I've used size 12 perle cotton and the big stitch. I had my quilting needles from JMM Marketing size 4 betweens which are perfect for the larger thread. They have sizes 1 through to 12..1 being the biggest and 12 being the smallest. I chose size 4 as that's the size I've always used, but it is personal choice you could go larger or smaller depending on your preference and choice of thread. You do need to buy 100 needles at a time, but they aren't that expensive and they are worth it as they are very easy to thread.
To further "age" this quilt I was contemplating over-dyeing it with some tan Dylon dye. Has anyone tried that? I thought it might knock back some of the whites plaids I have used which I find are just a wee bit too bright. I'd love to hear any success (or horror) stories! :o)
Until next time....
16 comments:
I, too, love Big Stitch hand quilting. You did a great job. And yes, my preferred thread is size 12perle cotton with a size 5 between needle. Years (many)I overdyed a couple of projects. I did not use the whole package of dye, just a bit of it as cotton will absorb the dye very easily. It worked for me but you must remember that you do lose control so you must be prepared for whatever it looks like. Good luck if you do overdye.
Love the way the Drunkard's Path blocks are used here. Need to bookmark this for future reference.
very pretty! i love the hand-stitching!
I love this block! The quilting is just right. I've never overdyed anything - but good luck if you decide to do it :0)
Thanks for the tip about the needles. I tried the big stitch with perle cotton last November and found it very hard on my hands to pull it through...I think it was because I didn't have the right needle.
I haven't dyed before, but have dumped projects into a pot of tea many times! You have to not be attached to the project very much to do this, because it can come out very mottley and it's unpredictable.
Very pretty Jane -- I love the hand stitching!
Wow, Are you going fast! Love the checkers and the quilting!
Lovely stitching J! Jxo
I love the look of this Jane - especially with the plaid!
Your big stitching looks great Jane. I think it really suits the quilt and am looking forward to a picture of the whole quilt when it is finished.
I have only used the Rit tan dye and used it on fabric, not a completed quilt. It turned out ok but I found that as I worked with the fabric, it lost a bit of its colour.
Love the quilting!!! :O)
Want to wish you a wonderful and happy 2012!!! Take care and have fun!!
I have overdyed with Rit tan with good results. What you need to remember is that unless there is a fixative used in the dye process you are really just staining the fabric, so it's not permanent. It will rub off and fade over time. I would never tea dye a quilt, the tannin in the tea will degrade the quality.
The thing you must bear in mind if you dye, is that the whole quilt will get a dose of dye, rather than just the light areas. You might end up with a rather dull quilt.
Try dying it in strong tea (coffee doesn't work). I have dyed fabric by simmering it in onion skins too. And if you want a yellow color, curry powder does a good job... but it is pretty yellow afterward. (test of scraps first for all of the above suggestions.)
Love what you have been doing with this quilt!
If you do over-dye ..... can you show us the process and before and after photos. Good luck!
I LOVE it!! I really like the look of this method - beautiful job. - Marlene
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