Bev :Thank you for answering all my questions silly though they may seem.
none of your questions seem silly to me. you've made me think a bit, and that hurts my head. : ) i am not the person to ask about tech questions. there may be a better way. i wouldn't know how to save a file to my computer, so if i remember, i save it to favorites; and if i don't, i ask kris for help. it is a wonder she still talks to me.
gini in north idaho
Bev
I personally like the 100 wt. silk thread for applique but it takes some getting used to and can be very expensive. Luckily a spool lasts a very long time. My biggest tip is to just enjoy the process. I will say that having a really good needle makes a huge difference. I really hated doing hand applique until Gini pointed me in the direction of good needles. Now I do lots of applique and really enjoy it.
Vinton, Virginia
Thanks Gini and Nana for the info.
from TN
Hi Bev,
Im not sure if stores do it in the states but i found a place over here that does taster packs of threads, the store sends out 5 reels they choose the colours but i get the thread at discount, ive done this several times, it works great and now i have threads to blend in with most fabrics.
lots of love
Francesxx
gini: and if i don't, i ask kris for help. it is a wonder she still talks to me.
LOL. It would take a lot more than that to get rid of me Gini.
I save to my favourites too. Now I know where to find them again. Once upon a time it was a mystery.
Hey Frances,
By reels, is that something similar to the size of a bobbin? If so what a great idea! I don't know if they do it like that anywhere here but maybe someone else may know and post it here like Gini,Nana or Kris. I haven't really looked for thread yet but have bought a lot of fabric getting ready for when I start the appliqué project. I did not even know that thread came in different weights until I started reading the threads here. There is so much I am learning here!!
Thanks for info
So Gini,if thinking gives you a headache you are not alone, because it gives me headaches too especially if I try to figure out what someone else is thinking heehee
Sorry Bev,
This may be an english thing that i am unaware of we call a thing of thread a reel, not sure what you call it there maybe a spool. Dont worry until Gini said i never realised thread came in different weights either or that there was silk sewing thread i have to say im like Nana i prefer sewing with silk thread as im not the prettiest sticher in the world and it hides my stitches well, so now you know its all Ginis fault that i brought lots of new thread. (its only fair Gini was poking fun at me yesterday time to get my own back today).
you can share thread if you have a friend that quilts. you will get about 4-5 bobbins off a small spool. you could buy the colors you need and split the cost by winding bobbins
silk thread nestles into the fabric beautifully and takes on the color it is next to, so you don't need as many colors. if the hue is close or the color is the same family, chances are it will work fine. so, even though slik thread is a lot more expensive, you don't need nearly as many colors. it is a trick to work with and drives me nuts. you have to knot the thread behind the needle. my knot keeps slipping off, so i use cotton. every little piece of dried skin will catch on the silk thread, too. so when i use it i need to use my hand scrub.
you make a paste out of olive oil and sugar, rub it into your hands for a minute or so and wash off. leaves your hands really smooth.
Gini
How do you loose the knot behind the needle? I always have to cut my thread to get it out of the needle. Geesh you have amazing talents and I keep discovering new ones everyday.
Bev, you can check out these threads, they sell sets of 36 bobbins of 50wt thread and also a set of 5 spools of silk in neutral colors.
http://www.ConnectingThreads.com/threads/Specialty_Thread__L600904.html
Nana: How do you loose the knot behind the needle? I always have to cut my thread to get it out of the needle. Geesh you have amazing talents and I keep discovering new ones everyday.
i wave my magic wand and do the, loosen the knot incantation, and ta da.
maybe that's part of my problem, my knot slips off. then i'm waving the needle in the air, trying to catch the end of my thread with my mouth to tighten the knot, because my other hand is holding a crucial spot of the applique, i poke myself in the eye with the needle during the gyrations trying to get the end of the thread to my mouth, then i drop the applique piece, the air turns blue and i have to start the whole process over. it's no wonder sam sits across the room laughing at me in the evenings.
Gini Honey,
I think you are all the entertainment that Sam needs.
Nana: Bev I personally like the 100 wt. silk thread for applique but it takes some getting used to and can be very expensive. Luckily a spool lasts a very long time. My biggest tip is to just enjoy the process. I will say that having a really good needle makes a huge difference. I really hated doing hand applique until Gini pointed me in the direction of good needles. Now I do lots of applique and really enjoy it.
I agree with Nana. Silk is so wonderful for applique. In general, I use just two or three neutral color silks when doing applique, as they tend to disappear into the fabric. I personally love the straw needles. They are a bit longer, more bendable, and much easier on my hands, as I have arthritis.
northern colorado