SBQ Catch-Up

January 24th:

What company produces your favorite hand-dyed fabric? Are there any companies whose hand-dyed fabric you do not like? If so, why?

I mostly use Silkweaver, but that’s mainly due to familiarity. I have also ordered some small cuts from Sugar Maple, I believe was the company name. I find that I don’t use hand-dyed fabric terribly often. I tend to reach for standard,neutral-colored fabrics first, unless I stop and make a conscious effort to use special fabric.

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February 7th:

Have you ever been to a stitching retreat?

No. I’ve nearly gone to 2 or 3, but I was unable to justify the cost.

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February 14th:

Do you like to buy “chartpacks” that include charms, buttons, and/or beads or do you prefer to gather all materials yourself?

Yes, I do. I have trouble gathering specialty items and sometimes it is overkill to buy a full packet of beads when you only use a dozen or so. I think that The Sweetheart Tree does a really good job with their embellishment packs, as does Just Nan and The Victoria Sampler.

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February 21st:

What is the smallest count fabric you have ever used? Did you stitch over one? Conversely, what is the largest count fabric you have ever used?

The smallest fabric that I have used to date is 36 ct linen. I would like to use 40 ct at some point and I have a cut of it, just need to find a good project for it. The largest count fabric that I have used is 11 ct Aida. I had to use this for a panel for the Flight 93 quilt and I really didn’t care for it. I had to use 3 strands, I think, to get better coverage. I think that the highest count that I’ve stitched on over one is 32 ct.

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February 28th:

Do you find yourself stitching faster when you are getting to the end of a design?

I don’t stitch quickly. Period. However, like others have noted, I do tend to focus more time on a piece when I am reaching the end.

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March 7th:

Do you use your needle, a seam ripper, or something else when you have to frog stitches? Why do you use the method that you do?

Definitely a needle. I would not want to harm the fabric at all. If I have to use scissors, I will pick the thread up off of the fabric with the needle first. Good, sharp seam rippers I would never use because the chance is much greater that you could easily slip and cut more threads than intended and/or cut the fabric. Besides, I’m a clutz. 😛