RedSquirrelUK
Drama Llama
Posts: 7,077 
Location: The UK's beautiful West Country
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Post by RedSquirrelUK on Aug 15, 2023 19:34:59 GMT
finsup - WOW the Moroccan tile is beautiful, and the new one is gorgeous too. **GypsyGirl** - love the quilt, very patriotic. disneypal - those colours are so restful. I hope you're enjoying working on it.
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Post by gillyp on Aug 17, 2023 21:51:20 GMT
SweetieBugs following my earlier response regarding the quality of the Red Heart yarn, I’m now coming to the end of each ball (from the outside to the inside, I didn’t start from the centre) and the quality is a little disappointing. The strands are going from very thin to quite thick, what I’d call slubby. It’s not bad enough to make me think I wouldn’t use the yarn again but depending on what someone was making and if they were a centre puller, it might put them off.
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Post by disneypal on Aug 20, 2023 13:12:09 GMT
I have been able to crochet a bit on my friends Virus Blanket. This is after 3 cakes of yarn and is currently 42” x 42”  |
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Post by jeremysgirl on Aug 20, 2023 13:45:25 GMT
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Aug 18, 2025 21:06:21 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Aug 23, 2023 11:48:37 GMT
No I don't. I will see my dad on Monday. He should know, and I will ask. It's huge. And I too love those dresses snow4197 . Do you use an iPhone? If so you can take a photo of it and then go into “info” on the photo and there’s a plant look up option. Okay, so I did that, and I asked my dad. Both say "Catalpa" tree. Interesting because I have never seen one or heard of it.  |
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Aug 18, 2025 21:06:21 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Aug 23, 2023 11:49:51 GMT
finsup - WOW the Moroccan tile is beautiful, and the new one is gorgeous too. **GypsyGirl** - love the quilt, very patriotic. disneypal - those colours are so restful. I hope you're enjoying working on it. Wow, couldn't have said it all better myself. I have been traveling and opened up the thread to these gorgeous creations that I missed. My jaw dropped. Everyone's pieces are amazing and SO beautiful. I am SO ready to get back to my art and my crafts! Y'all inspire me. |
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Post by jeremysgirl on Aug 25, 2023 11:37:50 GMT
Couple of questions for those who have experience hand quilting.
So, I started quilting the Halloween quilt. But, of course, I am completely unhappy with the way it is coming out. I've watched a couple of YouTube videos and 1) it looks like the thread they are using is thicker than regular thread. Am I going to make a total ass of myself if I walk into the quilt shop this weekend and basically ask them what thread I should be using to hand quilt? I mean it's a nice shop and seems to be fully stocked, so I assume they have the right stuff on hand, thread and the appropriate needles. 2) I have a fabric marker. One of the videos I watched, the woman used a pretty flower stencil and she used a marker to trace it and then hand quilted over it. Anybody think this is a bad idea? My lines are not straight on the one I'm working on and I think this would be much better to draw out where I want to stitch. Although, I do assume that the lines will get straighter the more I practice. But anyway, anyone want to give me tips?
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Post by gillyp on Aug 25, 2023 11:46:00 GMT
Couple of questions for those who have experience hand quilting. So, I started quilting the Halloween quilt. But, of course, I am completely unhappy with the way it is coming out. I've watched a couple of YouTube videos and 1) it looks like the thread they are using is thicker than regular thread. Am I going to make a total ass of myself if I walk into the quilt shop this weekend and basically ask them what thread I should be using to hand quilt? I mean it's a nice shop and seems to be fully stocked, so I assume they have the right stuff on hand, thread and the appropriate needles. 2) I have a fabric marker. One of the videos I watched, the woman used a pretty flower stencil and she used a marker to trace it and then hand quilted over it. Anybody think this is a bad idea? My lines are not straight on the one I'm working on and I think this would be much better to draw out where I want to stitch. Although, I do assume that the lines will get straighter the more I practice. But anyway, anyone want to give me tips? Any shop worth its salt will be staffed by enthusiastic folk who will enjoy helping you quilt to the best of your ability and more so if there’s likely to be a sale out of it! The Peas who are quilters will come and help here but if you need to shop before there are replies my thinking is you should take your quilt to the shop and ask them for suggestions re threads, markers and stencils.  |
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Post by cakediva on Aug 25, 2023 11:54:21 GMT
