Hey quilters...just had this sweet email & have to share right away! She took my "Quilting it Forward" to a whole new level ;-) Well...her daughter is just now getting into quilting with her so they came up with a great summer project. They are going to take my magazine exchange tip & visit area nursing homes this summer. Oh my gosh, how sweet is that quilters. Not only are kids going to brighten the lives of people in nursing homes but they might even get to hear some stories as well. I'm from a long line of seamstresses & my Aunt taught crocheting & needlework. What I would do to this day to have not gone with my Uncle to catch worms for his bait shop & paid more attention to my Aunt teaching...O.K...that's not true...the truth is my Uncle came & got me 'cause I would cry and I rather would have been catching worms with him...I could not do needlework if my life depended on it...Oh my goodness my Aunt would get so mad 'cause she taught all the local 4-H kids etc. I know that's why I love Quilting 'cause I'm piecing & going right along & not trying to manipulate large needles amongst yarn. Kudos to all you knitters/tatters :-) Anyway, to teach a child to quilt is such a wonderful idea...passing on a great tradition & spending that quality time with them is priceless. I taught my daughter & she did quite well with her 4-H projects. So this summer maybe grab a few neighborhood kids & check out your local nursing home...surprise them with a few quilting magazines & a hug or two...they may not be sewing or quilting anymore but as I always say...they were the first one's to start this wonderful tradition & if you take a moment to listen to their stories of how it first begun, I think you would appreciate of how far quilting has evolved! Thanks so much for sending in this tip/idea...keep them coming!
"Blessed Quilting from our Home to Yours"
email tips...cmhdesigns2@yahoo.com
Saturday, July 5, 2014
Friday, July 4, 2014
"LOVIN' MY SMALL TOWN"
Hey quilters...first of all "Blessings for a safe/relaxing 4th". I have to say if anyone knows me is I hoard your quilting tips when they come in 'cause I'm usually trying to come up with an interesting conversation to post as well. Needless to say I've been working on "Lovin' my small town" for several weeks...I jot notes down so I don't forget that store or those sweet people & most of all how everyone has truly welcomed us into their town! But I have to say...Sunday I heard something at Church that just made my heart sink into my stomach...would have gone further but my tight jeans at my waist kept it from going all the way to my knees....anyway...we are supposed to get the "W" grocery store in our sweet little town. Oh my gosh...NO! Before I begin...I will state this is a quilting blog...sharing tips amongst friends....not today!...I promise to update tips this week but I need to take a moment & "brag" about this lovely town & state my feelings...this is the part about having a "blog" that I love :-)
We moved to East Texas to be closer to our family & our sweet two grandsons plus we wanted to come back to a "quiet small town"....a town that still had it's values...a town where people waived even if they didn't know you...a town that had similar values that I had raised my daughter in...not to mention the beautiful roaming hills filled with Pine Trees. We immediately fell in Love with our small town of Frankston & the heart warmed welcomed we have & still receive from people. Let me take a moment to brag....."One Traffic light at One Intersection"...need I say more on that subject...ahh yes..."One Pharmacy in Town"...that's right, not one on every stinkin' corner...wait for it..."One School Campus" & have to say/brag "has the politest/smartest kids" that yes....still say "Yes Mam & No Mam" etc...not to mention their athletic abilities are off the charts! If you want to see the love the "small town" businesses have for the "kids" just check out their windows during football season etc. We have "One Grocery Store"...yes that's right...where they still carry your groceries out to your truck for you...Oh my gosh was I shocked...I remember saying 'It's O.K..I got this"...nope, off he went...and yes...I was still standing in the store looking for that hidden camera & some man jumping at me saying you're on candid camera...as my mouth was still open...the sweet ladies said "not a problem that's what we do"...then as I'm finally going out the door as if that wasn't enough shock, I heard "We appreciate you shopping with us"...that's right...do you think that is going to happen when you shop the "W" store? Much less have you thought about what it will do to our small businesses that have supported this town for many years? I love this town 'cause we have that Old fashioned feeling...one hardware store "Burks" where they will order your item if it's not stocked plus love to scare the tar out of you w/ a fake "rat"...do you think you'll get that at the "W"...we have a "Library" that is out of the Old Railroad Boxcar....a town square where the kids meet to take their prom pictures at...Oh, "One Bank"...that's right! We love our "small town" where people help one another...where businesses always great you with a smile & ask you how you're doing...where traffic is a minimum & the streets filled w/love. If you feel we are in the need for "growth" let me say this..."been their, done that & don't want it" & neither will you! If we allow one large chain into our town it will bring others...pretty soon our sweet town will loose it's meaning...our kids & grandkids won't have that "special town" to come back to with their families one day. If you want growth, I say...keep this "Old Town" as it is & utilize the space w/an "Old Fashioned Drive-In"...where you can have movie nights with your family & share a "kiss or two" w/your loved one...bring "In" the sweet values of life to extend to our next generation & keep "Out" what will only bring chaos to our sweet town. I could go on but I think ya' get the gist of it!
