Friday, April 1, 2011

CHASING THE DISTRACTIONS AWAY, sticking with the task at hand!

If you are like me, it is hard to stay on a task, especially when it is the same thing over and over.

Yesterday I came up with a solution....

I do have a TV in my sewing room but I get tired of the Home shows....so I have enough space on my Horizon sewing table to put my computer and sew too...only small projects....



I had great plans to finish up projects yesterday but....went in a different direction.

So I put on netflix and watched a BBC series "Downton Abbey".....I love BBC. Then I started working on my Be Attitudes blocks.

But my thread kept breaking and I kept getting instead of the blanket stitch some triangles in the mix.... This thread is Connecting Threads.....I changed the needle, it kept breaking...



Changed Threads again, kept breaking and more triangles....pooey. I emailed Cindy from "Just About Cindy", she suggested a few things....

This thread is Coats and Clark.



Then I switched to Gutermann and that made all the difference in the world. Got it half off at JoAnn's.....



So I was hooting it up with this block!



Then this block!



Was very grateful for this awesome thread....and finished this block.



On Cindy's blog she put her blocks together and it looked terrific....so I decided to do the same, this is not the order they will go in but it does match...so I am happy.

I am doing two of each block so you may get bored with these after a while....

So...how do you chase the bordem away when you have to do repetition work?



This is just my experiment with these threads. The Connectiing Threads are good threads but I do find they fray and break...even while machine quilting. I do not have enough of the coats and clark to machine quilt with them so I have not used it for that. Both threads are great for straight line sewing.

I will say that Connecting Threads do cause alot of fuzzies in my bobbin. This is just what I have found out. You may have a different opinion and I would love to hear them....
at

38 comments:

  1. Wacky WomanApril 1, 2011 at 9:45 AM

    Oh my gosh, that is cute.

    ReplyDelete
  2. YvetteApril 1, 2011 at 9:53 AM

    I am a thread snob. Connecting Threads leaves too much lint in my bobbin and so does Star, Gutterman, Coats and Clark and Mettler. The only thread I use know is Aurafil. It seems to be the only thread that doesn't break and doesn't leave a birds nest in my bobbin.

    Your quilt is looking fantastic!!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. UnknownApril 1, 2011 at 9:53 AM

    Those are just adorable, you are so creative!!

    ReplyDelete
  4. PennyApril 1, 2011 at 9:54 AM

    Love your blocks..especially the owl ! Gotta find that pattern :)

    ReplyDelete
  5. Sarcastic QuilterApril 1, 2011 at 9:56 AM

    My machine LOVES Gutterman and it's all I use for piecing and machine applique. I have not tried Mettler yet but will one day.

    Coats and Clark I always found to be very linty and more easily shredded with my machine.

    I never tried Connecting Threads so I don't have any comments on that one.

    The blocks look great! :)

    ReplyDelete
  6. Mary L.April 1, 2011 at 9:59 AM

    Suppose it's a stupid question..but did you try adjusting your tension? That would be my first thought. I love your blocks!!

    ReplyDelete
  7. onlymehereApril 1, 2011 at 10:13 AM

    I use Gutterman pretty exclusively bz my machine repairman told me most of my problem with my old machine was the poor thread I was using. I wish JoAnn's by me carried the whole line of colors so I could get it on sale all the time! I love your blocks and how they're turning out. I have a TV by my sewing machine but I have to admit I never get bored sewing, but then again I never seem to have enough time to do it so I guess that's why! Some day, some day....

    ReplyDelete
  8. MoneikApril 1, 2011 at 10:14 AM

    I have to agree with Yvette. Although I do use some Mettler silk finish. My favorites are Aurifil and Masterpiece/King Tut (any Superior threads). I had the same problems with Connecting Threads thread and will never use it again. It breaks and causes havoc with my machine tension. For problems with thread breakage, try Sewers Aid. It goes right on the thread and causes it to not break or shred. I just put about 3 lines of it down the side of the thread, let it set a minute and put a drop on the thread right where it goes through the needle.

    ReplyDelete
  9. TerryApril 1, 2011 at 10:50 AM

    Love your blocks! I only use Aurifil thread. Someone at quilt guild recommended it and I just love it! :0)

    ReplyDelete
  10. CyndiApril 1, 2011 at 10:53 AM

    Hey Barb! Those blocks are A-DOR-A-BLE!!!! Love the one with the puppy and the slipper. I agree with what Sarcastic Quilter said - I pretty much only use Gutermann or Mettler thread...Coats & Clark leaves a LOT of lint in my machine and I've never tried the Connecting Threads. I'd like to give the Aurafil a try, but it's pretty pricey so I haven't.

