How Did We Get to Mid-November?

Time is doing its usual job of flying by – there is snow on the ground which should really let me know that it is almost winter but —–.  I think I am still in early fall mentally.  I get the “heebie - jeebies” when I think how close Thanksgiving is because that means Christmas is really, really close.  Thank goodness, we have some projects in the shop that can easily be completed by Christmas for gifts or for home decor.  Come in and check it out.

On a different topic. I started having some sewing difficulties that had nothing to do with my machine needing a tune up or anything like that.  But my frustration led me to learning a few things about sewing machine needles.  I must confess that even though I have been sewing most of my life and I have never really paid a lot of attention to sewing machine needles.  So here is what I have learned – 1.  Most sewing machines use the same needles but that is the 1st thing you will want to check and see if there is a type that you can’t use.  The shop carries Schmetz needles which are high quality and fit most domestic sewing machines.  2.What are you sewing?   A.  If you are piecing a quilt (even if using flannel) a universal needle will be fine – use a 70/10, a 75/11 or an 80/12 (the smaller the number, the smaller the needle).  B. If your quilt is sandwiched and you are doing free motion quilting or stitch in the ditch or cross hatching, you need a quilting or topstitch needle.  The tips are sharper on these needles to allow it to punch through the multiple layers more easily.  The quilting needles come in 2 sizes usually – 75/11 and 90/14.  The 90/14 is a heavier needle with a larger hole which is recommended for use with Sulky Blendables (we have a variety of the Blendables).  The topstitch needle is the same size as a universal needle but has a larger hole for heavier threads or sometimes simply to decrease the fraying of ordinary thread when going through a heavy quilt.  I have personally found the topstitch needle to work best for me when I choose to complete a quilt myself. When I do this, I am often stitching in the ditch or doing a cross-hatch or grid pattern.  Once I began to pay attention to the needles, I had less thread breakage which makes me smile.  3.  If you are making a purse or bag and need to go through multiple layers of fabric, interfacing, and fleece a Denim/Jeans needle may be required.  Of course, this needle is the best when you are shortening your husband’s jeans because he absolutely hates to have them drag on the floor.

Hope this info helps with some sewing problems and with some potential tension problems.  It is a relatively easy fix when frustration sets in.

The Quilting Patch has received the Lily and Will fabric by Moda.  It is displayed in the pattern Sheep Little Baby by Bean Counter Quilts.  It is a sweet, gentle fabric that lends itself to many applications.  We have also received Pure by Moda.  This is the popular blue/brown/mocha combination.  Our shop sample is done in Due Date another popular pattern by Bean Counter Quilts.  This pattern has a size for babies and a lap size option and this fabric is perfect for both.  This pattern is also excellent for beginners – no seams to match.

Come visit us soon.  Remember we are always glad to help with any sewing problems you might be having.

Jan, Janet & Donna

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