This weekend I was working on my current project. This one requires qui
te a bit of machine blanket stitching and I decided it would be the perfect time to play with some variegated thread I've had hanging around. Plus, I had it here at the house and that would mean the entire quilt is from materials on hand. Good for me so far. That is until the @#!*&% thread kept on breaking on me. Every single seam. Every time I hit the lightest color. Ok, so, try a larger needle. The Sulky thread I'm using is pretty thick -- a 90/14 needle should solve the problem. Yeah, not really.I wasn't sure exactly what the problem was, but I boiled it down to either a) bad thread or b) I'm doing something wrong (always a possibility). So, ok a trip to the LQS. I can look for thread, ask a question or two, either way it should solve the problem. I am ONLY buying thread, I can stick to this month's budget and be able to get the Fresh Cut fabrics I've been drooling over. I started with the new LQS (why drive 45 minutes if I don't have to?). No luck. No variegated thread in sight. Ok, longer drive -- but, I can do this. I can still just buy thread.
Yeah, right. Where have I heard that one before. I was actually doing well until I went into the store's clearance section. Even then, I only found a few things at 65-75% off. Under $10.00 worth of items.
And for under $1.50 I just could not resist this lovely beaded fringe. I can think of a bag I've been wanting to make that is just screaming for some limey green fringe!
And for under $1.50 I just could not resist this lovely beaded fringe. I can think of a bag I've been wanting to make that is just screaming for some limey green fringe!But then -- not even in the clearance section, I found these. I've been eyeing these hand-dyed fabric panels since I saw them the first time last summer. 
The price has always made me go -- no, no not today. So why did three of them come home with me? Well...turns out they were on sale. They had the clearance "dot" but were in the main part of the store. When I asked about it, the owner told me to please take them as they couldn't get rid of them. Being as cheap as I am, I also realized that the next day they would be 75% rather than 65% off -- and said I would come back. They looked at me and said since it was 10 minutes to closing I could have the additional 10% right then. I ask you, HOW could I resist? I couldn't!! I really couldn't! Oh well, I will eventually get the Heather Bailey fabrics I want, but in the mean 
time I have some vibrant new colors to play with. I even had dh agree that at that price, they really did need to come home and play with me.
time I have some vibrant new colors to play with. I even had dh agree that at that price, they really did need to come home and play with me.And what did I NOT buy at the LQS? THREAD. They didn't have any of the color I'm using, but I did pick up a set of embroidery needles after talking about potential problems with the owner. Turns out it worked like a charm. I just needed a different TYPE of needle in addition to the larger size!
Oh, before I forget, I have a correction to make per dh. He clarified his position about my usual color choices for my quilts. He does not refer to them as "retinal burn." He much prefers to refer to them as "retinal fatigue." Isn't that much better? But hey -- in the interest of accuracy and all!
11 comments:
Hi there - thanks for dropping by and commenting on my blog - go for it with the retinal fatigue - that's the beauty of quilting you can live out your most vibrant colourful fantasies without everyone else having to suffer the headache if you'd pained the whole room like that. I'd seen those beautiful tie-dyed panels over here in the UK last summer but they were exhorbitently expensive - I have big phases of celtic knotwork using my own hand made bias tubing - they'd be perfect for that against a dark background - all those colour graduations throughout the bias - scrummy!!! - can't wait to see what you do with them
Sorry - freudian slip there - that should have read 'painted' the whole room, not 'pained'. Guess your DH might prefer the original spelling :o)
A friend of mine was having problems with her thread breaking and after a lot of checking around, she found out that it was likely because it was older and had dried out. I think what she finally found to fix the problem was to put it in the freezer for a day or so, and that restored some of the moisture and it was fine to work with again. Who woulda thunk?
Well I'm pleased to see that I'm not the only one who comes home with things not on my mental list and manages to forget what I intended to shop for. Love your dh's description of colour. And your bright (was it sherbet) quilt is just gorgeous.
Addendum to my earlier "thread" comment--I looked back to see what my friend said about the breaking thread and she ended up just wetting the thread. I think someone else suggested spritzing it with water and putting it in a baggie for a day or so. Then someone else said they keep their thread in the freezer. Hope one of these ideas work so you won't have to go on another shopping spree! LOL!
A shopper after my own heart!! I'm jealous of the dyed fabric. It is expensive and you got a bargain!
Wow...I`m seriously impressed at what you are doing!!
I love the Summer Sorbets! gorgeous!
As for retinal fatigue or retinal burn, my husband and I disagree (to a degree) on color choices too, but that's just part of what makes our relationship interesting. If you both liked the same thing it would get boring.
How could you resist? I mean, seriously, I can you possibly resist such bargains?!? LOL! My husband always rolls his eyes when I go to the LQS for "thread." He knows I'll come home with a bagful of other essentials!
The hand-dyed fabric panels are beautiful, by the way!
nice fabrics!!! Love the colors! Can't wait to see what you make!!!
Sounds like you made some wonderful choices! And, just look at all the money you saved! Thanks for stopping by my blog. I am enjoying reading your posts! And be careful quilting out in those cornfields. You might drop a needle and not be able to find it. Oh, ooops, that would be in a haystack--never mind!
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