As always, keep the tips coming & will update them all next week.
"Blessed Quilting from our Home to Yours"
email tips...cmhdesigns2@yahoo.com
www.perfectgift-fromabove.com
We moved to East Texas to be closer to our family & our sweet two grandsons plus we wanted to come back to a "quiet small town"....a town that still had it's values...a town where people waived even if they didn't know you...a town that had similar values that I had raised my daughter in...not to mention the beautiful roaming hills filled with Pine Trees. We immediately fell in Love with our small town of Frankston & the heart warmed welcomed we have & still receive from people. Let me take a moment to brag....."One Traffic light at One Intersection"...need I say more on that subject...ahh yes..."One Pharmacy in Town"...that's right, not one on every stinkin' corner...wait for it..."One School Campus" & have to say/brag "has the politest/smartest kids" that yes....still say "Yes Mam & No Mam" etc...not to mention their athletic abilities are off the charts! If you want to see the love the "small town" businesses have for the "kids" just check out their windows during football season etc. We have "One Grocery Store"...yes that's right...where they still carry your groceries out to your truck for you...Oh my gosh was I shocked...I remember saying 'It's O.K..I got this"...nope, off he went...and yes...I was still standing in the store looking for that hidden camera & some man jumping at me saying you're on candid camera...as my mouth was still open...the sweet ladies said "not a problem that's what we do"...then as I'm finally going out the door as if that wasn't enough shock, I heard "We appreciate you shopping with us"...that's right...do you think that is going to happen when you shop the "W" store? Much less have you thought about what it will do to our small businesses that have supported this town for many years? I love this town 'cause we have that Old fashioned feeling...one hardware store "Burks" where they will order your item if it's not stocked plus love to scare the tar out of you w/ a fake "rat"...do you think you'll get that at the "W"...we have a "Library" that is out of the Old Railroad Boxcar....a town square where the kids meet to take their prom pictures at...Oh, "One Bank"...that's right! We love our "small town" where people help one another...where businesses always great you with a smile & ask you how you're doing...where traffic is a minimum & the streets filled w/love. If you feel we are in the need for "growth" let me say this..."been their, done that & don't want it" & neither will you! If we allow one large chain into our town it will bring others...pretty soon our sweet town will loose it's meaning...our kids & grandkids won't have that "special town" to come back to with their families one day. If you want growth, I say...keep this "Old Town" as it is & utilize the space w/an "Old Fashioned Drive-In"...where you can have movie nights with your family & share a "kiss or two" w/your loved one...bring "In" the sweet values of life to extend to our next generation & keep "Out" what will only bring chaos to our sweet town. I could go on but I think ya' get the gist of it!
As always, keep the tips coming & will update them all next week.
"Blessed Quilting from our Home to Yours"
email tips...cmhdesigns2@yahoo.com
www.perfectgift-fromabove.com
Sunday, June 22, 2014
Summertime fun w/free pattern "At the Lake"
Hey quilters...hope everyone is starting to enjoy their summer. I know the heat can be a tad bit dreadful at times so here's a sweet design to take to the beach or lake. A bright fun/fast strip design makes this mat so easy you can have it done by the weekend! This versatile design would also make a great yoga mat or a fun mat for your child to sleep on. As promised...it's a freebie...so grab some fun/bright fabric & get ready to have fun at the beach!
