I was trying to had sew letters on demin fabric for my GD yesterday. Nothing seem to work, at least for me. I have never heard of John James Big Eye quilting needles. I like to use thin needles. I guess I just haven't found one that I am comfortable with. I do all kinds of hand sewing, even crazy quilt trim from Demin. My hands are getting bad and just had a shoulder replaced, but I am bound and determind to keep on hand sewing. I really like to do that more than using a sewing machine.