Pin Cusions

I have been working really hard on making pin cushions for my Guild's quilt show.  I worked so hard that my middle finger had almost no skin on it from the needle.  Ouch! I really need to learn to use a thimble.  I just need to find one that I can be comfortable with.  Still searching. Anyway, here is my effort.

I made these using just hexagons.  They are stitched all by hand, hence the sore finger.  If anyone would like one you can find them on my etsy shop.

If you live in the Washington DC area, you can see them at the quilt show in the guild's boutique.  True Blue Quilt Show hosted by Quilters Unlimited in Northern VA is at the Dulles Expo Center in Chantilly VA on May 30 & 31 and June 1.  For more information on the show you can go to their website by clicking on the link above.  This is a great show and I have looked forward to this show every year even before I was associated with the guild.  It is a must see show! 

Silk Ttread

Today I want to talk about silk thread.  I have been working on a lot of hand work lately (my applique class and my hexagons).  I asked my teacher about silk thread and she told me that the stitches would look better but it was more expensive.  I decided to try it and I was sold.  I couldn't believe the difference that the silk thread could make.  If you have not tried it I recommend that you give it a try.

With cotton thread

 

With silk thread

After using the thread for awhile I  noticed other reasons for using silk thread.  For one, I was surprised at how strong the thread was. Secondly, I noticed that I did not have to condition the thread and that I did not get as many knots in the thread. Thirdly, if I did get a knot that I could not get out, I could continue to sew since the thread was so smooth and fine.

I went to Superior Threads and looked at their silk thread.  They have a Thread of the Month club in which they will send you 6 spools of Kimono silk thread for $36.94 a month.  After 14 months you will have the entire collection of Kimono silk thread.  It is a easy way to get the entire collection without forking over a lot of money all at once.