For more fun & exciting designs view our new pattern line "Quties" small qute quilts :-) & "U.G.T.'s
You Got This...designs that "you can" finish w/my easy step by step techniques!
Have a Blessed Summer & keep those tips coming!
www.perfectgift-fromabove.com
email tips: cmhdesigns2@yahoo.com
"At the Lake"
38 x 74
Fabric requirements:
1 3/4 hot pink
1 3/4 orange
Backing/border: 2 3/4 yards of orange fabric or coordinating fabric
Batting: 46 x 82 (extra for machine quilting)
or 40 x 76 (trim even w/ top piece before adding backing)
Cut hot pink strips as follows:
7 (4 1/2 x 36 1/2)
5 (2 1/2 x 36 1/2)
Cut orange strips as follows:
6 (4 1/2 x 36 1/2)
5 ( 2 1/2 x 36 1/2)
All strips have a 1/4" seam allowance.
Refer to the quilt layout to assemble the strips. Sew strips in order as layout & press seams in one direction after sewing. ( I like to have a portable sewing mat by my machine to iron each seam...great time saver). After sewing all strips together make sure your quilt is squared up.
Cut borders as follows ( or cut strips to your quilt size due to all machines sew differently...just remember to add your 1/4" seam allowance)
2 Horizontal strips 1 1/2 x 38
2 Vertical strips 1 1/2 x 72
Sew vertical strips to left/right sides of quilt top/trim sides even w/ quilt top
Sew horizontal strips to top/bottom sides of quilt top /trim all sides even
*Tip: make strips larger if you would like to use them as a border to fold over to backside of quilt to use as a border.
Quilting & Finishing:
Layer and baste together the backing, batting and quilt top. Quilt & bind as desired. Enjoy!
*Tip: Cat used a high loft of batting for extra thickness due to it being a mat. Also, she quilted in the ditch in each strip to accent the design. Do so if you wish. She also likes to make her border strips larger to do the turn/flip method as described above...then just whip stitch to the back or machine stitch.
*If you are running out of time do the turn/fold method (similar to pillow quilts) where you layer batting then top side of quilt (right side up) then backing (right side down) and sew all seams together but leave an opening large enough to flip quilt out...turn inside out/press and sew seam opening by hand...email me if you have any q's or the Internet has great step by step instructions for that method as well.
"Blessed Quilting from our Home to Yours"
For more fun & exciting designs view our new pattern line "Quties" small qute quilts :-) & "U.G.T.'s
You Got This...designs that "you can" finish w/my easy step by step techniques!
Have a Blessed Summer & keep those tips coming!
www.perfectgift-fromabove.com
email tips: cmhdesigns2@yahoo.com
38 x 74
Fabric requirements:
1 3/4 hot pink
1 3/4 orange
Backing/border: 2 3/4 yards of orange fabric or coordinating fabric
Batting: 46 x 82 (extra for machine quilting)
or 40 x 76 (trim even w/ top piece before adding backing)
Cut hot pink strips as follows:
7 (4 1/2 x 36 1/2)
5 (2 1/2 x 36 1/2)
Cut orange strips as follows:
6 (4 1/2 x 36 1/2)
5 ( 2 1/2 x 36 1/2)
All strips have a 1/4" seam allowance.
Refer to the quilt layout to assemble the strips. Sew strips in order as layout & press seams in one direction after sewing. ( I like to have a portable sewing mat by my machine to iron each seam...great time saver). After sewing all strips together make sure your quilt is squared up.
Cut borders as follows ( or cut strips to your quilt size due to all machines sew differently...just remember to add your 1/4" seam allowance)
2 Horizontal strips 1 1/2 x 38
2 Vertical strips 1 1/2 x 72
Sew vertical strips to left/right sides of quilt top/trim sides even w/ quilt top
Sew horizontal strips to top/bottom sides of quilt top /trim all sides even
*Tip: make strips larger if you would like to use them as a border to fold over to backside of quilt to use as a border.
Quilting & Finishing:
Layer and baste together the backing, batting and quilt top. Quilt & bind as desired. Enjoy!