finsup - the Moroccan Tile blanket is beautiful! I have often wondered about the Annie’s kit of the month club. I have considered it before but just not sure yet. I just finished the Block Afghan by Annie's. It was great - each block was a different stitch and I learned a lot doing it. That said, being in Canada, the cost was becoming a bit much. I don't think I'd do another - as much as I love the Irish Fields Gansey one! By the time I get all the kits it is over $300..... |
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Post by **GypsyGirl** on Aug 25, 2023 14:07:09 GMT
Couple of questions for those who have experience hand quilting. So, I started quilting the Halloween quilt. But, of course, I am completely unhappy with the way it is coming out. I've watched a couple of YouTube videos and 1) it looks like the thread they are using is thicker than regular thread. Am I going to make a total ass of myself if I walk into the quilt shop this weekend and basically ask them what thread I should be using to hand quilt? I mean it's a nice shop and seems to be fully stocked, so I assume they have the right stuff on hand, thread and the appropriate needles. 2) I have a fabric marker. One of the videos I watched, the woman used a pretty flower stencil and she used a marker to trace it and then hand quilted over it. Anybody think this is a bad idea? My lines are not straight on the one I'm working on and I think this would be much better to draw out where I want to stitch. Although, I do assume that the lines will get straighter the more I practice. But anyway, anyone want to give me tips? You will not make an ass of yourself by asking what thread to use at the quilt shop! That's what they are there for - and if they aren't helpful then they are in the wrong business. Guess what, it doesn't really matter what thread weight you use. It depends on the look you are going for in the finished quilt. I know people who quilt with 50wt cotton thread, while I know several who use thicker threads (perle cotton, shashiko, embroidery threads). When you get into the cotton threads, you can go with a softer thread (Auriful) or a cotton thread by Gütermann which is 65 wt and has a waxed surface. For me, that was an easier thread to work with when I first did some hand quilting.
My recommendation is to take your top into the shop and have them help you 'audition' several thread weights and colors to see which you prefer.
Not a bad idea at all to trace your design and quilt over it. It is done all the time! Even when I machine quilt I use stencils and mark the design. I prefer using these marking pencils, but also have their pounce system. I also have a full set of the Frixion markers but don't like to use them for larger areas. I've read of issues with the marks sometimes showing back up later , so I mainly use them for areas that won't be seen in the finished project. You can also use regular chalk quilting pencils. I like the ones by Fons & Porter.
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Post by lainey on Aug 25, 2023 14:17:04 GMT
Gorgeous projects everyone. I haven't ventured into the craft thread for a while because my desire to craft completely vanished, however, yesterday I wound up a skein of yarn and knit the leg of a sock  |
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Post by jeremysgirl on Aug 25, 2023 14:19:46 GMT
Thank you for that feedback **GypsyGirl**. I was kind of like worried that by not using a thicker thread, my quilt would just fall apart. But I will go in there and just ask them to help direct me. I'm certain they will have products I need, I just wasn't sure exactly what I was looking for. |
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Post by **GypsyGirl** on Aug 25, 2023 14:22:20 GMT
Thank you for that feedback **GypsyGirl** . I was kind of like worried that by not using a thicker thread, my quilt would just fall apart. But I will go in there and just ask them to help direct me. I'm certain they will have products I need, I just wasn't sure exactly what I was looking for. I added more to my earlier response about marking the quilt design. Don't want you to miss that. |
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Post by jeremysgirl on Aug 25, 2023 14:37:10 GMT
Thank you for that feedback **GypsyGirl** . I was kind of like worried that by not using a thicker thread, my quilt would just fall apart. But I will go in there and just ask them to help direct me. I'm certain they will have products I need, I just wasn't sure exactly what I was looking for. I added more to my earlier response about marking the quilt design. Don't want you to miss that. Yes, thanks for tagging me again. Thank you so much for the product recommendations. It helps to have an experienced quilter weigh in on what they have found useful. |
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DEX
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,438
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Post by DEX on Aug 25, 2023 14:51:21 GMT
I have used Pearle cotton for hand quilting before. I like the look. Somewhere I read to try Crayola washable markers to mark your quilt. I reluctantly tried it and it worked great. After I was done quilting I just popped it in the washer and all the marking came off! I like the fine point and the fact that there are a variety of colors so I can pick the lightest one. I would not recommend this technique without testing it first and using the lightest marker. I marked some extra quilt fabric and threw it into the wash to make sure it would come out. Scary, I know.  |
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Post by **GypsyGirl** on Aug 25, 2023 17:56:35 GMT
