FMQ Threads

We talked about needles for machine quilting last week!

Today we are going to talk about threads.

Thread is a really important part of the machine quilting process. The machine is going to put the thread through 3 layers of fabric and moving the quilt around to free motion quilt is going to put the thread under strain.

Getting the right thread is really important. It needs to be strong, but not to thick so as to drag through the machine. The usual suspects such as Gutermann are going to snag and snap really quickly so they are not suitable for machine quilting.

Lots of my early attempts into FMQ resulted in tears because I didn't change my thread!

I have found that 2 options that I love to use. First there is the 100% cotton thread, Aurifil.

Aurifil is a wonderful 100% cotton thread that can be used for sewing, applique, hand sewing and machine quilting. It comes in 3 weights. I like using the 50 wt as it moves through the layers really smoothly and I love the effect quilting with this thread has on my quilts.

The big bonus is that the thread some in a gazillion colours! I mean loads and loads! I would love a huge Aurifil truck to turn up at my house and deliver all of the colours...

The only slight down side is the lint that builds up in the sewing machine bobbin section because it is 100% cotton. You just need to remember to collect the lint out of the machine periodically.

The best place I have found to buy the threads is Quilt Direct. They have a huge range of shades and shade cards too. Combine that with fast delivery and you onto a winner. M is for Make and The Village Haberdashery also stock a few colours too.

The other thread I love using is So Fine by Superior Threads. This is a polyester thread, but is a strong polyester thread.

It has a lovely feel and quilts differently from the Aurifil above. The thread sinks into the quilt less so has a different effect on the quilt.

This thread only leaves a little lint the machine and moves through the layers in a fabulous way. I have really enjoyed using the threads on a few quilts in the last 6 months.

The best place to buy it is at Barnyarns, who have a lovely range of shades and are fast with delivery.

With both threads make sure you practice on a scrap quilt first. Check your tension on the machine before you start quilting your beautiful quilt!

See you next week for a chat about machine feet!

A Crafty Christmas Day!

Good morning!

I hope you have had the most amazing Christmas day!

In my house we have a very low key approach to Christmas. We have Christmas supper on on Christmas Eve - sausage and mash by candle light - and new PJ's that we stay in until after Boxing Day!

Christmas day is all about presents, playing and relaxing, including pizza for lunch!

My boys voted for pizza 3 years ago as they didn't want to stop playing for a traditional Christmas lunch. They can munch pizza, watch movies and play in peace. For them that makes Christmas perfect!

So I get to spend a couple of days wandering around the house in PJ's, drinking coffee and sewing!

With the boys all distracted by the new toys, I can grab my sewing machine and put together a new quilt top in peace - everyone gets the perfect Christmas!

This year Santa bought me 3 craft books:

I got Little Stitches by Aneela Hoey,  Simple Crochet by Sara Sinaguglia and color, block & quilt by Emily Cier (and the workbook too!).

All 3 have had me itching to try something out. The color, block & quilt book was recommended by Angela Walters, and she is right - it is a fantastic resource for colours and fantastic modern blocks! But getting out the sewing machine, cutting mat and rotary cutter isn't allowed on Christmas day, so experimenting with her blocks will have to wait until Boxing Day!

I love Simply Crochet. So many gorgeous designs and ideas, but no wool...

So that left me with Little Stitches! I have never tried embroidery before, it has been that appealing, but since meeting Aneela Hoey on Twitter I have been exploring the world of embroidery. It is amazing what you can create with some floss and a hoop!

Luckily I had bought a hoop last week on a whim, and I have hundreds of flosses from teaching. So I chose a design from the book and this is the result as I went to bed on Christmas day:

I changed the colours recommended so it will go with my room. I am thinking cushion cover as I have a bundle of Aneela Hoey's Sew Stitchy line just arrived from Fabric Worm....

Today I start maxi's quilt... I can' wait!

Have you managed anything crafty over the Christmas break?