. (orange spools) for everything, but I know some people use the 40 wt. for quilting and the 50 wt. for piecing. Hope that's helpful!
ReplyDeleteHere's another vote for Aurifil, Jenni. It's my thread of choice, any day. I like that it's very fine, so a spool goes a long ways. Also, it doesnt produce much lint in the machine, which I really like, too.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the near finish! I noticed you didn't trim your batting before adding the binding. Is it easier that way? Have I been doing this wrong all along? My binding sometimes ends up poofy and wacky. (This is most likely because I really don't like binding and don't take my time) Now I'm wondering if I should wait to trim my quilt until after I attach the binding on the front...
ReplyDeleteOkay...so, did you have more binding fabric?
ReplyDeleteTWO bricks'nstones quilts?! You've been busy!
Love the zig-zag quilt. Green is my color either, but it does look good there. Is there just a pattern, or do you have to do the kit?
Make another mark in the Aurifil column. I have used the 40 weight for quilting, but got tired of remembering to change the spools when it was time to piece - now I just use 50 wt. for everything.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to see I'm not the only one who comes up short on binding - did you have more of the same or do you have a little 'surprise' in your quilt?
Congrads on your completions. It's a great feeling! I've given up on estimating for binding. Too many times I was wrong! lol Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry to hear that you can't get Essential thread there! I absolutely adore it for quilting (hasn't broken or given me an ounce of trouble). For piecing, it's ok. Aurifil is better for piecing.
ReplyDeleteMaybe someday you'll be able to get it!
I also use Aurifil for piecing and quilting -- except that it hasn't been working for me when I use my machine on the handiquilter frame. I also like some of the Superior threads -- King Tut and others -- for quilting. Aurifil 50 is definitely the best for piecing though!
ReplyDeleteThat's really too bad - I've heard really great things about that thread though I've not tried it. I'm currently using Alex Anderson's Masterpiece thread and liking it very much. I seem to remember that it's fairly expensive - I ordered it wholesale through my longarm thread supplier so I'm not sure what the retail cost is. Other's have recommended Aurifil. It's a really great thread but is also expensive.
ReplyDeleteHmmm, maybe I need to try Aurifil. I usually just use Coats and Clark cotton thread for hand piecing. It's cheap and easy to find. I read somewhere that it's important to use cotton thread when sewing cotton material rather than a polyester blend because over time the polyester threads will wear through the fabric. Don't know if its true or not, though.
ReplyDeleteFor hand quilting I use YLI quilting thread.
I'm glad you are finishing some things. Finishing feels so good--and clears the deck for starting new things! (As if, I'd know that! LOL)
I was going to comment that Aurifil is fabulous thread, and I see lots of others think the same! I just started using it recently and am still thrilled every time I stitch. Not very linty, and it seems to sink into the fabric. It's expensive, but the spools are huge and last a very long time. I'm slowly building a collection in a variety of colors.
ReplyDeleteAlso, just ready your Fairybread tutorial -- what a riot! Glad my kids didn't know about it when they were little. :)
Cheri
So close -- but yet so far away - LOL!! I usually have about 5 feet more than what I need!!
ReplyDeleteI also use the Aurifil thread for machine sewing - and the YLI thread for hand quilting. I really like the Aurifil, it is so strong and fine.
Jenni if you go to this site it shows Rasant thread, which is the same as the Aurifil thread we buy here. When I was living in Aussie, Rasant was all that I would used. The quality is superb. If I remember correctly I think it's made in Italy.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.patchaholic.com.au/threads.htm
Hope that helps you.
oh - that is so annoying when the binding is only a tiny bit short! I use Aurifil for piecing and Robinson-Anton cotton for quilting.
ReplyDeleteI too adore Aurafil thread. It is quite a bit more expensive then the Essentials but I find it a delight to work with.
ReplyDeleteJenni what did you do re binding? I always 'walk' mine around before I start stitching!
ReplyDeleteGood question on the thread. I just use Gutterman 100% cotton but it is very linty. Might have to give the Aurifil a go!