I was kind of like worried that by not using a thicker thread, my quilt would just fall apart. The thickness of the thread isn't going to cause the quilt to fall apart. What would more likely be a cause would be not enough denseness in the quilting, especially in relation to how the quilt is going to be used. For a display quilt, you can get away with less quilting. However, for things like a baby quilt or lap quilt, you want a denser pattern so that it will stand up to use and washing. So end use should be a consideration in the design you choose! |
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Post by finsup on Aug 25, 2023 18:42:46 GMT
finsup - the Moroccan Tile blanket is beautiful! I have often wondered about the Annie’s kit of the month club. I have considered it before but just not sure yet. I just finished the Block Afghan by Annie's. It was great - each block was a different stitch and I learned a lot doing it. That said, being in Canada, the cost was becoming a bit much. I don't think I'd do another - as much as I love the Irish Fields Gansey one! By the time I get all the kits it is over $300..... Yeah they’re ridiculous! Especially because the yarn is nothing special. I tried to just enjoy the fun of receiving the pieces of the kit and working on it every couple of weeks and think of it as paying for a fun experience. I wish they’d just sell the patterns or sell the full kits at a reasonable price but I guess their business model works for them! |
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Post by **GypsyGirl** on Aug 26, 2023 14:27:58 GMT
jeremysgirl - I've been thinking about your hand quilting project. Something you might consider is to take some of the scraps from the quilt fabric and make a small sandwich of fabric/batting/backing. One about 10"-12" square should be enough to work with. That would be a great way for you to audition a couple of threads to see how you like them, as well as get warmed up before you start your actual stitching. Just an idea!
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Post by jeremysgirl on Aug 26, 2023 14:29:42 GMT
jeremysgirl - I've been thinking about your hand quilting project. Something you might consider is to take some of the scraps from the quilt fabric and make a small sandwich of fabric/batting/backing. One about 10"-12" square should be enough to work with. That would be a great way for you to audition a couple of threads to see how you like them, as well as get warmed up before you start your actual stitching. Just an idea! That would be a good idea however I used a layer cake and I used every single square! No leftovers.  |
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sueg
Prolific Pea
Posts: 9,140
Location: Munich
Apr 12, 2016 12:51:01 GMT
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Post by sueg on Aug 26, 2023 14:44:30 GMT
I haven’t been knitting much the past couple of weeks, as it has just been too hot, even for little projects like socks. Today is much cooler and it is going to stay that way for at least the coming week, so I have picked up the needles again today.
My younger DS is coming to visit in just over two weeks and staying for a month. I want o be able to give him a few things I am knitting for the little girls to take back, saving me to postage. At the very least, I want to finish Sophia’s llama socks, as well as the sweater I started for her and another for Lucia.
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Post by **GypsyGirl** on Aug 26, 2023 15:02:11 GMT
however I used a layer cake and I used every single square! No leftovers. Amazing! I need to figure out how to use every scrap and not end up with a room full of scraps and extra fabric! |
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Post by jeremysgirl on Aug 26, 2023 15:08:47 GMT
however I used a layer cake and I used every single square! No leftovers. Amazing! I need to figure out how to use every scrap and not end up with a room full of scraps and extra fabric! It was just blocks used in full. No fancy cutting. So I was able to use them all.. |
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quiltz
Drama Llama
Posts: 7,086
Location: CANADA
Jun 29, 2014 16:13:28 GMT
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Post by quiltz on Aug 26, 2023 20:04:35 GMT
Amazing! I need to figure out how to use every scrap and not end up with a room full of scraps and extra fabric! I am finding that a LOT of the newer patterns use 1 pkg. colourful 10" cake layers and then also call for 1 pkg of background cake layers. Then you purchase a small amount of fabric for binding and therefore no waste, unless you purchase 2 yards for 1/2 yard for binding. Also many quilts use the jellyrolls using a complete fabric line and then also use a more neutral jellyroll in the pattern. Again, no waste and sometimes they include some of the 2 1/2" strips for binding. A lot of people are intimidated to cut fabric, use the rulers properly and using the layer cake, charm packs and jellyrolls are much easier to do. A quilt store will use their AccuCut machine and cut the yardage into the 2 1/2" strips for binding, for people who don't want to cut the binding. Saves of the purchase of the longer 5"x24" rulers. Plexi-glass has become very expensive since Covid. |
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Post by jeremysgirl on Aug 26, 2023 20:07:47 GMT