*Tip: Cat used a high loft of batting for extra thickness due to it being a mat. Also, she quilted in the ditch in each strip to accent the design. Do so if you wish. She also likes to make her border strips larger to do the turn/flip method as described above...then just whip stitch to the back or machine stitch.
*If you are running out of time do the turn/fold method (similar to pillow quilts) where you layer batting then top side of quilt (right side up) then backing (right side down) and sew all seams together but leave an opening large enough to flip quilt out...turn inside out/press and sew seam opening by hand...email me if you have any q's or the Internet has great step by step instructions for that method as well.
"Blessed Quilting from our Home to Yours"
Tuesday, May 6, 2014
FREE PATTERN..."PARTY DRESS"
"PARTY DRESS"
50 X 50
LEVEL: CAPPUCCINO (BEGINNER)
Copyright, CHILDREN'S COUTURE BY CAT, 2014
Design shown w/ bright Batiks by Hoffman California Fabrics
view fabrics @ www.hoffmanfabrics.com
Hey quilter's...who says a quilt can't be fun & flirty! This design is so sweet & a great gift to make in a weekend. This time of year we are all looking for that unique gift to make for birthday's, graduation gifts (great dorm throw), wedding gifts (enhance design to wedding décor w/fabrics). Design is created using HST's (half-square triangles) for fast & easy piecing. You can easily enlarge design by adding more HST's or add a couple more borders. Embellish the design by Tatting flowers or make some yoyo's with coordinating fabric. The possibilities are endless so have fun creating your unique gift. Hope you enjoy!
QUILT SIZE: 50 X 50 FINISHED BLOCK: 3"
BACKING/BINDING: 3 YARDS. BATTING: 58 X 58
NOTE: FABRIC IS CALCULATED FOR EXTRA YARDAGE FOR MACHINE QUILTING.
SEW BLOCKS WITH A 1/4" SEAM.
YARDAGE:
HOT PINK: 1.5 YARDS
TURQUOISE: 3 YARDS (INCLUDES BACKING/BINDING)
ORANGE: 1.5 YARDS
CREME: 1/2 YARD
TOTAL 3" SQUARES: 256
CREME/HOT PINK: 32 (make 16)
HOT PINK/TURQUOISE: 14 (make 7)
TURQUOISE/ORANGE: 30 (make 15)
CREME/ORANGE: 16 (make 8)
HOT PINK/ORANGE: 146 (make 73)
CREME/TURQUOISE: 16 (make 8)
3" HOT PINK: 2 (HEART)
NOTE: EACH PAIR OF SQUARES MAKES 2 HALF-SQUARE TRIANGLE UNITS
ROTARY CUT FABRIC STRIPS 3 7/8
SUB CUT EACH STRIP INTO 3 7/8 SQUARES
PUT ONE LIGHT AND DARK FABRIC RIGHT SIDES TOGETHER FOR EACH SQUARE.
USE A PENCIL OR PERMANENT MARKER & DRAW A DIAGONAL LINE FROM ONE CORNER TO THE OPPOSITE CORNER ON THE BACK SIDE OF THE LIGHTEST SQUARE.
IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A 1/4" PRESSER FOOT, DRAW A LINE 1/4" FROM DIAGONAL LINE ON EACH SIDE.
SEW TWO SEAMS 1/4" FROM MARKED CENTER LINE
ROTARY CUT ON MARKED CENTER LINE FORMING TWO HST'S
PRESS SEAMS TOWARD DARKER FABRIC
TIP: DUE TO THE AMOUNT OF HST'S CHAIN PIECING IS RECOMMENDED
REFERRING TO QUILT DESIGN:
SEW HST UNITS TO FORM 16 ROWS
PRESS SEAMS IN ONE DIRECTION
SEW ROWS TOGETHER MATCHING SEAMS TO FORM CENTER DESIGN OF QUILT
PRESS & SQUARE UP QUILT.
1"MITERED BORDERS:
MEASURE QUILT HORIZONTAL/VERTICAL AND ADD 7" PER STRIP LENGTH FOR MITERED BORDERS
CUT STRIPS 1.5 (WIDTH INCLUDES SEAM ALLOWANCE)
CUT 4 TURQUOISE TRIPS TOTAL
QUILTING AND FINISHING:
LAYER AND BASTE TOGETHER BACKING, BATTING & QUILT TOP.
