Yesterday was a great mail day, two-fer-- don't you just love those? My thread cone arrived at the same time as the pantographs that I'd ordered. O, happy day!! I don't know about you, but while I'm piecing a top (and using up thread which led to the order of that first item) I'm already projecting as to how I'll quilt what's under the needle. I had been thinking for awhile about quilting the All American quilt and, last week, Urban Elementz had their pantos on sale; so, of course, I ordered two! The design on the right is "Becker's Shooting Star" and that's how I'll quilt up that one.
"All American"
I've had my eye on this panto for some time but was resisting adding yet another panto to my collection; the sale prices provided the nudge that I needed, it'll be great on QOVs too (that's rationalizing, right?😉).
"The Quiet Road"
The Pumpkin Fest panto, left, top photo, is pretty dense and a bit more complicated, I believe it will look great quilted on the simply pieced top The Quiet Road. I've got my work lined up and ready for me!
So, why special order thread through the mail? I like to use Presencia, 60 wt., 3-ply Egyptian cotton thread for all of my piecing, I order it by the large (4880 yd.) cone and keep it on hand all of the basic neutral colors. It's strong, but fine, and leaves very little lint, comparatively. in the bobbin area. I became aware of this thread in a workshop taught by Augusta Cole a few years ago and have been a convert ever since. My LQS doesn't stock it, I order it from Red Rocks; it's pricey but lasts a good, long, time and the customer service is excellent.
Sew, today's questions for you: 1. Do you jump ahead in your thoughts to future steps (projects?) as you're sewing one one project to what will be next, or are you focused on what's right in front of you? 2. Do you have one, special, nothing-else-will-do product that you go that extra mile (and pay postage!) to find and purchase? Weigh in~ let me know that I'm not alone!
Life is Good!
7 comments:
Question one - yes, I am ALWAYS thinking ahead to the next step, the next project, the next big idea. Question two - yes, I will order online to get what I want when it comes to thread (Aurifil for piecing, Glide for quilting). Ditto for batting (Hobbs 80/20 in the industrial size roll). You are NOT alone.
much like the next meal (LOL), i am always thinking about projects ahead and planning, choosing fabrics etc...aurifil quilting thread 28 wt is what i religiously order on line and gladly pay shipping...esp now that shops are on appointment only, and often don't carry the colors i need...and i love the stars panto for your patriotic quilt!
I go to church with Augusta and have the pleasure of sewing with her a number of times throughout the year on raffle quilts for our mission activities. She got me using prescencia thread from Red Rocks, too. I do use Aurifil when I need colors other than neutrals or if I can’t wait for an order to arrive. I tend to not think of the quilting design until the top is finished. Sometimes things need to marinate for a while before a plan comes together. Your new quilting designs will be beautiful on your quilts.
I am going to have to try that thread but I am surprised you use 60 wt for piecing. I use 60 wt thread for applique. I do like the Loris blue pens for marking quilts for quilting, but other than that I still like trying new things. Both of your quilts look great and I think the quilting pattern is perfect
I think about the machine quilting as I'm pinning the quilt. But I usually don't think about the next project. In quilting, I only like to have one quilt going at a time. (Not so with cross stitch.)
I will pay postage for Superior Thread. My machine loves bottom line in the bobbin and So Fine on top. Don't have to worry about tension with those two together.
My mind is always flitting from project to project, many of which haven't even gotten started. There are things that I just have to use, but most of them don't require me to go out of my way to get them. I can't think of any quilting must haves at the moment. Both of your projects are beautiful in their own way and the quilting designs you have chosen for them are wonderful. For you, those pantographs are an investment so worth the cost.
Definitely always "making quilts in my head" while sewing on other projects. Sometimes I have to stop what I am sewing to play with graph paper and pencil if I have a "brilliant" idea I can't let go of! This results in many tangent projects....never a dull moment, tho!
I really like Aurifil thread and so does my domestic sewing machine. I've not tried buying any thread online, I like to support my local shops so buy there even if it costs more.
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