Friday, September 4, 2015

Five on Friday: Hand Sewing


Lately I have only been wanting to do hand sewing. Right now, handwork just seems to fit into the flow of our day. More so than working on the sewing machine where there is so much set up and break down and stress from making sure that Liam can't get to the iron. No, right now the ability to carry a project, work on a few stitches during those precious snatches of free moments during the day, and put down and away when it is time is just right for me right now. Along with my project comes my little mason jar of tools. As I was thinking about what to share on Five Friday, I realized that there were five things in my jar (the herra marker and ruler in my opinion are a pair and count as one!) that I thought I'd share today.


When doing handwork, these tools follow me around everywhere.

1. Herra Marker and Straight Edge:  For straight line quilting I usually use my herra marker and ruler. It is so nice to not have to worry about erasing lines, and these tools are just the ticket to marking without having to do just that!

2. Thread: I started off with Gutermann thread, and a loyal thread customer I am! Right now I have the quilting cotton thread in my jar, the color is an off white cream. Color Number 919 if you are really interested.

3. Embroidery Scissors: I purchased these at my local quilting store. Isn't the color nice? These I find are perfect for snipping those threads!

4. Needles: Personally I like the Foxglove Cottage brand. The size that I am using are Betweens/Quilting in size 9. I like the sturdy feel of them and they hold up to hand quilting so nicely.

5. Thimble: Ah yes, my thimble. I prefer the Clover leather thimble to any other thimble that I have tried. I like the flexibility that the leather has. It has just the right amount of give.

Currently I just finished the patchwork below and am now waiting for the inspiration to finish the project. My machine is giving me problems right now, it keeps cutting my thread whenever I back stitch so I'm a bit on strike at the moment.


 I am also working on my Hawaiian quilting cushion. A work in progress for a year that is finally getting the attention that it deserves!


I hope you all had a wonderful August! If you are interested in joining the Five on Friday then link up with Amy over at love made my home.

Aloha everybody!


19 comments:

  1. I might have to get a few quilting tips from you as I'm going to be doing some once I've finished joining my squares together! Yours looks very pretty, lovely colours. Have fun sewing. :-)

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    1. Hello! Hand quilting is so wonderful... very addicting once you get the hang of it. Good luck with finishing your project!

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  2. Love the scissors, they are so pretty. Your quilt looks wonderful, a beautiful array of fabrics.

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  3. Your quilt looks very pretty. I love your choice of colours and patterns. I didn't know that leather thimbles were available - I can't get on with the metal thimbles so this may be just what I need. Thanks.

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    1. I love leather thimbles, they are so flexible. I really hope they work out for you!

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  4. Thank you for joining Five On Friday! I think you have a great set of travelling sewing supplies, I love those scissors! I have never used a leather thimble, but I can see how it would be good for quilting! I hope that you enjoy your projects and that you have a great weekend! xx

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    1. Thank you so much for always saying such kind things Amy. I appreciate you! =)

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  5. A thimble seems so old fashioned, but I love mine too. I'm far too clumsy top stitch without one! Have a great weekend!

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    1. I always think of Peter Pan when it comes to thimbles. =) My fingers get really raw when I try to stitch without one. Have a great weekend yourself!

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  6. Your hand sewing is lovely. I'm visiting from Five on Friday.

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    1. Thank you Linda for your kind words. Thank you also from stopping and visiting!

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  7. Lovely quilting and I like all your tools. The scissors are very nice. xo Karen

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    1. Thank you Karen. I am pretty fond of my scissors too! =)

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  8. Lovely works in progress! I like especially your patchwork. The fabrics and colours are so very pretty. :)
    I hope the problem with your sewing machine will be soon solved. Happy weekend!

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  9. Your scissors look great I like the colour of them. I hope to do a bit of hand quilting when the autumn really kicks in here. I love your handiworks! xx

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  10. Beautiful hand-quilting! Great projects. I agree that hand work is nice to work on in the colder months! You just can't lay a heavy quilt across your legs in the summertime. :-) My machine is always up (and generally my ironing board too) because I don't have to worry about any little ones. Sometimes I sit and sew for fifteen to thirty minutes, sometimes much longer. Just depends on what else in going on with my day.

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  11. Your quilts are lovely and handsewing them would be very relaxing i'm sure. I like using the machine for getting things done quickly but it is nice to sew by hand too and take your time. Much more restful :) i am visiting from five on friday ;)

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  12. Oooh, love the scissors. And you have the best choice when it comes to colors, so lovely!

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