Stabilizers

[Hannelore N.]

I have tried many different stablizers for several different projects. I really don't like removing the stablizer from the back of stitching. What have you found that you can leave on the back of a quilt?

[Teri L.]

Haven't used it myself however, Ricky Tims Stable Stuff softens in the wash and you can leave it in the quilt.

Teri

[Teri L.]

Do you know if he uses it when he is doing his machine applique?

[Teri L.]

Do you know if he uses it when he is doing his machine applique?

Judy,

I have used Ricky's stable stuff quite often for embroidery. If your design is heavy, I recommend using a light weight water solvy with it, but for simple machine embroidery, the stable stuff works great by itself.

Linda

[Annette R.]

I have used Ricky's stable stuff and have had good luck with it but apparantly awhile ago there was a manufacturer's problem - I think in the formulation - and Ricky quit carrying it in his gallery store and I haven't seen it recently in the TQS shoppe.

(Ricky Ricky whereever you are please enlighten us - actually we may have to wait for an answer - he is knee deep in La Veta retreat and I am jealous cuz I am not there)

I believe he uses Steam a Seam II for his machine applique which is fused on first and is raw edge. If I remember correctly he also uses fray check on the edges but that could be wrong. If I can find my Super Seminar Syllabus, I will look it up and respond later.

If I am doing heavy embroidery or free form lace designs, I use water soluble heavy duty Solvy, but the things I do are usually meant to be three dimensional add ons to a quillt. I haven't tried the lighter weight water soluble Solvy but if it is the same formula just lighter weight it should work fine.

I have just started using the light weight stabilizer that Vikki Pignatelli recommends for her improvisational pieces and like it a lot. I don't think that I will need to remove it in most cases because it is the weight that is used in collars and other garments and those are usually meant to be washed and in my past life, I made my own clothes and found it gave body to collars, cuffs, lapels, etc without them being stiff.

Ann (sitting in Iowa and may not have to be bundled up today although we had four plus inches of rain in two days and cold wet winds Ikes!!!!!! it is almost June!!!!!!)