Glenda posted a comment that "Threaded needles could probably be kept here as well."
She is so right! Here are pictures of my needle folder. I can thread lots of needles in advance for teaching a class, doing demos, traveling in the car, quilting, or preparing for any sewing project. It saves a lot of class time. I don't have to thread needles in a hurry, or while bumping along in the car.
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| Needle Organizer |
This folder was made the same way as the Applique Organizer. Then I added an extra piece of batting, folded in half, along the top. This is simply pinned onto the glued batting with long quilter's pins -- the ones with the big yellow ball. (Flat ones would be even better.)
Because this batting piece is loose, I can easily insert my various threaded needles, extra ball point pins, etc.
Because this batting piece is loose, I can easily insert my various threaded needles, extra ball point pins, etc.
The threads are then laid flat on the batting where they will cling. The top flap folds down to secure all the needles even more. You don't want them slipping out!
(Note to self: Attach a little flat magnet to hold empty needles!)
At the bottom half of the folder, there is a folded scrap of muslin just laid on top. This makes all those loose threads behave when I remove a threaded needle -- as I remove a threaded needle, I place my hand on this muslin scrap -- it helps "contain" all the other threads and prevents tangles. I used the pinking cutter to trim the muslin, so it will not ravel.
P.S. I love the pinking cutter blade to cut out my applique blocks -- they don't ravel with all that handling of the block. Then I trim the blocks to size with the straight cutter before assembling my quilt.
Keep Stitching!
Barbara M. Burnham
(c) 2013 Barbara M. Burnham. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any kind is expressly prohibited without prior written authorization.
Thanks for the ideas, very helpful! How have I never thought of cutting the blocks with pinking blade before??!
ReplyDeleteThanks for all the tips, great ideas :)
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ReplyDeleteBarbara: this is wonderful. I am going to make one or both to take to the Baltimore on the Prairie.
ReplyDeleteQuestion: Have you ever used a pinking blade to cut fabric when working on a pieced quilt? I was wondering if it would stop the fraying from handling or if it would throw off the measurements.
Jackie
Hi Jackie, so glad you like the idea. I don't do much piecing. For machine piecing, I suspect pinked edges would be a nightmare to get matched up. But! Maybe for hand piecing, where seamlines are marked and you match them up by hand, maybe pinking could work. Do try it! And please let us know how it works out...
DeleteHi Barbara,
ReplyDeleteI tear my blocks(& borders)not only does this put the blocks on grain there's no raveling, & I can tear the borders & blocks in no time. Doris
wouldnt tearing the blocks distort the fabric?
DeleteTearing the blocks and border would not be my choice. I prefer to make sure the fabric is on grain and cut the fabric (oversize) with a pinking rotary cutter (to eliminate fray while working the applique). Then I rotary cut to proper size with a straight rotary cutter before assembling the quilt.
Deleteyou also can use cross stitch needle organizers they are magnets and not expensive.
ReplyDeleteI made both for each of my projects - can't do just one. I put everything including the pattern and block in a 2 1/2 gallon zip lock bag (Dollar Tree). Works fantastic.
ReplyDeleteFor my bigger project I needed an extra piece folder and so I use a Scrapbooking storage box from Joann's. It holds 3 folders, the patterns, and my blocks very neatly. Not as easy to carry around as the bag but very organized.
Love the folder idea - Thank You
What a GREAT idea, I always have needles all over the place as well as my applique pieces. Thanks a lot and I will be waiting for more helpful hints! Sandy Z
ReplyDelete