Sunday Stitches....with a new thread!

Today I have absolutely no plans.

I just had to type that first sentence and see it for myself. I think I've been very busy lately for me to appreciate the thought of no plans at all! It would have been the icing on the cake to be able to finally pay attention to my perennial bed, but the weather is not cooperating....so maybe some sewing-room time is in order!


I was able to put a few stitches into my hand-quilting this morning. I'd better find more time for this one if it's going to be ready for Fall Fair season. Oh well, if not, there is always next year.

Also on the slow-stitching front.....I was able to test a new thread that's on the market. 

My husband actually asked, "Isn't thread just thread?". I replied by pointing out to him that he has to admit that tools that he uses can differ brand by brand!!!

So, here we go!

I had noticed on blogs I've been reading that there is a new Aurifil thread.....an 80wt that is meant for applique (at least I assume that that is the intention!).

As always, in Canada we have to wait just a little longer for a product to appear....but I finally laid my hands on a couple of spools...

First off, there is a lovely sheen to the thread on the spool....even after taking the plastic wrap off, lol. The sheen may not mean anything to the way the thread handles, but it sure looks pretty. 

I used the grey thread to work on one of my Dutch Treat blocks the last couple of mornings...

Even in the real-life, up-close world I can barely see my stitches!

I had absolutely no tangles or twist-ups in the stitching of this block.

When I first started to applique I was a real silk thread snob. Since then I've switched to fine cotton thread and I love it. I have to admit, if I didn't already have a lifetime supply of thread (really!), I would most definitely be using this new Aurifil thread.

To be clear, I have no affiliation that is swaying my opinion.

For anyone just getting their feet wet in the world of hand-stitching and wondering what colours one should start out buying, I'll give the same advice that was given to me. Buy three spools.....perhaps greys.....one light, one medium and one dark. That will get you started, no problem!

While I'm at it I will share a new-to-me marking tool. 

It's this Uniball silver gel pen. You can see in the picture how it has a shimmer to it. So far, it shows up on any colour fabric that I've used it on. The only problem...it doesn't go away. I'm being really careful to actually make sure it gets turned under.

I hope I can find this pen in Canada. So far, no luck. I'm thinking my best bet will be a visit to Michael's.

Okay....here's the fun part!....

I have a friend who happens to own a quilt shop....Lana at Quilt Junction in Waterford, Ont.

Lana has an offer to those of you who read my blog. From now 'til June 15th, if you mention that you read about the new Aurifil 80wt in my blog post today, Lana will give you a 10% discount on your purchase of this thread.

Thanks Lana!!!

I am linking up with Kathy's Quilts for Slow Sunday Stitching. On this damp morning, I hope you can take a bit of time to visit with others to see what they are stitching on today!