In the past, I usually had no more than 2-3 projects going simultaneously – a charity quilt, QAL project and samples for the kid’s classes that I teach. Each quilt project is stored in an individual ArtBin satchel until the top is completed. The kid’s projects/supplies are bagged and stored in a large Rubbermaid tub. Rinse and repeat for new projects. This process served me well when I was working full-time.

Hello retirement! Over the past year, I have thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to take quilting classes and the freedom to experiment with different techniques. My quilting space definitely reflects this! I even purchased additional Art Bin satchels to hold all the new projects. They’re all full and I’m not buying anymore storage bins! Time for a reboot!

What does my reboot typically involve?

1. Making a master list of all outstanding WIPs, assessing each project’s status and prioritizing what needs to be done.
2. Rehoming, breaking apart and/or tossing any project that I realize I’m not going to finish.
3. Holding off on any new projects or classes for 3-4 months. This is the hardest, because I want to make all the things.

What’s my plan of action?

1. No new projects for the next 90 days.
2. Complete the 3 tops that are almost done.
3. Quilt charity quilts myself and turn them in at our July guild meeting.
4. Skip the Anna Maria Horner class in late September. (NBD really as the projects don’t strike my fancy.)
5. Focus on sewing my own projects at upcoming retreat/Sew Days – pass on any “retreat projects”.
6. Sort through remaining projects to determine stay/go status.

Merely completing steps 2 & 3 will free up valuable space in my studio. I’ll also be able to get back to work on 2 special projects that were put on hold while I indulged my urge to take classes, classes and more classes.

Here are three things I’m definitely going to do regarding future classes:
Be more selective about the classes I do take.
Be more willing to make pillows, hot pads and table runners instead of an entire quilt – especially if it’s a technique class.
Check my stash to see if I already have a required component or something else that will work for the class rather than buying one more ruler or doodad that I’ll never use after the class.

How about you?

Thread has an expiration date.

If you have some of grandma’s cotton thread on wooden spools, or some old Coats & Clark polyester thread with a 10￠ price sticker, keep it in a Mason jar for decoration. Don’t sew with it. It’ll be a frustrating experience for you.

Thread choice depends on the type of sewing that you intend to do. For best results, always match your sewing machine needle to your thread and type of fabric. Consult your sewing machine manual for recommended needle size/type and thread combinations.

FWIW: Here’s what I use for various sewing applications:

Garment Sewing: Mettler Metrosene or Coats & Clark Dual Duty

Machine Embroidery: I do not own an embroidery machine. Ask your sewing machine dealer for advice regarding the best threads for your project. Know that you’ll need a top thread in the color of your choice and a specialty bobbin thread in white or black.

I had an interesting conversation with customer today at Sadie’s sewing machine shop. The customer was adamant that she had to use 100% cotton thread on an embroidery project that was made from cotton. I informed her most embroidery threads were 100% polyester. Wish you could have seen the “mind blown” look on her face. Actually, you can use either cotton, polyester or rayonthread when doing machine embroidery. It really depends on the look you’re going for. Sulky has a good article explaining this here.

What about quilting?

Piecing: My personal preference is to use a 50 wt cotton thread. Popular 50 wt cotton thread brands that I use: Aurifil, Mettler, Gutterman, Madiera, Cotton + Steel (made by Sulky). If you are at Hobby Lobby and run across Sewology cotton quilting thread on the beige spool similar to Aurifil – grab it while you can! I stocked up when my local Hobby Lobby stores discontinued this thread.

Machine quilting: My longarm quilter uses polyester thread for machine quilting. So do I. My current favorite thread combo is AeroQuilt by Madiera (40 wt) for the top and Sew Fine by Superior Threads (50 wt) in the bobbin. Honestly, I’ll use whatever I have on hand that’s the best color match for the project. I’ll use Sew Fine top & bottom if I want my quilting to blend in more. I’ve also used Isacord, but it tends to be a bit shiny for my taste. I have yet to try Glide or Wonderfil for machine quilting. For kitchen textiles that could be used in the microwave, I make sure I use a 100% cotton thread – usually the same thread I used for piecing.

This past week was spent at Quilt Camp hosted by the Southeastern Quilt & Textile Museum in Carrollton, Georgia. Eight young ladies and eight adult volunteers spent the week together working to create a completely finished small quilt and other projects like tissue holders, doll pillows and potholders.

This year, I volunteered for the morning session and had camper join me for the daily round-trip commute from Smyrna to Carrollton. This camper happens to be a current sewing student of mine and she really wanted to attend Quilt Camp. Transportation was the only reason she could not attend. I volunteered to bring her with me. It worked out well for everyone. Per SQTM policy, my rider/current student was assigned to an adult mentor other than me. She had the opportunity to learn from another amazing quilter and I was nearby with my usual sewing supplies just in case. I was also able to work with the delightful Miss S. who likes bright colors and was determined to do as much as she could by herself. I merely brought in tools to help set her up for success. 🙂

Some people think I’m crazy for driving 100 miles round trip 5 days in a row to volunteer. I disagree.
It’s one week per year.
It’s something I LOVE to do.
It’s my money and time. I’ll spend it however I want to.

‘Nuff said!