Evidence and Deduction: The Mystery Quilt-a-Long

February 11, 2015
Background Sampler, Lori Kennedy

Thread Samples, Free Motion quilting

Good Morning, Quilters, Tailors, Seamstresses and Spies!

Today we are following the thread of evidence… we’re hot on The Thread Trail…if you will..

THE PLAN:  Stitch the evidence together in a logical order so we can make a few deductions…

This step may take several weeks to complete.  Do not rush the process-enjoy it!

As you sort your thread box, choose samples from different types of thread and stitch them onto your grid.  Do this in random order, or stitch side-by-side comparisons of some of your threads.

Thread Samples, Free Motion quiltingYou could compare Polyester to Rayon:

Thread Samples, Free Motion quiltingOr two cotton threads of different weight:

Thread Samples, Free Motion quiltingOr same weight, different manufacturer.

Or same weight, different fiber:  polyester v. cotton.

Establish your own order based on the threads you prefer and what is in your thread box.  (Last week, I recommended that you put Cotton 50 wt in the center box and Polyester 50 wt two boxes over.–Don’t feel compelled to follow those instructions…)

Thread Samples, Free Motion quilting

 A FEW MISSION NOTES

  • Stitch samples of Cotton, Rayon, Polyester, Silk, Metallic and Monofilament (Either one can be used as the “M” in the top right corner.)  If you don’t have any one of these threads in your collection, add it to your “BUY” list.  (Yes, I’ve talked to your husband…)
  • Use a permanent marker to create a label for your spools (Finally a  label that won’t fall off!)  (See Open Line Friday-(Comments too) on Permanent Markers.)
  • Write down the Fiber, Weight, Manufacturer and Thread Name if it has one (for example, Superior’s Extra-long staple cotton is called “King Tut”.)
  • If you have more information to add:  where purchased, price, tension adjustments,–write that information on the back of the square. (We used a light colored solid backing for easier note taking!)
  • Leave the upper left corner free…We have one more clue to add….

Thread Samples, Free Motion quilting

MY INVESTIGATION

Last week, I enjoyed a few hours stitching and was very surprised by some of the results– For example, the look of 50 wt cotton thread from different manufacturers is very different!

I also found several “new” favorites!…though I’m a firm believer of the old Girl Scout vow:  Make new friends, but keep the old….It’s important to have a few reliable “old friends” on which to depend!

This Spool Sampler will be an invaluable tool any time you sew -not just when free motion quilting.

If you find a thread is too thick or too thin, too shiny or too dull…You will be able to quickly find a replacement…

Thread Samples, Free Motion quiltingFILLING IN YOUR GRID

If you have time, I recommend spending an hour or so stitching and comparing threads at one time.  I promise this is WELL WORTH your time!

If you don’t want to take an hour, add threads each time you begin a new project or buy a new thread.  There’s no hurry to finish The Sampler.

Consider making more than one Sampler–depending on how many threads you own–or want to try!

YOUR DEDUCTIONS

As you make comparisons, write your conclusions on the back of this Sampler–All the information in ONE PLACE…

And share your new knowledge with “The Group”–

We’d LOVE to hear!

There’s still a bit of MYSTERY left–What goes in the upper left hand corner???

Only the shadow knows, (Prompt eerie music…)

Lori

PS…All tutorials, images and information are the property of Lori Kennedy at The Inbox Jaunt and are intended for personal use only.  Feel free to re-blog, share or pin with attribution to The Inbox Jaunt.  For all other purposes, please contact me at lckennedy@hotmail.com.  Thanks!

Share:

Discover more from Lori Kennedy Quilts

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading