BYC SEWING/QUILTING CLUB

[Blooie]

When I started quilting it was way before 1976 when the resurgence of all things bi-centennial hit! Suddenly everyone wanted to quilt. I learned by checking out books from the library - and they were so old they smelled musty and moldy. One of my neighbors was talking about me to another lady and referred to me as "that poor woman down the street who has to make her own blankets!"

You can spend thousands of dollars on quilting supplies, machines, the ultimate in fabric, and accessories. But all you really need is a packet of needles, a scissors, some thread and fabrics, a pencil, and a thimble. That's how I started and now these many years later I actually have an entire house trailer in the back yard that is my sewing room. Your best bet is to remember this one little thing: It's a quilt. It's not brain surgery, rocket science, or precision engineering. It's fabric. If you make a mistake the sun will still come up tomorrow and the birdies will still sing. The more pressure you put on yourself the more difficult quilting becomes.

It's like taking a trip. If you focus just on where you're going, you miss the beauty and changes in the journey!

 

[sunflour]

When I started quilting it was way before 1976 when the resurgence of all things bi-centennial hit! Suddenly everyone wanted to quilt. I learned by checking out books from the library - and they were so old they smelled musty and moldy. One of my neighbors was talking about me to another lady and referred to me as "that poor woman down the street who has to make her own blankets!"

You can spend thousands of dollars on quilting supplies, machines, the ultimate in fabric, and accessories. But all you really need is a packet of needles, a scissors, some thread and fabrics, a pencil, and a thimble. That's how I started and now these many years later I actually have an entire house trailer in the back yard that is my sewing room. Your best bet is to remember this one little thing: It's a quilt. It's not brain surgery, rocket science, or precision engineering. It's fabric. If you make a mistake the sun will still come up tomorrow and the birdies will still sing. The more pressure you put on yourself the more difficult quilting becomes.

It's like taking a trip. If you focus just on where you're going, you miss the beauty and changes in the journey!

Well stated.

I think starting small is the best way to get into quilting. And picking something simple like a table runner or potholders. And have fun.

 

[sunflour]

Blooie mentions the thimble. I have sewn for over 50 years and still have never mastered the use of thimbles. I have tried several types and sizes and using them has always felt awkward. Most I the time I just don't try, but some projects are quite difficult without one.

Any tips on getting used to using a thimble?

 

[speckledhen]

Blooie mentions the thimble. I have sewn for over 50 years and still have never mastered the use of thimbles. I have tried several types and sizes and using them has always felt awkward. Most I the time I just don't try, but some projects are quite difficult without one.

Any tips on getting used to using a thimble?

You could do what I did, start with the leather ones first, the ones that flex. Eventually, I learned to use a regular metal one. Just takes practice.

 

[Blooie]

Blooie mentions the thimble. I have sewn for over 50 years and still have never mastered the use of thimbles. I have tried several types and sizes and using them has always felt awkward. Most I the time I just don't try, but some projects are quite difficult without one.

Any tips on getting used to using a thimble?

This is going to sound like a really silly answer, but wear one. Find one that fits - fortunately they are so inexpensive that you can buy several of different makers and sizes - and when you find one that feels okay then wear it frequently. Just "okay" is fine - it's new and it's metal so it's never going to on the first time and feel like it fits perfectly. Then wear it. I swore I'd never get used to using one. It felt odd. I just put it on and wore it around the house. When I had to do something where it was in the way, I'd put my hand in my pocket and push the thimble off, pulling my hand out without it. Then to put it back on I stuck my hand back into my pocket, pushing my finger into the thimble and pulling my hand out with it on. It took some time, but soon it felt like wearing a new ring - awkward at first but soon I barely noticed it. When I'm making a quilt I do the pocket thing every time I stand up to run and do something. Stand up, hand in pocket with thimble, hand out of pocket without thimble, hand back in pocket without thimble, hand out of pocket with thimble. Automatic. Now the middle finger of my right hand is actually thimble shaped - the tip of it actually looks like the shape of a thimble. You know that age-old thing where you put your finger in your mouth then hold it up to test the wind outside? I do that and then pop my thimble on. For some reason it doesn't slip off as easily. I can't even sew on a button without a thimble.

 

[speckledhen]

I use double sided scotch tape around the inside of mine because it belonged to someone else and it's a tad loose. It has grooves in it so the needle doesn't slide off the metal surface, perfect for quilters.

 

[Blooie]

I use double sided scotch tape around the inside of mine because it belonged to someone else and it's a tad loose. It has grooves in it so the needle doesn't slide off the metal surface, perfect for quilters.

Yep, that ridged thimble is the best! It's by Dritz, isn't it? Can't remember, it's been so long since I bought one. I hate the ones that are almost smooth with little dimples....it's like when I was shopping the other day and looked at the 12 pack of Diet, Caffine Free Dr. Pepper! I looked at it and thought, "Gee, Diane, why bother?"

 

[cutechick53]

Well stated.

I think starting small is the best way to get into quilting. And picking something simple like a table runner or potholders. And have fun.

Hey, I weave potholders! The first thing I ever made was with felt, a sample pattern with a blanket. I'll never sew with felt again, my rough-scratched fingers caught on the fabric and I almost got my finger sowed to it! Thimbles: Which finger does it go on? I've done little stuff over the summer, like hand sow buttons on shirts, ect, and the only finger it fits on is my first. Should it be a different finger?

 

[Blooie]

Hey, I weave potholders! The first thing I ever made was with felt, a sample pattern with a blanket. I'll never sew with felt again, my rough-scratched fingers caught on the fabric and I almost got my finger sowed to it! Thimbles: Which finger does it go on? I've done little stuff over the summer, like hand sow buttons on shirts, ect, and the only finger it fits on is my first. Should it be a different finger?

If you wear the thimble on the middle finger of your dominate hand, it leaves your index finger and thumb free to hold and pull the needle. In most people the middle finger is slightly longer than the others, which makes it perfect for doing the pushing your needle through the fabric.

 

[sunflour]

Thank y'all for info on thimbles…..I am "the princess and the pea". If something feels uncomfortable, I give it away and that's that. But still have a number of thimbles, gonna get my thimble collection out and wear them around. I am so tired of finger punches….