QUILT AND BIND AS DESIRED. ENJOY!
TIP: IF YOU CHOOSE NOT TO ADD THE MITERED BORDERS YOU CAN EMAIL ME & I WILL GIVE YOU INSTRUCTIONS ON ADDING STRAIGHT BORDERS. ALSO, EMAIL ME IF YOU PREFER AN EASY METHOD OF BINDING/ QUILTING YOUR QUILT. ALWAYS GLAD TO HELP!
EMBELLISH DESIGN W/TATTING FLOWERS OR ROSETTES IF DESIRED.
ADVANCED TIP (GRAB A MOCHA LATTE') AND ENLARGE DESIGN WITH ADDITIONAL BORDERS WITH COORDINATING FABRIC (REMEMBER TO ADD ADDITIONAL FABRIC WHEN PURCHASING)
REMEMBER...EMAIL THOSE TIPS IN TO SHARE...ALSO, CHECK OUT WEBSITE TO SEE UPDATES & MONTHLY SPECIALS.
"BLESSED QUILTING FROM OUR HOME TO YOURS"
EMAIL Q'S...cmhdesigns2@yahoo.com
VIEW MORE OF CAT'S DESIGNS GO TO www.perfectgift-fromabove.com
TATTING SUPPLIES: www.tattingcorner.com
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
Quilt Pattern "Grapevines in the Garden" to embelish w/Tatting
"GRAPEVINES IN THE GARDEN"
28.5 X 28.5
Level: Mocha Latte' (Intermediate)
Batiks by Hoffman California Fabrics
copyright, CHILDREN'S COUTURE BY CAT, 2014
"Exclusive design for Zig-Zag Corner Quilts & Baskets, LLC"
Hey Quilters & Tatters...sweet pattern/design to embellish grapes with tatting. Design level is Mocha Latte' due to tatting the grapes or you may choose to applique them along with the stems. Small design to use as a table square or a wonderful wall hanging as well.
Next months pattern..."Roses in the Garden"
View Tatting/Quilting designs/patterns @ www.perfectgift-fromabove.com
View Tatting supplies at www.tattingcorner.com
Blessed Quilting from our Home to Yours!
"USING THE CORRECT THREAD FOR TATTING & QUILTING TIPS"
Hey Quilters & Tatters...hope everyone is enjoying the beautiful sun that we've been blessed with lately. Please keep the family's of the recent tornadoes in your prayers. Life is so precious! I have to take a moment and share something so special....my daughter Nichole passed her Special Education Test...I am so proud of the woman that she has become and then to have a gift to teach the needs of special education. She tells me "everyday they teach her" and she's blessed to be a part of their lives. So proud of you Scoobie! Anyway, today's tips are a continuation of "Tatting Tips" by Jennifer with Zig Zag Corner Quilts & Baskets...home of the "Tatting Corner" and some wonderful tips that have been emailed recently...hope you enjoy!
Using the Correct Thread:
Six-Cord Thread...(Cordonnet) consists of tightly twisted plies (six in all). A strong, firm thread is suitable for heirlooms, hard-working wearable's and decorative designs. Considered the best thread available for tatting, it is not the same as six-strand embroidery floss, which is designed to be separated into individual plies. Her six-cord threads include size 50 Cordonnet Cotton, Flora, Manuela, DMC Cordonnet, DMC Tatting Cotton and Anchor Mez.
Three-Cord Thread... Three-cord cotton such as DMC Cabelia or Opera is often used for Christmas ornaments. It has a beautiful shine and because ornaments are not usually laundered, holds up well.
Two-Cord Thread...among the two-cord threads, pearl cotton is the best-known, popular for earrings, bookmarks and other small projects not handled or washed as much as linens or wearable's.
To view more of Jennifer's Tatting Supplies visit her website@ www.tattingcorner.com
Jennifer and I will be hosting a Quilt pattern to embellish monthly on my blog to embellish with Tatting...you can view designs at www.perfectgift-fromabove.com
I also will be posting design on blog for you along with free monthly pattern downloads as well. Remember it's all about Quilting it forward! Enjoy these recent tips...
