thread, thread, and more thread

I have been on a mission for the past couple of months to educate myself on thread. After I realized there was so many different kinds of thread out there. I haven't tipped the iceberg yet but here is what I have found out...

It is almost a personal preference. You need to try a different variety of thread and a variety of companies that they come from. Your sewing machine also plays a role in which thread you choose to use.  I am the type of person who gets stuck in a rut that never has time to try new. I usually just use white to sew everything. I will reluctantly change thread color only when top stitching or machine quilting. I have found a great and affordable cone and pre-wound bobbin set from Signature that I can sew on all day long and never stop because of thread issues. I have also used a heavy weight (12) thread that gives your project a great texture, but needle changing comes into play. We will have to save the needle changes for another time... I have also tried a really thin thread almost sewing with hair. It took forever to get a sizable amount on the bobbin. This type of thread is deemed invisible. It is super thin and sinks into your quilt. I also have really been liking the mettler all-purpose thread. It has a great silk-finish that is so nice for top stitching and the durability for anything. 

Over-view

12 wt.    really thick          have to change to bigger needle
40 wt.     normal               equaliant to Coats and Clark (just like grandma used to use)
50 wt.     finer quality        the new style of high quality mostly for quilting
100 wt.   Really thin          deemed invisible

So I am challenging you to try several different type of thread and see for your self. Please let me know what you have tried and how it turned out.
You can get a few different types of thread at my site www.alittlefabricstore.com

Valentine's Placemat Free Pattern

 It has been a while seen I have posted. Holidays... Eating... Not enough excercise... But I am trying to get back into the routine. I have gotten a few projects completed. Yeah Me! While cleaning off my desk (again! don't know why it always gets messy) I found a cute picture of a heart. I really don't know what they made out of it but I just saw the most beautiful placemat flash in my head. So (like I had time but the creativity had to come out somehow) I cut and stitched this together...

 

It took me less than 1 hour to start and finish. It was so good to accomplish something and feel good about myself. I think that is what sewing is about. I am offering you this free pattern on my website www.alittlefabricstore.com so that you can also feel a sense of accomplishment and pride with your placemat.

If you want I can pick the fabric and pre-cut the half-square triangles for you. If you are close and want to make one with me, I will continue working on mine on Thursday, January 27th at 10:00.

Just send me an e-mail or give me a call. sarah@alittlefabricstore.com or 361-564-9455

I want to see your projects when you are done.

Thangles demonstration video

At market I was amazed by this demonstration and what you can do with it. I can't wait to recieve these in the store so I can start on next years block of the month. Tell me what you think?

Have you heard about this...

It is a Candle Mat Swap. Sign up for the exchange and then use their downloadable pattern and make a candle mat. You can use fabric that you have on hand or you can buy some new that you have had your eye on. Just have your mat finished by the deadline of November 15th or November 22nd, depeding on the instructions when you register. It mat looks simple and quick. I would love to see all of the variations of the color in the candle mats. Just click on the picture to take you to the registration for the exchange.

National Sewing Month

I didn't know until this morning that it is National Sewing Month in September. I guess that means I will have to sew something. I wonder where I will buy the fabric?

1 Million Pillowcase Challenge UPDATE

Just a quick update for the American Patchwork and Quilting 1 Million Pillowcase Challenge.

American Patchwork and Quilitng challenged everyone to see if we could sew and donate 1 million pillowcases to someone in need in 2010. The challenge started in January and will last until they have reach 1 million. Currently the count is at 135,124. We have a ways to go  people. I think that it is so cool that if everyone does just a little we can make such a BIG difference.

I would like to schedule a day that we could work on pillowcases. Any suggestions?

July's Block of the Month is finally here!

Don't they say better late than never?
I really enjoyed making this month's block of the month. You will definetly have to try out the flying geese technique.

You can download the instruction to make this block titled "Summer Winds" on my website. There is are other free patterns as well!

Go there Now!