Saturday, December 21, 2013

Needle Threaders and Hoops

I am very fond of milliners needles for making bullion knots in embroidery. The eye of the milliners needle does not bulge which makes pulling the thread through, after all those wraps, so easy.  The only problem is that the eye is so small that, for me, a needle threader is a must. I also like using those small quilting needles for stitching and those have small eyes as well. I used to buy needle threaders whenever I found a different type because the wire used to break so easily, until I discovered that if you hold onto the end of the wire when pulling through the thread, they will last a long time....so I have quite a collection now.

click on the images for close-ups


milliners needles in my needle book

some of my needle threaders...those blue ones are for threading beads onto thread and are found in the dental section of your drugstore.

I found this tiny 3" hoop at Michaels this week. I've been looking for a tiny hoop for those pieces of cloth that are too small for a regular sized hoop. It's a design I hadn't seen before and did some doodle stitching to try it out.

doodle stitching to test out 3" hoop

I liked it so well that I went and purchased a 10" one for free motion embroidery stitching. it really holds the fabric taut without having to readjust due to that ridge on the inside ring that fits into the outer ring.

hope you can see that ridge and the hollowed out space on the outer ring

The distraction this week was  some cute fabric that a quilting friend shared with me. I created this tote bag using sections of it and added some embroidery.

the tote measures 10" square

back of the tote...there is some flannel stitched in with the lining.

I did add a pocket on the inside using a piece of fabric where I did some fme stars with perle cotton.

....and for those of you who asked and are wondering.... I have done a bit of knitting on my Downton Abbey coat. Unfortunately, not as much as I planned to but ...so it goes.

some progress made


Wishing all of you who celebrate the holidays a wonderful time with family and friends. Hope all your travels are safe ones.

9 comments:

Nancy said...

Your needles and threaders are so well organized! Such a cheery little star bag. I have a tiny hoop too. It has come in handy in the past :)

Unknown said...

I have a tiny wooden hoop which I like as well as a small PVC one. I am always looking for needle threaders as well. I was wondering about the coat. What a project! I can hardly wait to see it finished.....

Rachel said...

Having the right equipment can make all the difference, can't it...

Jane said...

Any progress is good, it'll get finished eventually! Lovely bag too, and a unique pocket

margaret said...

wow that is a tiny hoop, like you I use milliners needles a great deal. Love your new bag

Mo Crow said...

Love your bag of stars Deanna and thanks for the tip re using needle threaders they always seemed too much of a hassle!

karen said...

love to read the wrap up of your week Deanna....always much accomplished and plans for wonderful creating......

Maggi said...

Lovely tote and thanks for the tip about holding onto the wire of the threader.

Anita said...

If we use a right needle then bullions are pretty easy ,isn't it? I also use milliners needles.
Your tote bag is gorgeous.I love bags, no matter what size it is.All your bags are pretty and different.

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