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Wow, such great information. I am such a baby when it comes to having my finger pricked, for this reason I have only tried a few stitches. I thought to myself it would be so much easier if I could just have the fabric loose and now I see the quilt police won't come and get me if I do loosen it. I think I will have to get one of these and try again. I just love the look of hand quilting and it just seems so much more personal. I live probably and hour or so away from the fabric shack so I"ll make a trip. Thank you again.
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Although i just bought a quilting sewing machine i will always handquilt....i just love it but am very slow...i had never heard of a Aunt Becky tool.....think i might get one too....I think handquilting is just part of being a quilter...that sounds like a good tool....thanks...
Originally Posted by AshleyR
Shopping at quilt store is not a happy time to me. Since "all" I do is hand-quilt, I haven't had much of a need for them. And to me, it's like shopping at Victoria's Secret. I know there's stuff in there that can make me better, but I rarely step over the thresh-hold...
I have decided to try one of those Aunt Becky quilt-tools, so, I went to the quilt shop to buy one. I think I walked in on a class, because there were about 10 ladies on machines. One of them came to help me, but had never heard of the Aunt Becky (how I wish there was a better name than that!!) so she asked someone else, who knew they didn't have one but would be happy to order one for me. I told her they were just a few bucks off the internet so I'd order one. She didn't care. I thanked them both and left. I did order two of them when I got to the office. It was quick and easy and I'll have to wait a week or so, but that's ok. When I get them, I'll take them to the same shop and show them what I was talking about. I don't think it will matter. I just feel that they are fat quarters, quilt books, and machine sales stores. I'm not saying that's *all* quilt stores, but I think one of the reasons hand-quilting is a "dying art" is because there's no support in the quilt stores, because there's not much profit to be made on "hand quilting". I bought my Aunt Becky's on that Connecting Threads website. I figured since I was making an order, I'd look at their thread. So I searched their site for "hand quilting thread" and they showed me some pretty colors, but I didn't see where they were coated for handquilting. Then I searched "hand quilting" and "handquilting" and they showed me the Aunt Becky, some fabric, a pack of needles, some tutorials... and quilting gloves. I hate to say this... But I guess I'll stick with Joann's and Michaels, AC Moore and Hobby Lobby for my tools and batting and what I can't find, I'll purchase off the internet. I'd love to support the "little guy", but when the "little guy" can't support me, I give up. |
I haven`t handpieced in a while....you`ve just inspired me...i want to do a dresden plate and would have to order the ruler online, but i think i`m just going to do handpieced and just trace the pattern.....yes.....
Originally Posted by Hurricane
I've hand pieced and hand quilted for years and absolutely love it. Yes, I don't get quick results but it's so rewarding when finished. My daughter bought me a sewing machine and I had the hardest time matching the seams. I'd rather piece by hand. For me sitting in front of the tv with my piecing and quilting is so relaxing. As one poster mentioned, you don't need many supplies just scissors and thread.
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Without reading all the replies, I agree with the OP 100%. Hand quilting thread is very difficult to find locally. Connecting Threads doesn't carry it. The only colors my local shop carries are white and black. Pretty pitiful since they have the nerve to call themselves 'quilt shops'.
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I can see a big rush of orders for an Aunt Becky and a lot of frustrated quilters trying to use it. I hand quilt and have tried and tried to use Aunt Becky, but always end up putting it back in the drawer, even after I have been ABSOLUTELY DETERMINED to master it.
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Originally Posted by GemState
I can see a big rush of orders for an Aunt Becky and a lot of frustrated quilters trying to use it. I hand quilt and have tried and tried to use Aunt Becky, but always end up putting it back in the drawer, even after I have been ABSOLUTELY DETERMINED to master it.
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I think some folks are using special spoons instead of Aunt Becky's. See http://www.jinnybeyer.com/search.cfm?query=spoon to see what I'm refering to.
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I have taken projects with me to Keepsake in NH and had everyone gather and give opinions and ideas when I needed to get inspired again.
Sometimes I need a particular color for a border -- you know one of those shades "I'll know it when I see it" colors -- It really helps to have another pair of eyes sometimes. Mim [quote=Wonnie Would have to say LQS have nice fabric but, as others have said, some can be really snooty. The snooty ones usually say, with great enthusiasm, "Oh, bring in what you're working on. We'd LOVE to see it!" but, I've noticed that when you do their smile rarely reaches their eyes and they are scanning it to see if you used their fabric. Have been in some really wonderful quilt shops but the others are out there, too, so, don't give up on quilt shops.[/quote] |
Originally Posted by BigDog
Without reading all the replies, I agree with the OP 100%. Hand quilting thread is very difficult to find locally. Connecting Threads doesn't carry it. The only colors my local shop carries are white and black. Pretty pitiful since they have the nerve to call themselves 'quilt shops'.
