Monday, January 10, 2011

Getting Started

Hello, Ladies. I saw Kim's Roseville Album quilt at the 2010 Houston show, and it was more beautiful in person than online. I spent quite awhile looking at it in detail and admiring the beautiful colors. I was inspired to try it!

I have appliqued for years, and have used various threads such as 50-weight Aurifil, Mettler and Guterman. DMC and YLI have also been recommended to me, but I have never used them. For needles, I use size 12 Clover Gold Eye.

Do any of you have any particular recommendations? I have tried the silk threads, but don't like them as much.

Best,
Kathy

13 comments:

  1. I was always using silk threads, but now I use Superior's MasterPiece all the time...love it!!!

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  2. Have you tried the new silk thread from Superior? I really like it - it is a little less slippery than other silks and really handles more like cotton.

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  3. I really like the YLI silk thread and I use a number 11 straw needle. The extra length is a great turning tool. Glad you want to join us! I look forward to seeing your first block.

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  4. I use a #12 large quilting needle for everything. It's almost like an extension of my finger LOL.
    I only have Coats and Clarks or Gutterman thread available locally, which is what I use for the best color matching.

    The Roseville Album is a thrill to work on. I think you're going to love it?

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  5. I always used Aurifil in the past but have now happened upon YLI Soft Touch. It is a cotton 60-weight thread that is even thinner than the Aurifil and really needles well. I, too, cannot use silk thread. If it isn't falling off the needle, the stitches are sticking up. Soft Touch doesn't come in as many colors as the Aurifil, but there are plenty of colors to choose from. I'm really liking it! Just thought I'd add my two cents!
    Kathy Webb

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  6. Kathy,

    Welcome to the club, enjoy the journey!

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  7. YLI 100 weight silk thread and a #11 straw needles for me. I knot the thread at the eye so it doesnt slip. I use lengths of about 10" - 12". My stitches are invisible with this thread.

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  8. Glad you are joining our group. I use YLI silk thread 100 weight and Piece Maker applique needles. I keep out several needles loaded with many different colors of thread in my large pin cushion. You will find that a taupe, gray, black and very light threads will work on most fabrics, even though I have around 30 spools of different colors. I keep a fine emry board in my sewing area and basket so I can rub this over my finger tips from time to time to smooth the ruff areas. Found this helps from snagging my silk thread so much.

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  9. I always use YLI silk thread 100 weight. Currently making the CWB quilt which involves a lot of needleturn applique.

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  10. I have tried a broad range and variety of applique needles, threads, etc. My personal choices and favorites are Mettler 60 wt. It is 2 ply cotton thread. It comes on the spool that has green writing. This thread always 'melts' into my fabrics and becomes invisible. For me, it doesn't tangle or fray the way silk thread does. And, it comes in a myriad of colors, and is affordable.

    I like applique needles by John S. Lyle. They are very fine and work well for me. I also like John James Gold 'n Glide needles. I tend to use a short fine needle for hand applique. Straws are too long and unwiedly for me, as I end up stabbing the thumb of my left hand, repeatedly.

    I also do like to use Thread Heaven to condition my thread. I find it cuts down on thread twisting, knotting and fraying, regardless of the kind of thread I am using and type of hand stitching I am doing.

    Welcome! Looking forward to seeing your tools of choice and your blocks. Glad you've been enticed to join us here. ; ) You won't be sorry.

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  11. Uh, that should read Jean S. Lyle applique needles. Sorry!

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  12. Loved reading all the comments to go with the original questions.

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