This morning I woke up bright and early, or should I say, dark and early because it really is still very dark at 4 am! When I came down to the family room I saw my blue Seven Sisters quilt laying in the corner of the room all neglected and lonely. I felt a few pangs of guilt because I had promised this quilt that I would quilt her and get her finished really quickly but you know how it goes...enough said.
I had purchased some new hand quilting needles and I wanted to try them out and this seemed the perfect opportunity. I have been using a #9 between because it felt more sturdy than a #10. I always found that when I used the #10 it seemed that I would have it bent before I finished even just a few stitches. Maybe it was the brand because these Roxanne #10 betweens seem to be quite sturdy and even though I have nearly quilted a complete Baptist Fan this morning it hasn't bent yet.
Look at the difference in size between my usual #9 and the new #10 - it is taking a bit of time to become accustomed to the smaller size but it isn't too bad. I probably should have put something in the photo to show the scale but they are quite small in comparison. The container itself is quite small and it holds 50 needles. I cannot imagine using a smaller needle - ever!
I am also trying a different quilting hoop. I have had this square plastic hoop for many years but haven't really given it much of a tryout. It had belonged to my SIL and when she passed it was given to me and I just stashed it away. It is something else that will take time to become accustomed to but I do think that it makes it easier to access more of the stitching area.