Amazing! I need to figure out how to use every scrap and not end up with a room full of scraps and extra fabric! I am finding that a LOT of the newer patterns use 1 pkg. colourful 10" cake layers and then also call for 1 pkg of background cake layers. Then you purchase a small amount of fabric for binding and therefore no waste, unless you purchase 2 yards for 1/2 yard for binding. Also many quilts use the jellyrolls using a complete fabric line and then also use a more neutral jellyroll in the pattern. Again, no waste and sometimes they include some of the 2 1/2" strips for binding. A lot of people are intimidated to cut fabric, use the rulers properly and using the layer cake, charm packs and jellyrolls are much easier to do. A quilt store will use their AccuCut machine and cut the yardage into the 2 1/2" strips for binding, for people who don't want to cut the binding. Saves of the purchase of the longer 5"x24" rulers. Plexi-glass has become very expensive since Covid. I have a friend who wants to try a quilt and she intimidated by the cutting. So I see where this is a real thing. |
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seaexplore
Prolific Pea
Posts: 9,366
Apr 25, 2015 23:57:30 GMT
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Post by seaexplore on Aug 26, 2023 20:13:00 GMT
Hi All! Just reading along. School is busy with all new curriculum for me to try and figure out plus a new gym for DD with 3 hours twice a week and 1 hour at a different gym for silks. It's 1 hour each way driving on top of her class times! Anyway..... EVERYTHING LOOKS AWESOME! jeremysgirl I use my sizzix big shot for cutting out my shapes to quilt. I have tumblers, squares, triangles. You can get SO MANY dies! I never cut shapes by hand. I will do strips with a long ruler and rotary cutter. |
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Post by **GypsyGirl** on Aug 26, 2023 20:36:44 GMT
unless you purchase 2 yards for 1/2 yard for binding. You've been digging through my stash!  I can understand the fear of cutting, especially if you've never been exposed to any type of sewing. And those rotary cutters are scary! I bought my first one (remember the 18mm?) in the mid-80's and almost took the tip of my little finger off. I've been uber cautious ever since! |
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quiltz
Drama Llama
Posts: 7,086
Location: CANADA
Jun 29, 2014 16:13:28 GMT
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Post by quiltz on Aug 26, 2023 21:17:13 GMT
You've been digging through my stash! My stash includes the stash that my mom had. I had a huge garage sale in 2001. I had signed up for Tupperware as I was starting my B&B with craft studio. So it was much cheaper to become a *dealer* than purchase from someone. There were things in that starter kit that I would never use and more. It took me 3 solid days to measure the cr@p, oops the fabric that my mom had. SO MUCH STUFF. All from the '60's - 90's. So much dusty blue and dusty pink  Anyway, I called it the Ultimate Women's Garage sale. Started at 10am with coffee & muffins. At noon, a friend (who owned a local winery) set up a *tasting table* & cheese & crackers. All kinds of stuff. We had a huge triple garage and borrowed tables from church. It was an amazing sale and I made bank that day. Now I live in a smaller highrise condo and use the owner's suite bedroom for my quilting room, which overflows into the dining room and also into the other bedroom & storage area. The shower unit in the 2nd bathroom is also storage for fabric, batting  . |
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Post by jeremysgirl on Aug 26, 2023 21:22:53 GMT
quiltz I have two craft rooms/offices and most nights I sit on the couch to crochet and right now I've got all my scrapbook stuff in the dining room. Hahaha... Gotta love crafts. Jeremy thinks I'm taking over the house.
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Post by **GypsyGirl** on Aug 26, 2023 21:33:23 GMT
quiltz - That would have been the sale of my dreams back in the day! Your current setup sound amazing. Gotta love crafts. Jeremy thinks I'm taking over the house. Pretty much every man alive thinks that! When we moved back from KZ in 2012, DH complained that I'd taken over every room in the house. I pointed out that he had not lived full time in the house for over 13 years, so what did he expect. Me to leave all that space unused? I think not!  . Once we remodeled I managed to get the bulk of my stuff into my current sewing room/office, but it took a LOT of purging. The only thing not in here now are the photos/scrapbook supplies, but they are set up in the guest room for me to sort/purge/organize. Once that job is finished (this winter most likely), nearly all of my scrapbook supplies will be donated as I no longer have an interest in it. I've gone to digital photobooks instead.
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Post by jeremysgirl on Aug 26, 2023 21:37:50 GMT
Honestly, Jeremy has piles of crap all over our bedroom. And I used to give him shit about it all the time. But really most of this house is consumed by my crap. Last time I said something he was like you have two craft rooms! And then I kind of did a mental check and I was like, just let him have his piles of golf tees and random screws. 😂
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