by Sandra | March 25th, 2009
In my response to Boop yesterday I also revealed my other favorite thread to quilt with and that is the Highlights thread from Superior. What I really love about this thread is the silky appearance the thread takes on against the surface of the fabric. In my, never so humble opinion, I think it is just as pleasing as silk thread and I do like the 40 wt. texture. For me it is also more forgiving of mistakes when quilting rather than highlighting every little slight oopsie of my hands while quilting. I also like how, as in the above example, the thread melts into the background letting the fuller areas be the quilted focal point rather than the stitching lines.
My Daisy Background fill pattern from my little auction quilt.
Another nice advantage with this thread is notice how in the above example the thread reflects the light? A subtle, but very pleasing effect that the thread does on its own without any help from me. After much experimentation with other threads etc., I just can’t replicate this really cool effect.
I love this thread–obviously.
©2009 Sandra Leichner
Hi Sandra – your photos are wonderful! I was just thinking about using silk thread on a project that is close to being ready for machine quilting. However, your info about the Superior Highlights caught my eye. Could you share what size needle you use and what goes into your bobbin? I am fairly new to this whole blogging world – with your permission, may I add your blog to my blogroll?
Thanks so much.
Pat
Sandra,
It is so nice to read your words about the space betweenthe quilting lines being the feature of quilting rather than the lines themsleves.
In the last few years the line has become the focus of all attention, but I love the patterns of the unquilted areas against the areas with heavier quilting.
Oh Judy we are of like minds! LOL
Thank you Pat!
Ok ready? I use a #60 Schmetz sharp machine needle with the Highlights. Why? it leaves a small hole and the thread fills it up. I have never had a problem with thread breakage or sewing machine issues of any kind using this smaller needle. I use the Highlights both in my bobbin and my needle. Call me lazy, but I really hate fine tuning tension adjustments for elimination of ‘pop-ups’. With the King Tut thread, I use a #70 sharp Schmetz needle and a 50 or 60 wt. cotton thread in the bobbin. Again, this has worked great for me with no issues.
I would be happy if you added me to your blogroll–thanks Pat!.
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Thanks for the info Sandra…will do some thread shopping this weekend – if we don’t get snowed in!
Pat
I will be crossing my fingers for you not to get snowed in Pat. There is nothing worse than having to abort a fun shopping trip.
as I’m looking at your quilting, I am wondering ,do you make up all of your quilting patterns . what determines the technique your going to use ? I’m working on some Alpha bears ( alphabet with teddy’s leaning or laying on them and I thought I’d do stipple , but now I wonder if there isn’t more I could do .
I try to make my own patterns, but some are fairly rote and general . I usually play with a quilt sandwich to try and come up with something that fits my subject matter. As Judy was saying in a earlier comment about the “puffy areas”, I do focus on this more than I do a line of stitching to create a pattern. In other words, what do I want the puffy bits to look like? That is the texture I focus on.
I instantly thought of this when I read your project description so I hope you don’t mind me giving you an idea. I saw in my mind’s eye a scattering of alphabet letter motifs across your background areas and then I would do general stippling around those those to bring out the puffed letters. Print off a block font from your printer in the right scale (block font so your letter will puff out after quilting) use freezer paper as your stencils; Place these templates willy nilly across the background; iron and trace around them with the blue washable marker and then pull off the freezer paper; quilt around the letters first and then do your stipple or background fill. Viola! This would look cool.
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Did this make sense? My mind tends to move quickly. LOL
MIND ???? I’m flattered you would share .
OMG ! Your amazing !!!! Like I said before I want your mind !
I will try that , it sounds wonderful . I don’t know if I can do it justice , but I can’t kill it either .
I’ll let you know what happens .
I slept on it ! LOL ! I was thinking it would make sense to use the type of lettering that is used in the wall hanging . I think I’ll toss the letters and make them a tad smaller .
also thought you might like to see this
http://thenonist.com/index.php/thenonist/comments/3540/
Oh thanks for that!
Yes, I agree. Very cute pattern too
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