Shiny and pretty

I like shiny and pretty.
I guess I am a bit of a magpie when it comes to thread.
I started using Madeira rayon threads just about the time I started machine quilting.
I like the 30 wt thread because it is heavier and shows up more than the 40 wt threads on whatever I am quilting, it is also soft and handles easily in my machine.

I LOVE color, have I said that before and I love the gorgeous colors that Madeira makes.

These are the threads that the clothing industry uses to embroider those fun appliques on our clothing.

Shaping Nearly 100 Years of Fashion...
Founded in Freiburg, Germany, in 1919, Madeira has always been committed to the production of high quality embroidery threads.
In 1975, the company began to shift its concentration from the domestic German market to the global marketplace. Then in 1987, subsidiaries were set up worldwide to streamline the distribution process. Today, Madeira maintains a presence throughout the USA, Europe, Japan and key Asian markets.


All the Madeira embroidery threads are Oeko-Tex certified. Oeko-Tex is an international testing and certification system for textiles, limiting the use of certain chemicals. Our embroidery threads have been certified to meet the human-ecological requirement standard presently established for baby articles. Our embroidery threads fall within Class I and II of the Oeko-Tex classification system, and meet the new U.S. CPSIA law requirements.


When I first started buying the smaller spools of rayon thread from Madeira they did not have end-caps on the spools and were harder to use. It is one of the reasons I put them in a cup behind my machine. They have since changed the spools so that they look like any other threads that we buy and it has made them easier to use in our home sewing machines.


I contacted Madeira Manufactures and asked them a few questions about their thread. These are the questions and answers I got back.

I am interested in where you  the raw goods come from.
Madeira is a German Based Company, the raw goods for the Rayon thread are tree pulp, but I am not sure where the trees are harvested from.
Where it is manufactured?


The thread is Manufactured in Germany.
What is the main difference in using polyester over rayon?


The Polyester is made from man made materials, it is petroleum based. The Rayon is made from tree pulp; it is a natural fiber and is a little more sensitive than the poly because of that. The Poly is a little more abrasive on the machines because they need to be run with a higher speed and tension than the rayon, which is why it is more abrasive. The rayon has a deeper/richer color than the Poly.


Are all the colors, colorfast?
The Polyneon is color fast. The Rayon, because of the dye process and the material it is made of, cannot withstand the bleaching process. The Rayon will hold it's color when washed in warmer water, but if there is chemicals in the wash it will dissipate the color.


What is the life expectance of the threads?
Our thread can "live" for about 7-10 years if stored properly. It needs to be stored in a cool dry location away from any direct light.


What is the difference in the weight sizes, what does the number indicate?
The weight of thread designates the thickness of the thread. The 40 weight is the standard. All Embroidery digitizing is done in the 40 weight thread, unless other wise designated by the digitizer. The 60 weight is a thinner thread, typically used for fine lettering and details; if you were to use a 40 weight where a 60 weight is needed the embroidery will look fuzzy and blocky. The 60 weight will give it a crispness. The 30 weight is thicker than the 40, this is used where there is a lot of fill to try and make the embroidery less bulky so it will not buckle under the weight of the design. The 12 weight thread is the thickest thread and it typically used in Chenille and Marrowing machines.


What is your best seller? 
Our Best selling threads are our Poly and the Rayon thread.


I have been very happy over the years using the Madeira 30weight thread to machine quilt my designs and will continue to use it because it is a natural fiber, flexible and comes in beautiful colors.  I don’t ever intend to bleach any of my quilts, nor do I intend to wash them with harsh chemicals.

Love and Kisses

Every year I make home made Valentine Cards for all the woman in my family. I guess this started way back when my kids were in nursery school and the kids and I made Valentine Cards to give to their friends. I made ones to give to my sister and mom.

Each year I come up with a new design and the process of finding designs is always on going. When ever I see a design that I like, I copy it and put it in a file on my computer. I wish I had thought of the idea of Pinerest, I have been doing that idea for years, only on my computer.

Anyway, here is this years Valentine along with a little tutorial. Happy Valentine’s to YOU, dear reader. Love and Kisses from me.


The years card is a take on “paper cut” designs. I found a design that I thought was fun, I had to alter it a bit as each of the centers of these cards is only 3.5” x 3.5”. I used all my gorgeous hand dyed fused fabric scraps to create 12 cards this year for the woman in my family. I have a special on the website with four of my favorite red fabrics. I hope you check it out.

Fused fabric “Paper Cut” Valentine Card

1. Fuse fabric scraps using WonderUnder #805.

2. Peel off the release paper from the fused fabric. Use the release paper and an extra fine sharpie marker
to trace a pattern to cut.

