Friday, February 10, 2006

Hand Quilting for Dummies




I haven't hand-sewn in quite a while, but since Ol' Singer's on the blink, I thought I'd try it again. While I enjoy the experience of feeling the thread being pulled through, I now know that I like using my machine better. There are certains "effects" I like in my quilting that I can't get by hand.

I've also found that, despite owning 6 different kinds of thimbles, I hate using one for the most part. Now I have a callous on one finger ("Wow, now that's ladylike!" my husband joked. Ha.Ha.) and prickmarks on my thumb. I have this thing about being able to feel what I'm doing. I do like using these little ThimblePad things. Okay, I really like using these ThimblePad things. They slide around a little once they warm, but I still feel everything. For you hand quilters who hate thimbles too, what do you like to use?

I've quilted all of the smaller "snapshots" now. I don't know how well the stitching comes up in these photos, but here they are!

5 comments:

Lissy said...

Welcome to the "jacked-up" hands club. I mostly hand quilt and applique, so often in applique I'll run the thread through my calloused finger...you know from all the hand quilting.

Karoda said...

I use the leather thimble...at first it was uncomfortable but now that it has stretched and a bit worn, I truly love it.

Deborah Boschert said...

I'll have to try those thimble pads. I also had the traditional type thimble... but I also hate calluses and blood.

Jen said...

I'll have to try those thimble pads. Of what I've tried so far I like the leather thimble with a metal spot. The metal ones just don't fit me right. Jen

Unknown said...

This is very interesting to watch you develope "you" something about those colors....the blue....looking forward to more looks......PS I'm with you on the snow thing...Ginger