Buy the Best you can....You will do better.
#21
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: central indiana
Posts: 686
The big thing for me is the lint that less expensive thread creates. I dont mind it in my Featherweight since I can access and clean it so easily. Finally figured out that lint was the problem when it started skipping stitches. Clean out and all ok. I still use this thread since it is around $2.75 for 1200m. But with an expensive computer machine, I will be upgrading my thread. Not sure to what yet but it will be one that creates less lint.
I need to have a balance between cost and quality. I will not pay any amount for perceived perfection. Value needs to be there.
I need to have a balance between cost and quality. I will not pay any amount for perceived perfection. Value needs to be there.
#22
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Durham, NC
Posts: 851
Originally Posted by sweetana3
I try to remember just what our previous generations sewed with and thank my stars that I have some improvements. But just look at what they turned out with basic equipment.
#23
When I look at the quilts that my grandmother made 70 years ago...I'm sure she didn't have "special thread" or fabric...she used what she had available (feed sacks!) Those quilts have stood up...yes a few bare sots here and there...The best "rule" of quilting...there is no rule!
#24
Junior Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Lake Villa, Illinois
Posts: 278
I heard a lecture at my quilt guild and she explained the difference between long staple and short staple cotton and everything she said made total sense. Coats and Clark is a short staple cotton, therefore makes a lot of fuzzies in your machine.
#25
I have a Bernina Virtuosa and it will not work on cheap thread. I can't use any Coats and Clark thread. I use Connecting Threads thread and it works but I find I have to clean the lint out more than the more expensive thread. I am going to buy some YSI thread today and see how that works. These Berninas are expensive machines and require better thread and require cleaning every 5 bobbins. Mine hums when it sews so it's worth it.
#26
Super Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 1,779
Experiment with what you have by doing some test blocks and then decide your next step. There will always be a new gizmo and the latest, greatest technique to try - keeps the 'quilt/fabric economy' going. It's your project so you decide. If you need help in deciphering instructions or maybe doing a technique ask at a LQS or local Guild members - I'm sure they will help.
I agree about the expensive irons not giving the service that we would like - I saved to buy the 'latest & greatest' and it only lasted 9 months. Oh well, using a much cheaper model now that works fine! :)
Good Luck with your projects :)
I agree about the expensive irons not giving the service that we would like - I saved to buy the 'latest & greatest' and it only lasted 9 months. Oh well, using a much cheaper model now that works fine! :)
Good Luck with your projects :)
#27
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: East Tennessee
Posts: 1,053
Originally Posted by pebbles
Doing nothing wrong. You have listened to the quilt police who tries to tell you the "right" way to do stuff. There are many ways to skin a cat. Do what pleases you. Buy an iron you can afford to replace in 18 mos. I sew on old Singers, I have an old Bernina and I feed them the thread I have available....they are so far not picky. I try to enjoy the craft not stress and spend to make someone else happy. Make yourself happy, with recycled fabric, Walmart fabric, online fabric or the most expensive stuff you can get your hands on at the LQS. If you are making quilts worthy of the quilt show the "right" stuff might be mandatory, otherwise, nah....Coats and Clark worked for our grandmothers.
#28
Super Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: howell, Mi
Posts: 2,345
I have always used Gutterman thread and liked it very much. I recently switched to CT cotton thread because of the price. Yes, it's more linty but the price on sale can't be beat. I just have to clean my machine more often--not a big deal to me. You should use what you have not what some book says. If it works and you like it, go for it.
#29
Junior Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Lake Villa, Illinois
Posts: 278
Another note on this topic. I agree that our ancestors in quilting used what they had and were happy with it. But let's remember that they usually didn't use machines, but their hands. Cut everything with scissors. As technology grows and our machines get more electronically intricate, they require special pampering. Which means that thread that grandma used may not work in the machines that cost more than 1k.
#30
Power Poster
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Lowell, MA
Posts: 14,083
I don't think you are doing anything wrong. I agree with many of the comments below - I have used Coats & Clarks for years and haven't had any problems. I once bought the thread 4 or 5/$1.00, but wound up throwing them out as they created far too much lint in my machine. I try to clean out the lint in my machine under the bobbin, the feed dogs, etc. and that helps, as when I'm having a problem sewing, it's usually because of lint buildup, either that or when I changed thread, I didn't thread it correctly, so I re-thread it and I'm usually fine. As far as fabric, buy what you can afford. I try to find sales or clearance, and when I do I buy a little extra, such as white or beige fabric that is good for background. I've never had a problem.
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