Here we GOOOOO!! 2014 BOM!!

[Janet S.]

Janet, on the show you mentioned that you use Masterpiece thread in the bobbin. Do you try to match all the Magnifico colors that you use on the top, or can you recommend a few neutrals so we don't have to buy so many different spools.

I do use the same or similar color of bobbin thread as the top. Probably any 50 weight cotton would work fine. I just use Masterpiece because I have a lot of it, but I also like Aurifil and YLI. If you want to use a neutral color, I would choose a darker tan for the darker colors and a lighter gray for the lighter colors. Just be sure and test your stitching to make sure the bobbin thread doesn't show on the top.

[Susan B.]

I just bit the bullet & filled bobbins with each color we're using. I can't stand a different color peeking up from the bobbin & it seems like no matter how much I lower the upper tension, the issue remains with the blanket stitching. Matching color makes this un-noticeable.

I'm thinking that there's no way we'll use all of any one color throughout the quilt, even filling bobbins as needed.

[Beverly C.]

I think I'll do the same, Susan. Good thinking!

[Beth A.]

So Susan, you're using Magnifico in the bobbin as well as on top? Don't know why I thought I couldn't do that. Good thinking. Thanks again.

[Susan B.]

So Susan, you're using Magnifico in the bobbin as well as on top? Don't know why I thought I couldn't do that. Good thinking. Thanks again.

Yes, unless another brand seems like a better color!

[Rosamond C.]

I took a 3 day class last fall with Pat Holly who, as most of you know, does raw-edge appliqué also. Her bobbin thread of choice is Bottom Line. She said that she purchased several of each color shades then uses whichever matches the closest to the top thread that she is using. By doing that, she doesn't have to have a bobbin for every single color of top thread. As long as the shade is close, you will be just fine. I started doing that and am loving it!! Eventually I'll probably have the whole Bottom Line collection :roll: but at least I will always know what kind of thread is in the bobbins I have!!

[Denise L.]

Started Friday night. I do love all the precise directions and especially the pressing ones. Working from mostly my stash and using my regular rulers. Thanks for all the pictures too. I think I will be safe and just use plain black thread to do the appliqué. Might even do just a straight stitch. Using the knee lift is a big help. But for now piecing and fusing till I decide for sure.

denise

[Susan B.]

Just to stir up a bit of forum activity and share an interesting article...See that trick with vinegar? Next time my ornery fabrics bleed, I'll add salt to!

I hope ya'll are getting lots of quilting done!

http://tinyurl.com/l4u6nbt

[Susan B.]

You know when I was a kid I remember my mom putting our swim suits in vinegar and water to set the color so they wouldn't fade when we went swimming in the local pool(all that chlorine).

[Andree B.]

Good trick.
I remember when I sewed silk fabric, and I did'nt want to have it "dryClean", the sales Lady told me exactly that: to add salt in the water, so it wouldn't fade, and add vinegar in the rinsing water to keep it "crisp".

Andrée

[Susan B.]

Ritzy and Andrée,
are you two snowed in???

[Andree B.]

No snow... but it is COLD!!!! Temperatures will drop at -15 Celcius tonight... And tomorrow it will rise up to Freezing point, with sun - so it should be a nice day...

Andrée

[Andree B.]

Nope, just a few new inches of snow yesterday--we are still able to get out and about. Some warmer weather due tomorrow and then more snow on Saturday--we will see.

[E.M. T.]

:roll: Raining lots (for here) Melting what snow we had.....you all got yours and all of ours too ! :shock:
Heck of a deal !! :lol: :lol: :lol:

[Susan B.]

Marilyn...take it back! Actually, we're on a heat wave here...just freezing. I did a conversion to see how Andree is doing...don't remember exactly...15 degrees F? Freezing a** cold I'd say!