I'm becoming a thread snob, lol.

[Margo C.]

@Betty Ann, I still struggle to remember which reels should go on horizontally and which should go on vertically, I must write it on a piece of paper and stick it on the machine. I spent 4o years doing dressmaking with only a vertical spool so that is my natural tendency. ops:

Pam, the way I remember is to look at the spool (reel) to see if the threads are wound parallel to one another (STACKED) or if are they criss-CROSSED.

Then, I relate them to trains! :shock:

A train's smoke STACK sticks up in the air. So for stacked threads the spool (reel) goes on the vertical thread pin to feed off the side of the spool.

A train travels on tracks laid on CROSS ties. So for criss-crossed threads, the spool (reel) goes on the horizontal thread pin to feed off the end of the spool.

Large cones are usually cross wound and feed off the end of the spool, but they are usually feeding through a vertical cone stand or mounted upright on a long-arm machine.

Hope that didn't confuse you more! :lol:

[Lois B.]

I am with Rita. My machine likes the superior threads. I hardly ever have to clean lint out of the bobbin case. That makes me think we might need to describe ourselves as something other than thread snobs. It is a very practical thing to protect and care for the valuable equipment we use to construct our quilts. We don't love the thread just because of the label we love it because of the function and that sounds rather practical to me. Most of the Superior cones, spools or whatever also seem to contain good yardage as well. I think we are saying we appreciate/require quality. I am just amazed at the quality. I think it is about having respect for our work. Lois

[Lois B.]

Pam, The way I remember which spool goes which way is this: The spools that are wound round and round are "stacked" like a smokestack which is vertical. So the spools that are crosswound would be horizontal. Getting it right does make a big difference. Betty Ann

[Betty J.]

@Betty Ann, I still struggle to remember which reels should go on horizontally and which should go on vertically, I must write it on a piece of paper and stick it on the machine. I spent 4o years doing dressmaking with only a vertical spool so that is my natural tendency. ops:

Pam, the way I remember is to look at the spool (reel) to see if the threads are wound parallel to one another (STACKED) or if are they criss-CROSSED.

Then, I relate them to trains! :shock:

A train's smoke STACK sticks up in the air. So for stacked threads the spool (reel) goes on the vertical thread pin to feed off the side of the spool.

A train travels on tracks laid on CROSS ties. So for criss-crossed threads, the spool (reel) goes on the horizontal thread pin to feed off the end of the spool.

Large cones are usually cross wound and feed off the end of the spool, but they are usually feeding through a vertical cone stand or mounted upright on a long-arm machine.

Hope that didn't confuse you more! :lol:

:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: Now I'll never forget! hehehe

[Betty J.]

As for needles, I prefer the ones made by John James, regardless of type they are my 'go to' maker, Milwards will do, although I loathe their current packaging. And don't touch Pony needles with a barge pole, Yuk!

Your experience might be different, and that will have to do with the acidity of you hands, and there is no way to fix that :lol: Although a powdered emery pin cushion/needle cleaner can do wonders if you are inclined to turn your needles black.

[Lotti D.]

rosemary, i'm totally with you on those needles, absolutely and totally :P

[pigtailpat]

I like thread better than fabric. I love looking at and touching thread. Fabric is ok. Thread is better.

))::

Pat

[Jill B.]

I agree and love the fact that Bob has taken the time to educate us all about threadand it makes all the difference in my sewing, especialy as a beginner. Ditto Betty Ann: I also now know which thread works for what need. I understand how tension works, what needle is best, spool horizontal of vertical, and lots of other "stuff" about thread. I am proud to say that I too am a thread snob. Superior thread is my go to thread in all cases. I even look forward to the Superior thread newsletter and Bob's groaner of a monthly joke. Count me among the snobs.

[Betty J.]

Me too!

[Norma H.]

Me too

[Marion D.]

I have decided to become a thread snob...the other stuff works, but I'm using it up on community service quilts.

[Lois B.]

Me too

I love the way these threads treat my sewing machines. Norma, are you the "Norma in Denmark" that won the fabric. Congratulations.

[Lois B.]

Yep, thread snob and because of Alex, a pin snob too.

[Lois B.]

Yep, thread snob and because of Alex, a pin snob too.

Oh Ritzy, you hit the nail on the head! I had my sewing tote stolen from my car in January (along with a lot of other things). I loved my pins and I think I've bought 3 or 4 different kinds, trying to find the same ones I lost. I just bought two different kinds last week and I'm so happy because I think I've finally found some that fit my pickiness! :lol: :lol: :lol:

[Norma H.]

Me too

I love the way these threads treat my sewing machines. Norma, are you the "Norma in Denmark" that won the fabric. Congratulations.

Yep, I am. I'm soo looking forward to receive the fabric. I'll post a picture when it comes.