Monday Giveaway: Black Isacord Thread

Congratulations to blacarly for winning last week's fabric giveaway!

Win a black spool of Isacord polyester embroidery thread!

Isacord thread is a high quality polyester thread with a high sheen. This smooth running and reliable thread has almost twice the strength of rayon and is less likely to break during embroidery stitching.

0020 Black

$5.69 per spool value that you could win!

Each spool contains 1000 meters/1093 yards

Note from Serena: Isacord is my favorite pick for embroidery thread!!! It is a strong thread with a great sheen that stitches so well. The poly thread flows through the machine and helps to prevent thread breakage, especially with the color black.

--To be entered in this giveaway, just leave a comment on this post with your name.

--Post a link to this giveaway on your blog and leave a second comment with the blog post url and you will be entered twice in the giveaway.

--Comments will be open until next Monday, July 7th and the winner announced that same day.

--This giveaway is only available to US residents.

--You must leave an email address in the comments or link back to a blog so I can contact you if you win. If your name is selected and there is no way to contact you, another name will be chosen.

--You have one week to claim your prize. If the prize is not claimed, another name will be chosen.

Recycled Fabric Swap update - June 30th

Here's an update on the June fabric swap packages:

fat quarter envelope 1: Joann received the envelope this week and it should be on its way to Diana soon.

Mollie sent this photo to show what she sent to Joann:

fat quarter envelope 2: Donna sent the envelope to Susan last week, so Susan should be getting it if you haven't already.

solids envelope: Cleary received the envelope on Saturday and will be mailing it to Paula on July 1st.

smorgasbord envelope 1: Nina mailed the package to Mollie on Friday, so Mollie should be getting it the next few days.

smorgasbord envelope 2: Dana mailed it last week to Deborah in Georgia.

Here is what Dana included in the envelope to Deborah:

smorgasbord box: It is on it's way to Marion from Cheri.

international envelope: The package should be with Lesley right now and soon on its way to DiAnne.

New! Handy Thread Catcher now available!!

My Handy Thread Catcher pattern is finally here!! Many of you have asked for the pattern of the thread catcher I posted on my blog several months ago. I'm happy to say that the pattern and corresponding kit is now available!

Are the tails of your threads always falling on the floor or missing the trash can? Do your straight pins roll around on the table and under your sewing machine? What you need is something to capture those loose threads and rolling pins - the Handy Thread Catcher!

You can create your very own thread catcher/pin cushion combo with these easy-to-follow instructions. This little gadget is perfect to keep next to your sewing machine or ironing board. With only a fat quarter of fabric, trimmer line/cord and some sand, you will have a weighted, lined bag that will stay right where you need it most!

Sewing level - Beginner

Purchase the pattern -
Pattern includes complete instructions and one 16" piece of trimmer line/cord.

Purchase the pattern + kit -
Kit includes:
pattern with complete instructions
trimmer line/cord
sandbag fabric
fine sand
fat quarter of fabric
sewing thread to match fabric

Note from Serena: I designed this thread catcher and pin cushion combination for a program for our local quilt guild and we had such a blast stitching them! With my detailed instructions and clear illustrations you will be able to create your very own!

Why does black thread break so often?

Black thread is the color of embroidery thread that is notorious for breaking when stitching embroidery designs. This is usually caused by two things: (1) Many times black is used for finishing details or outlines and is therefore being stitched over layers of other embroidery. This causes the thread, no matter if it's black or not, to be more likely to break as it is being stitched over the other stitches. (2) Black is the darkest thread color available and therefore has the most dye in it which weakens it just ever so slightly more than other colors.

Black thread will always be more likely to break than other colors, but there are a couple of things you can do to avoid some thread breakage.

~ Slow the machine down. If your machine is stitching a black outline, it is usually stitching over other layers of stitches, making it more likely to break. Slowing your machine down will help to prevent the thread from breaking or shredding.

~ Make sure you have a sharp needle. My favorite needles for embroidery are Organ Titanium needles because they stay sharper longer and cause less thread breakage. Above all, be sure your needle is sharp without any burrs or hooks on the point. A dull or blunt needle can easily cause thread breakage or shredding.

