going batty blog host

A Few Words on Our Favorite Subjects...

If there is one thing we’ve learned over the years it’s this: Sharing sewing and quilting how-tos, tips and tricks is part of the fun. So, we’re passing along what we’ve learned so you can work smarter, not harder. If you find these postings helpful, keep the knowledge flowing by sharing this website with someone you know.

Invest in the Best from the Start – Aurifil Thread for Piecing

I have oodles of sewing threads. It seems my thread inventory has superseded the surplus of my overstocked cosmetics! As I stare into this crater of glorious cotton fiber, I hear a resounding choir singing, Invest in the best from the start.

The sewing industry has discovered the importance of using quality threads in the combination with needles and fabric. These three components must play together for the best professional outcome. Are you confused in knowing which thread to use for each sewing technique? You are not alone. There are a plethora of quality thread choices. The most abundant brand for piecing in my supply is: Aurifil Thread.

Over the years, I gravitated to this luxurious Mako-Cotton thread which comes from Milan, Italy – and worth every penny. By the way, my Italian-made shoes have never steered me wrong.

What is Mako Cotton?
• Very fine cotton spun from extra long staple Egyptian fiber
• The highest-grade cotton = Top Quality

Aurifil 50-wt/2ply is my favorite thread to use for piecing quilts. I love how Aurifil differentiates their various thread lines with a certain color on each cone. The Aurifil 50-wt/2ply thread is wrapped around the orange colored cones. I am joined with many quilters who quickly learn the reasons why Aurifil thread is the best piecing thread:

• The 50-wt/2ply thread is a perfect weight for melting the thread into the seams of our cotton fabrics
• Virtually no-lint factor – visible on cone and after machine use when cleaning under stitch plate
• Very smooth and strong (extra long staple cotton provides a longer, smoother twist)
• No nubs or lumps or slubs (a soft uneven section in yarn or thread) Merrium-Webster.com
• Over 200 solid color choices and over 30 variegated color choices

Aurifil is definitely one of the best sewing threads in the market and an excellent consumer choice. I enjoy sharing my sewing research, and learning the conclusions of my fellow sewing enthusiasts.

Let’s give a holler out there for the quilters who use Aurifil thread for piecing. Whoo-hoo!

Posted by going batty! on May 18th, 2011 | No Comments »

Tips & Tricks: Managing Thread While Stitching On The Go

Pack lighter on your next trip by winding bobbins of thread to use on your handwork project instead of taking the whole spool with you; then store them in a Bobbin Tower disc. The discs each hold 5 bobbins and they are stackable so you will never be limited by the size of your storage container. The rubber holders keep the thread in place so in does not get tangled. Plus, they come in two different colors so you can easily distinguish between different weights of thread. So, when it’s time for your next class or trip just pop off one of the discs from your tower and toss it right into your bag! It’s that easy:)

Posted by going batty! on March 10th, 2011 | No Comments »

My Favorite Fabric Pencil

I tend to be a little heavy-handed when writing and break freshly sharpened lead points constantly. My solution is… Sewline Mechanical Fabric Pencils. They have a specially formulated ceramic lead that is strong, non-gritty and glides on fabric more smoothly than any other pencil I have tried! The special cushioned point mechanism protects the lead from breaking under writer’s pressure saving me a lot of frustration and wasted lead. Because it is a mechanical pencil, it uses a fine lead that gives you a sharp point all the time without sharpening. The clear, clean lines are easily removed* with the attached eraser, dabbing with a damp cloth, or washing. It is available in a great variety of colors that you can use on most fabrics (black, green, yellow, white, pink). And the best part is that both the lead and eraser are refillable! Each pencil comes packaged with one container of 6 ceramic lead refills. Because it is comfortable to use, always sharp, writes smoothly, resists braking and is refillable, it is one of my favorite tools!

*It is always a good idea to test fabric pencils/markers on a swatch of the fabric to ensure lines can be removed satisfactorily and erase pencil lines before ironing fabric because the heat can set the marks from some pencils or markers permenantly.

Posted by Carie on March 8th, 2011 | No Comments »

Product Review: Patterns on CD

Have you ever bought a pattern, tucked it away, and then when you found that perfect combination of fabrics for that pattern you couldn’t find where you put it? Trust me we’ve done the same exact thing. Pattern CDs are amazing for any quilter who is looking for different patterns in one simple location. They each have three different patterns on the same CD, all for one low price! No more looking through drawers of patterns trying to find that specific one which you can never seem to find when you need it. Next time don’t blame the gremlins, grab a pattern CD, pop it into the computer, and start sewing!

Posted by going batty! on March 2nd, 2011 | 2 Comments »

Follow us!

Subscribe to our blog