Last night, hand sewing binding to the back of a quilt finally sank into my brain. I watched a video over and over and over. Seriously..... I was on a roll, it was all looking good. I was so proud of it, so I wanted to show you all. This morning I noticed the finger I was using to push the needle through has a nice blister on it and is really sore. I set out to the quilting shop today to find a thimble. They were $8-10. Is that normal? I couldn't pay that for a thimble. I guess if I find out it's normal pricing I will. Instead I found something else they had for the same purpose. I'll tell you about it later in this post.
Remember the "frayed trees" blocks I was working on? Here's the lap quilt from those. I just quilted using stitch in the ditch.
Back of quilt with the greatest backing I've ever seen. (lol, only because it's turtles) And the best binding job I've ever did. This is the quilt I basted using the link Gene provided in yesterday's comments. It worked! It was more work, but it was worth it. I'm still trying to find what works best for me when it comes to basting.
Here's my loot from the quilt shop today. I finally got a yo yo maker. Some fat quarters, they used to be $1.00 and now their $1.25. Not to bad, but it does make a difference when you buy several. And, the thimble thingies. If you click on the picture you can see it better, they are like plastic stickers that stick to your finger, in place of a thimble. errrmmm......does not work! Not for me anyways. These will probably end up in my next giveaway. So, I guess I'm still in search of a darn thimble. I'm guessing my Wal-Mart probably don't carry them since they have nothing fabric related. We'll see.
You can get lower-priced thimbles. I can't use one...have tried and can't. Maybe you'll have better luck than I have. Your quilt looks nice and you got some great fat quarters, too!!!
ReplyDeleteThey have rubber type thimbles, my sister use them and says the work great. I can't use them myself.
ReplyDeleteI own one thimble but I can't remember what I paid for it. I have seen them from a couple of dollars to something like $75!
ReplyDeleteI love the turtles and the green fabric you used for the binding. It has a nice texture to it.
What is the picture or pattern on the fat quarter in the middle, it is sort of pink and almost looks like a bird? The fat quarter (green) on the far right is nice, too.
I posted twice today on my blog - can you believe it??
Oh cute quilt! And great new fabrics. Love the polka-dot and birds on the left!
ReplyDeleteI have a couple of thimbles but I find them very uncomfortable and cumbersome so I don't bother. When I sew on a binding I usually end up with holes in the tip of my middle finger. That turns into rough skin and then a callous. Sewer's finger!
I love your trees. I can't believe you don't have a thimble. I have been using one to hand sew as long as I can remember. I could not do without a thimble.
ReplyDeleteI just checked Google Shopping and sorted by price. hehehee. I see that the price range is tremendous. Do you have a Hobby Lobby? They have a pretty good range to pick from. Now I will confess, I have a plastic one that came in some sewing kit, but I never use it.
ReplyDeleteOh, yes, Connecting Threads has a set of four quilter's ring thimbles by Fons an Porter for 3.99
ReplyDeleteOne more time. LOL.
ReplyDeleteyaay that the basting worked. The quilt looks good! not at all my colors but the turtles are adorable.
They have these thimbles that are totally rubber, they are about 2.25...but you have to go to Stepenville to get them....
ReplyDeleteI am thinking that is alittle high. My problem is getting the right size...go to I have a Notion, she has thimbles on line, she has this one that hugs your finger....
I really love this! Wonderful job, hope your finger feels better soon. I am another one who does not use a thimble, have never found one I felt comfortable with on. Occasionally I get a sore finger but very seldom, although I am not a "quilter" like you are.
ReplyDeleteI never used a thimble growing up and still have trouble doing so. If I put one on my finger I find I use another finger!!!!! I did have a lightweight leather one that I used and did like. It had a little metal circle inside the leather and it felt like I had nothing on.
ReplyDelete$1.25 for Fat Quarters!!! I have to pay at least $2.25. And I have never, ever used a thimble. Slows me down. Got great calluses on my fingers.
ReplyDeleteFQs at my quilt shops are $2.50. $1.25 is a deal!
ReplyDeleteYour fingers will thank you for a thimble!
Which quilt shop do you go to......i heard there was a new one in Wilkeboro.....??
ReplyDeleteEnjoy.....LindaMay
Fat quarters here start at $2.50 and go up to $5.00. So $1.25 is a great deal!!
ReplyDeleteI never use a thimble...don't like them. I also don't baste my quilts. I pin them and quilt. Hugs
I have a few thimbles and love them. I love your fabrics that you got and you will love the yo yo maker.
ReplyDeleteMicki
I love my thimbles. I don't use them often, but I love having them. I love the green quilt!
ReplyDeleteYour quilt looks great!!!!
ReplyDeleteI found metal/plastic/rigid thimbles unbearable. Several years ago I picked up a lightweight leather thimble with a metal top. Accidentally popped the little metal piece out after tying to bend it to fit my finger.
Not wanting to totally waste my money I grabbed thick First Aid tape and fitted the piece of leather to my finger. No more sewer's finger and a thimble that fits and lets my finger "breathe."
I have to replace the tape now and then but it works. Do you have a n old thin belt laying around?
I have many thimbles - I keep several sizes since my fingers tend to swell - the most comfortable so far is the hefty leather one that I paid $8 for... oddly enough - it's thick enough to keep my finger safe and adapts very well to the shape of my finger after a few hours of use.
ReplyDeleteA good thimble is worth it's weight in gold - do you know why Queen Anne died? from a needle prick! that's why Queen Anne's lace (the weed) is named that - because there is a tiny blood red petal in the center of each flower - look for it next time!