3. Place the marker side of the tracing on the fused side of the fabric and press with a hot dry iron.

4. Fold the fabric in half at fold mark and cut out a rough heart shape slightly larger than the design.

5. Place a rolled up piece of scotch tape between the two sides of the heart to hold them together while you cut out the design.

6. Using VERY sharp SMALL embroidery scissors cut around the design on the release paper. (Usually I take the paper off before cutting, the marker will transfer to the back of the fused fabric, but because the design is so intricate it is easier to cut with the paper on.)

7. Peel the paper off of the cut heart shape and open it up. Place the cut heart shape on top of another piece of fused fabric that is a different color.

8. Fuse the cut out heart shape to the second fabric.

9. Fold the second fabric in half and cut it out in a heart shape about 1/2 inch bigger than the cut design.

10. Open up the second heart shape and place on the backside of a rotary mat, using a decorative blade in your rotary cutter cut around the heart shape to give it a decorative edge.

11. Place the two fused together heart shapes on a preprinted card and press with a hot dry iron. (My cards are 4" x 6” the same size as the slot in my printer for photo paper. I used word to create word art that I printed onto the cards before I fused the hearts to them.)

12. Cut around the outside edge of the card stock with a decorative blade in your rotary cutter.

13. Sign the card and place in an envelope and mail to your special Valentine.

XX00
Don't forget to become a blog follower. Just click on the link at the top right to follow this blog and get a free pattern this month.

Madeira Rayon thread

CLASSIC RAYON NO. 30, available in 714 yard spools and 3,300 yard cones A thicker viscose rayon which fills in quickly and reduces the stitch count and production time in large designs.
Advantages Of Madeira Classic Rayon Include:

• Brilliant color with a silky luster
• Smooth running and knot free
• Available in 12, 30, 40 and 60 weights
• Available in solid, shaded and multi-colors
• Colorfast with high tensile strength
• Maintains its soft "hand" even when the stitch count is high
• Excellent washing and dry cleaning properties

This is the thread I like to use the most in my quilting. I came from a background of garment making and when you added top thread to a garment you wanted it to stand out. I have always felt that if I put that much time and effort into my quilting I want people to be able to see it, so I use a 30wt rayon.

It also comes in such yummy colors.

Notice that I use scotch tape to keep my thread from spooling out all over the place. I have tried all kinds of things to keep it from unraveling and this works well for me. I do use my threads all the time so the tape doesn’t get gummy and each time I put it back I use a new piece of tape. Scotch tape is pretty inexpensive to have and use.

When I quilt with this thread I use a size 90 embroidery needle.

I also don’t have this thread standing or laying down on or in my machine. I put it in a cup that sits behind my machine and then feed it up through the thread guide. Why you may ask do I do this? I started doing this a long time ago before my machine had a thread feeder and have gotten in the habit of doing this, I fine it lets the thread feed naturally and never puddles or tangles when I am quilting.



I used the 30 weight thread to outline all the design elements in this quilt. I used the 30# to do the feathers and the detail on the Jack in the Pulpit.

Thread Painting with Terry White

Terry and I have an interesting history.

We ran into each other about five years ago at a small quilt show in Indiana. We were introduced and it turns out we attended the same high school. I was a few years OLDER and Wiser than Terry. Her brother was in my class, I really didn’t remember Terry, but she insisted she remembered me.

But what I find most interesting is that we both are working with fabric. Was it in the water where we grew up or what?

Terry you have developed a unique style in quilting. You make such beautiful thread painted images.
Thank you, Frieda. I do agree that you are much older than me…..okay, and much, much, much wiser!


How and why did you get so involved in drawing with thread?
Hand embroidery had been a part of my life since I was a child. I also would draw all my designs for embroidery, whether it was crewel, needlepoint, ribbon work, quilting or mixed thread techniques.
About twenty years ago, I developed “carpal tunnel syndrome”. It was pretty devastating. I couldn’t do hand needlework anymore. I couldn’t do too much drawing, either.
I was online and saw Ellen Anne Eddy’s work.

Yes Ellen is an inspiration to us all. I have an interview with her later in the month.
Then, I remembered that I had taken a class many years earlier from Lois Smith and I was pretty good at free motion work. So, I bought a sewing machine from a friend, Nancy Martin, and she showed me how to set up for thread painting. I went to using a straight stitch after she showed me a zig zag stitching technique. I like the straight stitch because then I could make the lines any way I wanted to. I found that hooping the work made it very easy on my hands so I could do intensive and intricate embroidery without hurting my hands. I can draw in short spurts without too much hand fatigue, so most of my drawing is for my machine needlework.