    XOXO,

    Cyndi

    ReplyDelete
  11. JocelynApril 1, 2011 at 11:02 AM

    Just love your blocks! I think Connecting Threads has decent thread but I've been a Coats and Clark girl for many years :-)

    ReplyDelete
  12. JenApril 1, 2011 at 11:07 AM

    I have the same set-up in my sewing room: laptop perched on the edge of my desk, usually preciariously! I watch Hulu.com. It's free to watch TV shows there. I love The Biggest Loser and the Bachelor/Bachelorette. They are 2 hour shows so I can get a lot done. Then there's always Creative Talk Radio with Pat Sloan!

    Your blocks look awesome, that's going to be a gorgeous quilt!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Kim D.April 1, 2011 at 11:23 AM

    Thanks for the review on the Connecting Thread -thread, I have a spool and haven't tried it yet. I prefer the Gutterman thread too Barb. I do use coats and clark for my machine applique because you can get it in so many colors. It works fine in my machine, but I know I get more lint when using it. Have you tried using coats & clark on the top and gutterman in the bobbin, that works for me to have a lighter weight thread in the bobbin.

    ReplyDelete
  14. PamelaApril 1, 2011 at 11:28 AM

    Those blocks are cute!!! I use Connecting Threads for piecing and do agree that it gets linty. I have only used Superior Threads and Aurofil for quilting.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Jackie's StitchesApril 1, 2011 at 12:36 PM

    I'm one of those people that have to concentrate and pay attention while quilting. TV is just background noise for me. I've heard *wonderful* things about Downton Abbey. I don't have NetFlix though and need to work on finding it somewhere.

    Your blocks are adorable! It's going to be a really special quilt.

    ReplyDelete
  16. JustCindyApril 1, 2011 at 12:52 PM

    My machine and I love Coat and Clark. Your blocks are great.

    ReplyDelete
  17. suemacApril 1, 2011 at 1:30 PM

    I love the doggy block. It is so cute. Haven't really done much applique yet though.

    ReplyDelete
  18. quiltmom annaApril 1, 2011 at 1:41 PM

    I have used the Connecting Threads for piecing without difficulty- it is linty at times. I have used Coats and Clark, Mettler &Gutterman. The Mettler thread was good for piecing too but could be linty as well. I often use a rayon or silk finish for quilting with monofilament for the top( I know there are lots out there that don't like invisible for quilting but I usually don't have trouble as long as I use a quilting needle or a micro- fiber needle when machine quilting. I only stipple or meander or stitch in the ditch- no fancy stitches for this girl. I also make sure that I change the needle when I begin quilting a quilt so that it is sharp. The days that I keep breaking threads I stop quilting and do something else for awhile.
    I so can relate to be an easily distracted quilter..
    I love your quilt- You do create lovely quilts.
    Regards,
    Anna

    ReplyDelete
  19. Three Birds InspiredApril 1, 2011 at 2:29 PM

    While I use whatever I have for piecing, I have been using Coats & Clark on the big spools for machine quilting for years. When I long arm, I use Superior threads. I had been contemplating the Connecting Threads because of the price point but I may just stick with what I am using now!

    ReplyDelete
  20. BetsyApril 1, 2011 at 3:02 PM

    your blocks are so cute Barb. I cannot free motion with connecting threads so I do not use them anymore .
    I love love aurofil but it is so costly and I just cannot afford spools and spools of it so I only use it for quilting. Presencia is very good .

    ReplyDelete
  21. hettyApril 1, 2011 at 4:01 PM

    I hate it when my thread doesn't cooperate! You once sent me a spool of beige thread. Do you remember? I love it. Am using it now to do my TAW. Your blocks are adorable!

    ReplyDelete
  22. John'aLeeApril 1, 2011 at 4:23 PM

    Darling blocks girlie! I do the same thing as you...propping my laptop up on a table near my sewing machine and watching shows on Netflix!

    ReplyDelete
  23. CrispyApril 1, 2011 at 5:12 PM

    What cute blocks!! I'm a Mettler gal but then I do most by hand except border strips and sewing the binding on. I do get lots of lint, but I thought it was because of the cotton fabrics and batting.....shows what I know LOL. Maybe I'll switch to Aurifil and see how that works on my little featherweight.

