My Quilting Arts magazine arrived today......I can rarely find them on the store shelves so I finally decided to subscribe and my first issue arrived just minutes ago. I am excited because there is always something inspiring in this publication. So as soon as I finish this post , I will curl up with a fresh cup of coffee and dive into the pages.
I thought I'd show you some of the products I use most. When I hand quilt, nothing beats this leather thimble. I've tried other leather ones but did not like them and I have tried many of the metal ones with no success at all. (Can't seem to keep a metal one on my finger) The thimble-its are a great help in keeping your fingers from getting sore when "feeling" for the needle point under the quilt.
The Teflon sheet comes in handy for a great number of things, it is see
thro
ugh to aid in proper placement when working with fused applique. I also have a Teflon cover for my iron, which keeps it clean and I never have to worry about glues transferring where I don't want them.
This summer at the
Goderich Quilt show I purchased a Sketch and Wash pencil made by Generals, I love this pencil for marking on fabric, it goes on smoothly, having to use almost no pressure and it DOES wash out. These pencils can be found at art supply stores.
For marking on dark fabric, this fine tipped white ink marker by Clover is terrific. The ink becomes more visible as it dries and stays visible until you take an iron to it at which time it totally disappears.
Those quilting gloves are by
Fon's and Porter and I like them so well I have several pair. They are one of the few I have found that actually fit me properly.
The scissors are a pair of
Gingher applique scissors that I have had for approximately 12 years. They have seen a lot of use, have never been sharpened and still work as good as the day I got them.
See those needles? Those are what I use when basting a quilt. They are easy to thread, very strong and the extra length makes the basting process a breeze.
The variegated threads in the photo are Sulky
Blendables. These are my favourite threads to use for lots of detailed quilting. They really enhance the look of your design.
Well I ran out of them and can NOT find more anywhere. Regular toothpicks just don't have the same sturdy pointed end on them, they simply do not get the job done.
So I went in search of an alternative and decided that perhaps these wooden Barbeque skewers might be the answer. They were easily cut to a more manageable length and with a quick pass across an emery board, any cut, rough edges were sanded smooth. The tip is PERFECT and the skewer is not only performing as required but is also holding up extremely well. I will get lots and lots of use out of each and every one of them. I don't like to waste anything so the ends that I cut off (the "waste"is about 8" long) will be just right for mixing paints and inks. I got about 100 skewers for a buck......can't beat that.
with all these circles ready to go I will be putting my newest applique tools to good use.
Even though we had a very, VERY mild winter in my area this year, I am thrilled to see the end of it and to celebrate the official arrival of Spring, I inked this Robin.....yes, I can hear you asking......where is the red breast?.......sorry, you will just have to use your imagination.