~ Use polyester black embroidery thread. Polyester thread is stronger than rayon and less likely to break. I prefer to use Isacord polyester thread over any other for all my thread colors, but especially with black. Since I started using Isacord black poly thread, I rarely have problems with my thread breaking or shredding with that color.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Special Offer:

If you would like to try some black polyester Isacord thread, email me (infoATembtreasures.com) your mailing address and I will mail you a sample for you to try. It really makes a difference in stitching outline and details. You will be amazed at how well it stitches!

Offer ends July 31, 2008.

Monday Giveaway: Surprise fabric!

Congratulations to dolls123 for winning last week's giveaway of Titanium Needles!

Win this little roll of surprise fabric all bundled up with ribbon! A perfect piece to add to your quilting stash of fabric!

--To be entered in this giveaway, just leave a comment on this post with your name.

--Post a link to this giveaway on your blog and leave a second comment with the blog post url and you will be entered twice in the giveaway.

--Comments will be open until next Monday, June 30th and the winner announced that same day.

--This giveaway is only available to US residents.

--You must leave an email address in the comments or link back to a blog so I can contact you if you win. If your name is selected and there is no way to contact you, another name will be chosen.

--You have one week to claim your prize. If the prize is not claimed, another name will be chosen.

This giveaway has ended!

Another cute little hankie blankie pet

I have stitched so many of these little hankie blankie pets in the last several months. My sister loves for me to make and embroider one of these for those new little ones and there have been several of her co-workers that have had babies recently.

This purple kitty turned out so cute! The minkee works so well with these sweet little pets and then embroidering the little one's name makes it a wonderful gift!

If you haven't tried stitching one of these cuties, you should give it a try!

Grabbits do much more than hold pins!

I have to admit it! I just love Grabbit pin cushions! And if you were ever to visit my sewing room, you will see that is very true in an instant when you spot the various colored Grabbits everywhere! They are so handy for holding pins and keeping them under control, but they also can be used to hold onto other things.

Many times I will have a handwork project I am working on and will often take it to a place other than my sewing room to stitch it. When I do that, I need to also take a couple of supplies such as pins, thread, scissors, thimble and a needle. So I have my project in one hand and with the other hand am trying to keep a hold of the pins, scissors, thimble, spool of thread and needle.

That's where the Grabbit comes in. It's magnetic, so my pins and needle (which always has a bit of thread in it so it doesn't get lost) stick to it. My thread snipping scissors and quilting thimble both have the needed materials to keep that magnetic hold as well. Instead of hauling around a spool of thread, I use a bobbin filled with thread so that it sticks to the Grabbit and I don't lose it. Many times I will have thread leftover on my bobbin and if not, I just wind a little.

By doing this, all of my tools are contained to my Grabbit. They are easy to find, hard to lose and simple to tote places! No wonder this little tool is called a "Grabbit", because it really does grab those things!

Great sewing-to-go box ideas

Last week I posted my sewing-to-go box and had some wonderful ideas of what some of you do for sewing projects on the go.

scraphappy said: I always have a sew on the go kit ready as well. It makes all that time spent waiting seem somehow less futile. Here is her recent to go project.

SweetP said: I have a tote bag made with coffee-themed fabric and a redwork coffee cup on it to carry my stitching projects in. Her storage container jars are just so neat!!!!

Kaye said: I always have one or 2 totes ready to take. I do a lot of applique with wonder-under so always have something to cut out. Also working on a redwork block of the month and I am behind.

B_Atkins said: I love it.... my sewing box on the go is a plastic bag shoved into a tote bag ;)

Kim said: I have one desk container that has my Amish Tumbling blocks I'm piecing by hand and I have another tote with those cute clover yoyo makers and charms, etc. One day I want to make a yoyo quilt and use time in the car ( when hubby's driving) to hand sew. I've done 2 quilts in 3 years that way.

Thanks for sharing all your ideas! B_Atikins, I do have to say that there is a ziplock bag in my sewing box that I will transfer some things to so I don't have to cart around the larger box and can stick the bag in my purse if needed! Plastic bags work great for lots of things, don't they?! :)

June RFS update

Here is an update on the June fabric swap packages:

fat quarter envelope 1: Karen was planning to mail it to Mollie last week, so Mollie should be getting it soon!

fat quarter envelope 2: Kimberly received the package last Thursday, so it should be on its way to Dana in the next few days.

solids envelope: Pat received it last week and it should be getting to Pam before too long.

smorgasbord envelope 1: Kaye has it at the moment and it should be getting to Tina next week sometime.

smorgasbord envelope 2: Susan mailed it to Barbara on Friday, so it should be with Barbara at the moment.

smorgasbord box: Wendy mailed out the box last week and it should be with Cheri now. Wendy emailed me a photo of the fabrics she mailed out!

international envelope: The package should be with Lesley right now.

