I have decided to utilize the "quilt as you go" technique with the blocks from this year's block of the month club. I am always game to learn something new. The above photo is of January's block. I found a template that I liked and traced it onto the block. Here I encountered the first problem. I had to use a white chalk pencil to transfer the design onto the black fabric and then a blue disappearing ink pen to transfer the design onto the other fabrics. A little fussy....but it gets the job done.
The second problem is with my thimble selection. These are several of the thimbles I currently own. None of them work well for me. I prefer to use no thimble...but these tiny quilting needles literally pierce my skin if I do not. Sometimes, when I am hand sewing, I will use a band aid as a thimble....but once again....the quilting needles are so thin they go right through it as well. Anyone have any ideas????? I have not hand quilted in years.....and then I used the leather thimble pictured above. But now that thimble seems too tight on my finger. I welcome any suggestions since I have eleven more blocks to go.
And in reference to my last post about my pleater and me not getting along........I have since pleated up the second dress. I did end up with a few puckers.....but I can live with them....I think. And Ruth, I took your suggestion and put the pleater on the ironing board. I have never thought of that before. I have always placed the pleater on my kitchen table......but it truly is back breaking using it there. The ironing board worked well so I will have to remember that...thanks! And the funny thing is this: I have pleated and smocked many bishops and never even knew enough to be fearful of pleating them. They always came out great. It's only been recently that I have learned that bishops can be finicky. And now I am running into problems. Sometimes I truly believe ignorance is bliss.
2 comments:
I know you don't want to hear this, but I prefer no thimble. I hate when I can't feel my work. I know it's a little painful, but I feel like I'm doing something wrong, if I can't feel the needle. I tried with the thimble and found that my stitches were actually larger. Sometimes you have to suffer for your art.
Missy,
Yes, I prefer to use no thimble as well...but my fingers think differently. Since Ethan has been born the tips of my fingers peel and crack. The derm. says to get used to it because it is pretty common.....but I refuse to get used to it and continue to search for a solution. In the meantime, it is thimbles for me.
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