Thread: some newbie questions lol

Originally Posted by virtualbernie

Originally Posted by TanyaMas

ok, i have a couple questions and prefer to ask in 1 thread than making 2 lol...
and have found its better to ask and this is the best place for the best answers :D

lol.. am already picturing the eye rolling and hearing the snickers lol they are probably very simple answers lol


1. how often are rotary cutter blades supposed to be changed, and do i shop for same brand as the cutter? Im guessing im overdue, but i just started with 1 and not sure when after this, and should i buy them in multiples? and are the different sizes of rotary cutters for different things?

2. same question for needles but also for handwork... are there certain sizes that work best for different things.. like applique, handquilting, etc.

thank you for being so patient with beginners here :D it really makes this board a very special 1 and means alot to many of us... i probably wouldnt have continued if i hadnt found all the people here :D

and its ok to be humorous, i will NOT be offended :D

You get no eye rolling/snickering from me!:)

For me, I change the blades when my shoulders hurt from pressing so hard to get the cut--by that time it's probably waaaay past the time that it should have been replaced but they are kind of pricey so I use them as long as I can. I would definitely buy multiples when you can find them at a good price.

I don't use a particular brand of applique needles but I find that the thinner the better for me. I have, however, found that it matters what brand of quilting needles I buy. I mentioned on another thread that I used to use the Dritz needles that I got from Joann's but they would bend on me really fast. At the suggestion from a nice lady at my LQS I bought 2 packs of John James needles--one pack of large eyed needles and one pack of the GoldnGlide and they slide through the layers like butter! They are a little pricey -- 10 for $3.10 at the LQS but I feel that it is worth it for the ease on my hands and fingers. Another poster on this site recommends Roxanne needles--they are a lot more economical -- 50 for $8.00. I bought some but haven't had a chance to use them yet--they seem more flexible than the John James needles but I will reserve my judgement until I get to use them.

Any who, this is just my opinion, you'll find lots of us out there that have strong opinions about what they use. I think it's just trial and error until you find what you are comfortable with!

I only use Roxanne needles for hand quilting. They never break or bend.
I only changed my machine needle when it broke, untill one a teacher in a class I was taking said we should change needles every 10 to 12 hours of sewing. Wow! I had probably used one for 10 to 12 quilts. I do change more often now, but not as she said.

I get my blades on Ebay in bulk.