Keep in mind everyone as you are swapping fabrics, that the fabric must be 100% cotton, quilt shop quality fabric! That is what everyone is expected, so please be sure you are exchanging swappable fabrics!

Have fun!!! :)

Monday Giveaway: Titanium Needles

Congratulations to stacysews for winning last week's green fabric giveaway!

Organ Titanium needles are standard high quality needles with a flat shank and a regular size eye for most home sewing, embroidery and quilting machines.

PD (Perfect Durability) or Titanium needles are the same great quality of Organ needles with the advantage of having a titanium nitride coating layered on the surface of the needle. With the titanium coating, these needles last up to five times longer than conventional chrome-plated needles. They are more wear resistant which reduces needle breakage, bending and distorting. This is very advantageous for the reliability and durability when stitching embroidery designs.

The titanium coating also strengthens the point of the needle. The needle is continuously going in and out of the fabric, dulling the needle point with each stitch which will cause needle wear and breakage. The strength of the needle has been reinforced while maintaining a perfect shape to provide greater wear resistance and durability.

Titanium needles are great for machine embroidery! Stop and really think about how many times the needle penetrates the fabric -- many times! For every stitch, the needle is being inserted into the fabric. So if your design has 20,000 stitches in it, the needle has gone through the fabric at least 20,000 times. This dulls your needle in a hurry! Titanium needles are a great help because they are stronger, last longer, less likely to break and keep your thread flowing smoothly through the eye of the needle!

Machines that fit Schmetz needles can also use Organ Titanium needles: Bernina, Brother, Elna, Husqvarna, Janome, Juki, Melco, Necchi, Baby Lock, New Home, Pfaff, Poem, Riccar, Simplicity, Singer, Viking, White and more...

This giveaway if for one package of needles which contains 10 titanium needles, size 80/12.

Note from Serena: I don't know how I could stitch all the embroidery designs I do without using titanium needles! I use titanium needles for all kinds of threads - embroidery, metallic, metallic sliver, cotton, monofilament and polyester - they last longer, are less likely to break and help to prevent the thread from breaking. They are a little more expensive than Schmetz needles, but with the longer stitching time that they can be used, it ends up saving me $$ and LOTS of frustration! Not only do they last longer for machine embroidery, but they also work great for piecing, quilting and any other type of sewing! Give them and try and you will discover you can't sew without titanium needles!

--To be entered in this giveaway, just leave a comment on this post with your name.

--Post a link to this giveaway on your blog and leave a second comment with the blog post url and you will be entered twice in the giveaway.

--Comments will be open until next Monday, June 23rd and the winner announced that same day.

--This giveaway is only available to US residents.

--You must leave an email address in the comments or link back to a blog so I can contact you if you win. If your name is selected and there is no way to contact you, another name will be chosen.

--You have one week to claim your prize. If the prize is not claimed, another name will be chosen.

If you didn't win this giveaway, you can still purchase your own titanium needles for your machine here.

this giveaway had ended!

Monday Giveaway: A Bit of Benartex!

Congratulations to Lilly for winning last week's giveaway of machine quilting gloves!

Take a peek at these thrilling colors of green from Benartex Fabrics! This little stack of eight different fabrics would be perfect for little quilt pieces, applique patterns and so much more! Each piece measures 9" x 22".

--To be entered in this giveaway, just leave a comment on this post with your name.

--Post a link to this giveaway on your blog and leave a second comment with the blog post url and you will be entered twice in the giveaway.

--Comments will be open until next Monday, June 16th and the winner announced that same day.

--This giveaway is only available to US residents.

--You must leave an email address in the comments or link back to a blog so I can contact you if you win. If your name is selected and there is no way to contact you, another name will be chosen.

--You have one week to claim your prize. If the prize is not claimed, another name will be chosen.

This giveaway has ended!

Sewing To-Go Box

Do you have a sewing to-go box? Some little box or container that contains those few necessary sewing tools and a project to work on when you are on the run? It's a good idea to keep some hand work ready to take with you when you need it.