    Crispy

    ReplyDelete
  24. Dana GaffneyApril 1, 2011 at 5:20 PM

    Those blocks are adorable Barb. I've tried so many threads and it seems all cotton thread leaves lint in my machine. I like the Connecting Threads and Coats and Clark 100% cotton. Easy to get and not expensive.

    ReplyDelete
  25. West Michigan QuilterApril 1, 2011 at 5:20 PM

    Love those blocks. I use Aurifil thread. Costs a bit more, but you can put so much more on your bobbin. It's worth it to me. I have to ask about your ad, Is Steve my gift with purchase? LOL

    ReplyDelete
  26. Cheryl WillisApril 1, 2011 at 5:22 PM

    great, now I need to find the Be Att.s blocks! too aborable

    ReplyDelete
  27. WendyApril 1, 2011 at 5:47 PM

    I have never used Connecting Threads so can't help you there......I do use Coats and Clark to piece with and have never had problems......I have also used it on mini quilts but not bigger ones and it seems to do just fine.....I like sulky but I have been thinking about trying Gutermann and seeing how I like them....your blocks are looking good.....

    ReplyDelete
  28. Gene BlackApril 1, 2011 at 6:31 PM

    I agree that the Connecting Threads Essential leaves lint in the bobbin, but I have never had problems with it breaking. I just clean my bobbin case a bit more often.

    I didn't have good luck with the Superior thread that so many say is good.
    The Aurifil is fine for piecing but I can't afford it for free motion quilting.

    ReplyDelete
  29. Average QuilterApril 1, 2011 at 7:16 PM

    I've had that problem too

    ReplyDelete
  30. LynnApril 1, 2011 at 9:59 PM

    Adorable blocks! And I have had the same experience with Connecting Threads thread - lots of lint.

    ReplyDelete
  31. Susan In TexasApril 1, 2011 at 11:04 PM

    I don't get bored with repetition - must be my OCD helping me out there. The only thing I don't like is when I have to iron too much or something and my back starts to hurt. That sucks the fun right out of any project I'm working on. Comfort before all!

    Those blocks of yours are gorgeous. I'm glad you got your thread problems worked out. I like Presencia thread, but even that's not perfect. Gutterman is good too. I hate the cheap stuff that fuzzes up the needle 5 times more than normal.

    Happy stitching,
    Susan in Texas

    ReplyDelete
  32. BubzRugzApril 2, 2011 at 12:31 AM

    Georgeous blocks.... I am still learnign on threads but generally ahve good results with Gautermann and Rasant...
    Hugz

    ReplyDelete
  33. SewCalGalApril 2, 2011 at 2:17 AM

    Absolutely beautiful blocks. Wow, you've been zooming along.

    BTW- I gave up on Coats & Clark threads years ago. Had been using Guertermann for years, but truly have fallen in love with Aurifil recently.

    SewCalGal
    www.sewcalgal.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  34. Robin (RsIslandCrafts)April 2, 2011 at 7:58 AM

    I was wondering how the Connecting Threads thread worked. I know each machine is different but it is nice to get a general idea. This way I can buy one spool to see how it works instead of buying one of their thread packages. I'm so boring I mainly use Coats & Clark. Some colors have more fuzz than others but most of them work fine with my machine.

    Your blocks look great! Love the fabrics you chose.

    ReplyDelete
  35. AnonymousApril 2, 2011 at 4:16 PM

    Love those "Be" blocks! And thanks for the info about the thread. Seems everyone has good luck/bad luck with some threads and with different machines. Glad you found one that works for your project in your machine. Karen

    ReplyDelete
  36. RosaApril 2, 2011 at 5:05 PM

    Your blocks look very wonderful!!.
    Happy quilting

    ReplyDelete
  37. ErzebatApril 2, 2011 at 10:44 PM

    hiyall,
    I have used connecting threads thread for quite a while now. my cheap basic singer loves it. I have even machine quilted with it. yes, it lints up a little bit more than others, but that makes me clean a little more often and keeps my machine running smoother. C&C breaks in my machine, so does Star and mettler snags up. hopes this helps! (mauh) Liz

    ReplyDelete
  38. adamsharMay 1, 2012 at 3:45 AM

    Oh superb work done by you dear ! All blocks of your are great. I use thread that does not break. Your quilt's design is awesome. Quilt is looking so wonderful.

    Fil à coudre

    ReplyDelete

Life is a breeze with you in it. Thanks for stopping by!