Detail of Run Rabbit Run, by Terry White


It took me about a year after doing a lot of experimenting before I did anything “Good”. I had a lot to learn about threads, stabilizers and fabrics and how they worked together. After a couple more years of experimenting and winning an award with my work, I was ready to teach. However, I still had a lot to learn.


You create your own designs where do you get your inspiration from?
Mostly nature. The wonderful lines, forms and colors found in my backyard teach me design. I also discover wonderful wrapping and other techniques by looking at the way things grow. I also am inspired by poetry, words and thoughts and funny things that happen with my family. Some of my works are visual jokes for my family and friends.

February Sun of the Month by Terry White












This is a great design, I wish I had made something like it. I love the weepy hearts.


You have been active in designing a new thread line with Coats and Clark, can you tell us about that?

My Stars thread line by Terry White

This is one of the coolest things I’ve ever done. I designed 24 multicolored Star Cotton threads for Coats & Clark! Wow, I have used Coats & Clark yarns and threads since I was a child, so this was a huge thrill for me. C&C also commissioned seven thread painted quilts which they have been using in their print advertising for the past couple of years. I also designed seven free projects for their website. star.com


What is your favorite type of needle to use with this thread?
I like to use a 90/14 machine embroidery needle. Whether I’m thread painting or using programmed decorative stitches, this needle lasts a long time and pierces the fabric in the right place for a neat, clean embroidery stitch.


Do you use stabilizer when you are thread painting? What kind do you like and why?

I use different stabilizers for different projects. For example; if the fabric is lightweight and the design is open, then a lightweight stabilizer is needed. For most of my dense work, I use three layers of lightweight interfacing and the interfacing is left in the work. It becomes part of the stitch structure and needs to stay to keep the stitches from distorting.

I know you have a book out with AQS, do you have any other products? Explain.
My first book with AQS is “Thread Painting Made Easy”. It is the culmination of my experiments and 10 years of teaching and learning. I wrote everything I know about thread painting in this book.


My second book with AQS is called, “All Beaded Up by Machine”. Hand beading was always a feature of my hand quilting and hand embroidery. I was determined to find a simple method for beading with the sewing machine that did not entail putting the needle through the bead. I did it! I developed seven different techniques for this process and wrote the book.


I had to invent a little notion called, “The Beadle” which helps to hold the beads in place as I couch over the bead string.

My third book with AQS is called,” Enhance Your Quilts-Embellish!”


Embellishment was always a feature of my hand embroidered and quilted projects. When I bought my first really good sewing machine, I began to explore all the possibilities of the decorative stitches and feet. Along with the explosion of cool novelty threads, yarns, beads, buttons, charms, fabrics, dyes and trims, there isn’t even enough time in this world to put together fantastic mixes to create embellished quilts. So, I tried to do some; based on classes and projects I’ve done in the past 10 years.

My silk ribbon would look great in your projects, I will have to send you some.
Scot (my husband) and I also produce teaching videos based on my work and classes. Some of the videos are companions to my books.

What else would you like to talk about?
I am a Bernina Artisan and I work with Havel’s Scissors. Yes, I like these too.
These are two companies providing beautiful products and also teaching the quilt world. Their websites have lots of free information and free projects.

Currently, I’m learning a lot about my Electric Quilt Program. I have patterns for sale on my website, but I’m focusing more on my design work to create a world of patterns for appliqué quilts. I’m also working with Seminole Patchwork patterns.

detail Bird Walk by Terry White

I’ll be teaching this year in Lancaster Pennsylvania at the AQS show. Oh too bad, I won’t be there but I will be at the AQS show in Paducah and Grand Rapids where I’ll have a booth and teach a class.

I’ll be at Quilt Market and Festival in Houston. I’ll be in Houston too, so I’ll see you there.
I’ll be at some other places teaching, too.

I have a couple of blogs, one on my flea market finds and the other on stitching projects.

So, I’m looking forward to the future and what I can contribute to the stitching world.

I’m thinking of my next book, I’m thinking of calling it, “Thread Painting Made Difficult”. What do you think of that, Frieda?

It sounds great Terry I can’t wait to see it and try out the techniques. Thanks so much for sharing your talent with all of us. You know I love you.

Terry’s designs are so whimsical and fun, a real feast for the eyes. I hope you will visit her website and become a follower of her blog.

Next week I’ll be talking about YLI thread and have an interview with my buddy Anne Fahl, so be sure to check back and send your friends over to take a look.