*Wonderful Wedding gift idea...design a quilt block that her gusts can sign at the wedding and then turn that block into a pillow she can enjoy for a lifetime...love that tip! After all...".Quilting is creating memories to last a Lifetime"
My Spin...use your "Tatting Thread" to embellish the pillow w/ her wedding colors :-)
*Great use of old table linens....she made a bed skirt out of a cotton lace linen...attached to frame w/ velcro for easy assembly/sewing. Loved this idea that I tried it myself!
*When working w/ Scraps that have no selvages...work on wrong side of fabric...usually you can see the crosswise grain of fabric...line ruler with threads of fabric for straight cuts...thanks for sending in that tip...great for all those "Scrappin' in a Weekend" patterns that I sell on website :-)
*Create Mirror-Image of half-rectangles, position two cut rectangles wrong sides together and cut diagonally corner to corner...great tip!
*Octagon tips...always cut opposite sides of octagon first then the adjacent sides...keeps the soze of octagon accurate
Please remember if your tip is not posted it's because it was a repeat of a previous tip that was sent in by someone else...the previous blog archives can be viewed by scrolling to the left side of blog page to view all posts. Also, please state "tips" due to some go into my spam folder. As always...thanks so much for sending in your tips...great to share time-saving tips among friends!
"Blessed Quilting from our Home to Yours"
email tips to Cat...cmhdesigns2@yahoo.com
www.perfectgift-fromabove.com
www.tattingcorner.com
Using the Correct Thread:
Six-Cord Thread...(Cordonnet) consists of tightly twisted plies (six in all). A strong, firm thread is suitable for heirlooms, hard-working wearable's and decorative designs. Considered the best thread available for tatting, it is not the same as six-strand embroidery floss, which is designed to be separated into individual plies. Her six-cord threads include size 50 Cordonnet Cotton, Flora, Manuela, DMC Cordonnet, DMC Tatting Cotton and Anchor Mez.
Three-Cord Thread... Three-cord cotton such as DMC Cabelia or Opera is often used for Christmas ornaments. It has a beautiful shine and because ornaments are not usually laundered, holds up well.
Two-Cord Thread...among the two-cord threads, pearl cotton is the best-known, popular for earrings, bookmarks and other small projects not handled or washed as much as linens or wearable's.
To view more of Jennifer's Tatting Supplies visit her website@ www.tattingcorner.com
Jennifer and I will be hosting a Quilt pattern to embellish monthly on my blog to embellish with Tatting...you can view designs at www.perfectgift-fromabove.com
I also will be posting design on blog for you along with free monthly pattern downloads as well. Remember it's all about Quilting it forward! Enjoy these recent tips...
*Wonderful Wedding gift idea...design a quilt block that her gusts can sign at the wedding and then turn that block into a pillow she can enjoy for a lifetime...love that tip! After all...".Quilting is creating memories to last a Lifetime"
My Spin...use your "Tatting Thread" to embellish the pillow w/ her wedding colors :-)
*Great use of old table linens....she made a bed skirt out of a cotton lace linen...attached to frame w/ velcro for easy assembly/sewing. Loved this idea that I tried it myself!
*When working w/ Scraps that have no selvages...work on wrong side of fabric...usually you can see the crosswise grain of fabric...line ruler with threads of fabric for straight cuts...thanks for sending in that tip...great for all those "Scrappin' in a Weekend" patterns that I sell on website :-)
*Create Mirror-Image of half-rectangles, position two cut rectangles wrong sides together and cut diagonally corner to corner...great tip!
*Octagon tips...always cut opposite sides of octagon first then the adjacent sides...keeps the soze of octagon accurate
Please remember if your tip is not posted it's because it was a repeat of a previous tip that was sent in by someone else...the previous blog archives can be viewed by scrolling to the left side of blog page to view all posts. Also, please state "tips" due to some go into my spam folder. As always...thanks so much for sending in your tips...great to share time-saving tips among friends!
