I've been practicing my hand sewing and testing out all the new notions I ordered to help the process. Since I changed so many variables I can't tell you which one thing made the difference - but all combined, my hand stitching is MUCH easier!
The first thing I did, and this is what Camille Roskelley does (can you hear angels singing?), is assemble all my necessary hand-binding supplies in one place. I put them in the zippered pouch I made (as part of the Free Online Sewing Craftsy class Bag Making Basics) so I can grab it and take it where I sew (which may be in front of the t.v., in the car, at my sister's, etc.). I included my Clover threader (which works every time with my new needles; it was hit and miss before), my million new needles, snips, thread, binding clips, a mini tomato pin cushion, and my Thread Heaven & wax.
I like using the Thread Heaven and I didn't get near as many tangles as before. When it seemed like a knot had formed, I just pulled it with the needle and it came undone. It never became an impossible situation where I snapped the thread. I also made sure to thread the spool end of the thread and knot the cut end. I used my Clover milliners needle and it was lovely. I definitely think the coating was long gone on my old needles because this one floated through the fabric. The longer length was so much more comfortable to stitch with and my fingers didn't cramp at all. I took one of my free-motion warm-up scraps and actually sewed on some leftover binding. I tried out the ladder stitch as recommended by Heidi (who had commented on my other post) and I liked the way it looked. I used it on one side of the piece and my regular blind stitch on the other. I found the ladder a bit slower to sew and not too much difference in the end appearance. I will have to practice it a bit more to see if I prefer it.
I also stitched closed the mitered corners on my Spools quilt. I usually hate that job too but now it was much more enjoyable. I practiced the quilter's knot and I am going to make sure the next time I bind a quilt to add in those couple stitches on the miter fold when I get to them instead of waiting until I'm done the quilt. I have so many good tips and tricks now that I am totally excited to hand-sew my next quilt binding. Thanks for all the great ideas and I feel so much better about the whole thing. A good attitude is as helpful as the tools!
Comments