Sunday, July 31, 2016

Sunday stitching

Not too much time for slow stitching this morning as my young grandson is having a sleepover this weekend. 

I did manage to get a few hearts stitched. It would be nice to take some time this long weekend to actually get all up-to-date. I'm not too far off, just don't know if I can make it happen. 

Funny how all these have a dull look to them. Maybe even when I'm not picking fabrics purposely to suit my mood, it happens anyway? These are actually dated a couple of weeks ago, so who knows why they were chosen...probably because they were in the midst of my back pain?

I do have a product review today.

My go-to needles for a long time have been Roxanne's #10 Sharps. I even love the packaging...complete with a little seashell on top!...
I think there were 80 needles in the tube originally and I am finally down to one. I don't even know if these are available anymore. I hope so!

In the meantime I thought I'd treat myself to something new, these "Tulip" brand needles...
Again, it shouldn't mean anything, but I love the packaging!

I was pretty skeptical that I could notice a difference in the two needles. Really...how could there be?

I do notice a difference. The Tulip needles are super-fine and I swear my stitches are better this morning. 

Here are the two different needles. I was wondering if the difference if visible...not sure, but I did feel the difference as soon as I picked up the Tulip needle.

It does make a difference to use a great quality needle and, in my opinion, Roxanne's is very good. I'll start watching out for them to see if they are still around. I love the Tulip ones, but after they are gone don't know if I will pay the premium price.

I guess my advice to new appliquers would be this....Buy some needles that are suited to applique. Your old everyday sew-a-button-on needles should maybe be saved for sewing on buttons!
I think if you have the proper needles you will see a marked improvement in your stitching.


I ordered a book on Amazon this week, Tula Pink's City Sampler, 100 Modern Quilt Blocks. I can't explain it, but some books strike me as beautifully done, and this is one of them.
This book will be the inspiration for a new project that you can read about on Sweet Little Pretties blogpost. The project will be hosted on Instagram under #100blocks100days.

Has anyone been tempted by this?? At least it's just needing a commitment of 100 days, not a whole year like Quilty365!

I am linking up with Kathy over at Kathy's Quilts to see what others are stitching on today. I'm also linking up with Cynthia for OhScrap! at Quilting is More Fun Than Housework.

Have a lovely day!

6 comments:

  1. I have never been overly concerned about my needles although I know that I should. I don't think that I even know the size of any of the various needles that I use. I will have to pay more attention. Great looking book. I totally understand the idea that some books speak to you.

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  2. Thanks for the needle review. I have never heard of Tulip needles. I will do a Google search.

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  3. I was interested to hear what you thought about the Tulip needles. I love my Roxanne needles. This was a good review. Sounds like you are having a fun day with your grandson!

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  4. Thanks for this product review... I was wondering if those needles were worth the extra money!

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  5. I feel the same way about the Tulip needles. They are very nice, but there are other great needles around that aren't as pricey and don't need all the fancy packaging!

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  6. Roxanne needles are my favorite. I agree that using a good needle is important. Thanks for linking your pretty heart blocks up with Oh Scrap!

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