"Blessed Quilting from our Home to Yours"
email tips to Cat...cmhdesigns2@yahoo.com
www.perfectgift-fromabove.com
www.tattingcorner.com
Saturday, March 22, 2014
"CHOOSING THE CORRECT THREAD FOR TATTING"
Hey tatter's this one's for you! Great tips on choosing the correct thread by "Our Mentor and Dear Friend Jennifer". We all know how talented Jennifer is and how beautiful her designs are so here's her secret! When creating your tatting designs choosing the correct thread is extremely important to enhance the quality of your artwork. I always say whether I'm quilting, sewing or crafting any design go that extra step to enhance the quality of your artwork. You want your designs to last a life time to past down from generations to come...so here's Jen's secret to her beautiful tatting embellishments!
Enjoy and keep the tips coming!
visit www.tattingcorner.com for all your tatting supplies & latest trends!
"Blessed Quilting from our Home to Yours"
email tips: cmhdesigns2@yahoo.com
www.perfectgift-fromabove.com
Choosing the correct thread is easy when you know a bit about threads and their qualities. Always consider the thread color and size and the amount of wear the piece will be subject to. Is it a Christmas trim or other piece that will be used only periodically and seldom hand washed? Is it a hanky trim, collar or other wearable that may be hand washed a lot? Is it a table topper, an heirloom-to-be or other decorative piece that may be precious to the next generation? There are threads for each of these projects.
Thread size...refers to the thickness of the threads. The higher or larger number of the thread, the finer it is. A size 50 thread is finer than a size 10. Changing the thread size in a pattern alters the size of the design. A dolly worked in size 70 thread, for example, will be closer to a place mat in size if you tat it in size 10 thread. "True" tatting threads are considered to be sizes 70 and 80 (very fine). All other size threads on the market are referred to as "crochet cotton".
Mercerizing during manufacture makes thread more receptive to dyeing so it accepts and holds color well and is almost colorfast. It also adds strength and shine, so the thread has a lovely luster and can stand up to years, even generations, of wear. Mercerized thread is smooth, easy to work with, and durable-just what you want for your tatting projects. (All cotton thread in our catalog are mercerized) Hold your thread up to a bright light and look at the fuzz along the strand. The less fuzz there is, the more the thread has been gas-singed (which smooth's and strengthens it). Thread will less fuzz will continue to look nice after repeated washings. Use the smoothest threads for your heirlooms!
Coming Soon..."TATTING W/THE CORRECT THREAD"
Enjoy and keep the tips coming!
visit www.tattingcorner.com for all your tatting supplies & latest trends!
"Blessed Quilting from our Home to Yours"
email tips: cmhdesigns2@yahoo.com
www.perfectgift-fromabove.com
Choosing the correct thread is easy when you know a bit about threads and their qualities. Always consider the thread color and size and the amount of wear the piece will be subject to. Is it a Christmas trim or other piece that will be used only periodically and seldom hand washed? Is it a hanky trim, collar or other wearable that may be hand washed a lot? Is it a table topper, an heirloom-to-be or other decorative piece that may be precious to the next generation? There are threads for each of these projects.
Thread size...refers to the thickness of the threads. The higher or larger number of the thread, the finer it is. A size 50 thread is finer than a size 10. Changing the thread size in a pattern alters the size of the design. A dolly worked in size 70 thread, for example, will be closer to a place mat in size if you tat it in size 10 thread. "True" tatting threads are considered to be sizes 70 and 80 (very fine). All other size threads on the market are referred to as "crochet cotton".
Mercerizing during manufacture makes thread more receptive to dyeing so it accepts and holds color well and is almost colorfast. It also adds strength and shine, so the thread has a lovely luster and can stand up to years, even generations, of wear. Mercerized thread is smooth, easy to work with, and durable-just what you want for your tatting projects. (All cotton thread in our catalog are mercerized) Hold your thread up to a bright light and look at the fuzz along the strand. The less fuzz there is, the more the thread has been gas-singed (which smooth's and strengthens it). Thread will less fuzz will continue to look nice after repeated washings. Use the smoothest threads for your heirlooms!
Coming Soon..."TATTING W/THE CORRECT THREAD"
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