One of our customers had problems using King Tut black thread this week. The thread broke more than King Tut threads of other colors, and since she was doing a large quilt, we ended up frustrated before we finished.
I have since done some research on black thread and want to share what I learned. In general, it seems like black thread is more over-dyed than other colors, in order to get the black color. This applies not only to quilting threads, but other black threads, such as embroidery threads, as well. Cotton threads tend to be more fragile than other colors because of the amount of dye used.
There are a few ways to deal with breakage of black thread. Some quilters suggested putting the thread cone in a plastic bag and storing it in the freezer for several days. This won’t solve problems in the moment, but if you plan to use black thread, let me know a few days before your appointment, and I’ll try this.
Other suggestions include liberal use of Sewer’s Aid and a larger than normal needle, storing the thread in the original wrap to keep the moisture content in, slowing the stitching down, and loosening the quilt sandwich. And if you want to use black thread without the risk of breakage, I also stock Superior Thread‘s OMNI thread – a poly-wrapped poly core thread.
UFOs – you know you have them. Clear some space by turning them into beautiful and useful quilts with our Back to School special.
Call 781-229-0734 or email info@burlingtonlongarm.com for an appointment to rent one of our great Gammill machines or to drop a quilt off for our quilting service.
This month we are featuring the Wonky Heart GO! die on our AccuQuilt Studio 2 cutter. Bring a Layer Cake or 35 10″ x 10″ squares and cut the pieces out using the Wonky Heart die. Swap out the centers and sew the pieces together to make the blocks; add sashing and a couple of borders and you are done!
Here’s the quilt I made for new baby Anne Elizabeth. Love the soft colors of orange and aqua in the Layer Cake, Lullaby, by Kate and Birdie Paper Co. I got mine from amazon.
This lovely collection of fat quarter batiks came from equilter.com. The combination of lights and darks makes it perfect for the Wonky Hearts quilt.
Sign up for an hour on the AccuQuilt cutter for $10, and add an extra $5 if you want supervision in sewing one block together.
Take a tour of our new space – it’s right next door!
The Studio Stash
This is our new community stash. Pick a fabric, leave something from your stash, or both! We’re looking for a volunteer Stash Steward to keep the stash organized.
Accuquilt Studio 2 Cutter
Better cuts make better quilts! We have an Accuquilt Studio 2 cutter with over 80 different block patterns and lots of fun appliqués, including Sunbonnet Sue and Gingham Dog. New patterns are coming out all the time. Rent the cutter and get a jump on your next project. Schedule your appointment now!
T-shirt Press
Got lots of t-shirts? Make a quilt in a jiffy with the t-shirt press. Allows you to easily add interfacing to your t-shirt cuts without gumming up your home iron. Schedule an appointment today!
Sewing with Friends space
Bring your machine or borrow one of ours. Includes large cutting tables, a big ironing board, and a design wall. See Sit’n’Sew under “Calendar” on available times.
Snack and Storage Room
We have a microwave and small fridge, plus space to eat and socialize.
Calendar
Sit’n’Sew
2nd Tuesday10 AM to 2 PM, 4th Thursday4 PM to 8 PM, or 3rd Saturday 10 AM to 2 PM (More dates may be added based on demand) Begins Oct. 10. First come, first served. Up to 8 people at a time.
Bring, a project to work on, see what others are doing, bring a snack to share. Work alone or with friends. Transport your sewing machine or use one of ours – we have a Pfaff or a Baby Lock for your use.
Cost: $5/hr per person or one session per month free with subscription
Project Classes Saturday 10 AM to 4 PM
Subscriptions get a reduced price.
Oct. 28 – taught by Kit Ryan – Topic to be announced.
Subscriptions
$150 per year per person. Entitles you to:
1 four-hour session on the Accuquilt cutter per quarter.
1 four-hour session on the T-shirt press per quarter.
1 Sit’n’Sew session per month.
Reduced prices on project classes.
Note: does not apply to longarm quilting classes or longarm quilting rentals.
Whether your children are back to school or you’re just starting to turn your mind to holiday presents, September is a month to kick your quilting into high gear. To help you out, we are offering 9% off all month on studio time and on the quilting charge of drop-off quilts. Call to schedule your appointment today!
As the summer winds down, our thoughts turn to the projects we plan to finish for the holidays. Get a jump on the list with our August special of 15% off any holiday quilt tops or quilting patterns. In addition, the following battings are 30% off this month, while supplies last:
In celebration of the founding of our nation, we’re pleased to announce the July special. This month, for any patriotic quilt (either in color or pattern), get a discount of $17.76. Sign up today!
This June, we’re celebrating the beach with $15 off beach-related quilts, be it in the pattern or the fabric. This includes the ocean, sand, waves, shells, and even those pesky bugs. Schedule your studio time or quilt drop-off today!