Whispering in your ear

I have been talking about threads so far this month and will continue to share thread ideas and information with you all month. I just want you to understand that the opinions stated in this blog are my own, and – I approve this ad.

In other words I am sharing with you what I LIKE and use. You really have to try these products out and see if you like them too. There are lots of other products out on the market that are great.

I just don’t use them.

I wanted to share with you some of the places that I use the different threads I have talked about and will be talking about.

I have used a variegated Aurifil thread on the inside of the Pine boughs of Whispering Pines.

I used my favorite 30wt rayon on the silk in the background behind the Pines and then I again used the solid color 50wt Aurifil cotton in the border areas of the stripy units of this quilt.

Three different threads for three different results.

This quilt won Judge’s choice at IQA in Houston 2007. It is made with my varigated  hand dyed cotton and silk charmeuse fabrics. As you can imagine, I was so happy.

Woven Heart Basket

Woven Heart Basket

I first made these twelve years ago.

I got the idea from the paper heart baskets that the Scandinavian's put on their Christmas trees. I thought why can't I fuse the fabric and make these out of fabric. So I did.

This is a fun, easy project for you to make. You can down load the pattern here. if you sign up to follow my blog. Just click the link at the top of the page on the left side. Thanks

Make this for your special Valentine. You still have time.
 

Aurifil

Here is my internet interview with Alex Veronelli, the USA representative of this fabulous thread. I first discovered Aurifil at the Chicago IQA show many moons ago, it may have even been in the year 2000. I have been using it ever since. It comes in rich yummy colors that I just can’t resist. Have I said before I LOVE color.

I AM a little bias, sorry. I think it is the way that it is displayed on the racks at the shows that just grabs me.

When and where was the company started? and by who?


Aurifil was founded in Milano by my Father and Mr Gregotti in 1983 on the idea to produce high quality threads and accessories for Italian Fashion Clothing and the High quality Bed Linen industry mainly. In 2000 my vision to open to new markets drove Aurifil into the Quilt & Patchwork World

Where does the cotton and wool come from?


The raw cotton is from Egypt where the weather conditions and the rich soil enabled the production of a better cotton. The term “Egyptian cotton Mako’” is usually applied to the extra long staple cotton produced in Egypt and favored for the luxury and upmarket brands worldwide.  The limited production of extra long staple cotton, particularly the one suitable for cotton Mako, increases its exclusivity. The annual production of cotton is of 100 million bales. The long staple cotton produced each year makes 3 million bales, of which only 1 million and 200 thousands are exported!

Our Wool comes from Australia from the quality called Merino. Australian Merino is regarded by many as the finest and softest wool produced anywhere. It is a unique fiber, loved by fashion and apparel designers for its quality and versatility. Nothing else feels like it, looks like it, or wears like it.

I have been to Australia and the sheep look just like this. I think I probably saw this exact pair. Oh wait that might have been in New Zealand where the sheep outnumber the people!
Where is your thread manufactured?


I am proud to say 100 % made in Italy, after the raw material is imported : spinning , twisting , dyeing and rewind processes are made by a network of 4 small companies owned now by a 3rd generation of specialists  and located all within 15 miles, each one spearhead in one of the steps, this is the base of Italian quality in textile.

What are your best sellers and why?


The 50wt cotton, thinnest of my threads (and my favorite!FA). Thinner thread means flatter seams and less bulk when multiple seams come together. It’s strong and doesn’t give off as much lint as others,  Fine thread will emphasize your fabric choices and quilt designs. Quilters love it also in the bobbin. (YES this is where I use it all the time FA.)


What trends do you see happening in sewing today and for the future?


Even if I just decanted the deeds of the thinnest weight, I must admit I am taking consciousness that Crafters want to show more of their stitches nowadays : “ let your stitches be leading actors “ . For this reason I based all my 2012 Designers of the Month program http://auribuzz.wordpress.com/category/designers-of-the-month/ on my 12wt cotton that is the thickest of my threads . 
Any new products on the horizon?


For the most no, I decided to focus the investments in research & marketing on the products already available on the market with the target to improve them even more, of course I am going to enlarge the actual range of 252 colors  with new shades,  keeping the card updated with the new trends of fabrics.

But I wish to uncover that a start of studying in order to develop a polyester thread is already on my timeline.
That was so informative and great of Alex to share with us his knowledge and information about one of my favorite thread companies.

I would be so happy if I had this case of thread in my studio!!


I am now carrying Aurifil 50wt cotton thread to match the colors of the ten rayon threads I sell on my website. I hope you will go check it out.