I always keep a sewing box filled with some kind of hand work that I can grab if needed. If I know I am going to be traveling a long distance or occupying a chair in a waiting room for a while, having something to stitch while I'm waiting is great to have! Not only does it keep my mind and hands busy and keep me from getting bored, but also I am able to get something done while I'm just sitting, unable to do anything else.

The necessary things I keep stowed away in my box, depends on what type of hand work I have inside. Right now I have several applique firefly blocks that I am outlining by hand. There are several blocks inside with the applique pieces fused on, ready to stitch. Also inside is a pair of thread clipping scissors, a thimble, a Grabbit with pins, seam gauge and ripper. I always keep those tools in my box and change the fabric project with fabric and thread as needed. It stays on a bookcase in my sewing room and is ready to grab and go out the door when I need it.

What do you take with you when you are traveling or waiting?

Recycled Fabric Swap - June 2008

The recycled fabric swap is on it's way! The fabric has been selected, folded into the perfect size and enclosed into envelopes and boxes ready to make its way across the country from one sewing room to the next!

Fat quarter envelope 1:

Fat quarter envelope 2:

Solids envelope:

Smorgasbord envelope 1:

Smorgasbord envelope 2:

Smorgasbord box:

International envelope:

Keep your iron clean!!

We all knowing pressing is an important part of quilting. Pressing can make a huge difference in the projects we are making such as making a wrinkled piece of fabric look brand new or a crooked seam look straight. But if you are pressing with a not-so-clean sole plate on your iron, your pressing can end up in disaster!

Whether you are using a teflon or stainless steel sole plate on your iron, be sure it is squeaky clean. Rust, scorched areas and leftover sticky residue from fusibles can easily be transferred from your iron to your fabric. If you are unsure of how clean your sole plate is, run your iron back and forth several times on a white piece of fabric and see what comes off your iron. You might be surprised!

If you are putting water in your iron for steam and haven't done so in a while, be sure to check for any rust particles that could be coming out of your iron. Use steam on a scrap of fabric before using on your project. There can be pieces of scorched fabric or fusible residue left on your iron that needs to be cleaned by using an iron cleaner such as Dritz Iron Off. Put a little Iron Off on a heavy piece of fabric such as duck or canvas and run your hot, dry iron back and forth several times to clean the plate. Then be sure there isn't any leftover cleaner by swiping your iron on a white scrap of fabric.

Also be sure that your ironing board cover is clean. If there are brown spots or sticky residue on the cover, it can easily be transferred to your fabric when a hot iron is run over the surface. Lay a piece of white fabric on the board and press the fabric with a hot iron several times to be sure there isn't anything on the board that could be getting on your project.

Every iron is different and has different cleaning instructions. Be sure to check your iron manual for the best ways to keep it clean and in good working order. An ironing board will only last so long, so be sure to replace yours as needed. By keeping your iron and ironing board clean, your project will stay that way as well!

Monday Giveaway: Machingers quilting gloves

Congratulations to Jeanne for winning last week's giveaway of fat quarters!

Machingers by Quilter's Touch are the perfect gloves designed for machine quilters for machine quilting and piecing! Their soft, flexible fingertip grip gives full control with less resistance and drag on the fabric. Their form-fitting, seamless design allows you to keep your gloves on to clip and change threads, adjust fabrics and add or remove pins.

The breathable fabric helps to retain the skin's natural moisture. They also have an enhanced hand and wrist support for reduced fatigue and tension in your hands, arms, shoulders and neck.

These are available in four sizes: XS, S/M, M/L, XL. Specify the size you need when you leave a comment.

I absolutely LOVE these gloves for machine quilting. They help me grip and move the fabric as needed and their lightweight fabric still lets me clip threads and re-thread my machine if needed. I just can't machine quilt without them!

If you didn't win this giveaway and would still like a pair of these gloves, you can purchase some here.

--To be entered in this giveaway, just leave a comment on this post with your name.

--Post a link to this giveaway on your blog and leave a second comment with the blog post url and you will be entered twice in the giveaway.

--Comments will be open until next Monday, June 9th and the winner announced that same day.

--This giveaway is only available to US residents.

--You must leave an email address in the comments or link back to a blog so I can contact you if you win. If your name is selected and there is no way to contact you, another name will be chosen.

--You have one week to claim your prize. If the prize is not claimed, another name will be chosen.

This giveaway has ended.