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I also like to feel the touch of the needle on my underhand. Fingers get sore but after awhile, they do toughen up
Pat |
Me, too!
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Originally Posted by Wonnie
Originally Posted by GemState
I can see a big rush of orders for an Aunt Becky and a lot of frustrated quilters trying to use it. I hand quilt and have tried and tried to use Aunt Becky, but always end up putting it back in the drawer, even after I have been ABSOLUTELY DETERMINED to master it.
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It was already in my order at Connecting Threads
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Sorry you had trouble find Aunt Becky. I had a totally different experience. I took my (one and only) hand quilting class at JanniLou's in Philomath, Oregon. Aunt Becky was a requirement, and that's all we used in the class. (We also experimented with a number of different thimbles, but no one thimble was recommended or required.) I may be wrong, because the class was several years ago, but I recall hearing from Jan (one of the owners of JanniLou's and the teacher for this class) that JanniLou's purchased the rights to Aunt Becky from the lady who invented it, and that they are now the distributors for the product. I'll bring their attention to this topic and ask if that's the case next time I go in. Philomath is close enough for classes, but not close enough that I get to JanniLou's every week, which is too bad because JanniLou's is one of my alltime favorite quilt stores. I don't think they sell online.
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I tried the Aunt Becky and went back to my "brown leather thimbles" I use one on each hand as I quilt with both hands. I am right handed and I cut down one of my brown leather thimbes to make it shorter and use it on my left thumb.
I understand why quilt shops don't seem to carry much for handquilters. They are in business to make money and what is popular now is machine quilting. While I probably will die with a huge stash I am constantly buying fabric for my chairity projects like Linus and the pillowcase dresses. I also have a huge stash of heirloom grade fabric. A person can make more quilts in less time by machine quilting this means they will need to purchase more fabric for the next project. While that is logical since when are quilters that logical. I see a fabric I like I just have to have it even if I may never get around to using it. I also tend to purchase at least three yards because when I do get around to using it, it may no longer be available. Don't you just hate when that happens? |
When I was still hand quilting, having a sore under the quilt finger wasn't an issue for me as I'm also a guitarist. I tried some of the gadgets like the Aunt Becky and found them hard to use. I often used a couple of layers of masking tape on my finger.
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Can someone tell me what and "Aunt Becky" tool is? I have never heard of it.
Judy |
In case there's any more confusion... I'm not buying Aunt Becky because it's a finger protector. I am developing a pain in my dominant hand and the way I rock the needle is starting to really hurt.
I am buying AB in hopes that I can start quilting like Ms. Jean in the videos and use my left hand to do the quilting part for me. I have to train my hands to work a different way or not at all. |
Aunt Becky is a metal 'thing', flat, and bent into a V,but you put it over your finger and use it with the pointy side up, sliding it back and forth on the back side of what you are quilting. It is like a little 'finger teepee.
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Originally Posted by AshleyR
Shopping at quilt store is not a happy time to me. Since "all" I do is hand-quilt, I haven't had much of a need for them. And to me, it's like shopping at Victoria's Secret. I know there's stuff in there that can make me better, but I rarely step over the thresh-hold...
I have decided to try one of those Aunt Becky quilt-tools, so, I went to the quilt shop to buy one. I think I walked in on a class, because there were about 10 ladies on machines. One of them came to help me, but had never heard of the Aunt Becky (how I wish there was a better name than that!!) so she asked someone else, who knew they didn't have one but would be happy to order one for me. I told her they were just a few bucks off the internet so I'd order one. She didn't care. I thanked them both and left. I did order two of them when I got to the office. It was quick and easy and I'll have to wait a week or so, but that's ok. When I get them, I'll take them to the same shop and show them what I was talking about. I don't think it will matter. I just feel that they are fat quarters, quilt books, and machine sales stores. I'm not saying that's *all* quilt stores, but I think one of the reasons hand-quilting is a "dying art" is because there's no support in the quilt stores, because there's not much profit to be made on "hand quilting". I bought my Aunt Becky's on that Connecting Threads website. I figured since I was making an order, I'd look at their thread. So I searched their site for "hand quilting thread" and they showed me some pretty colors, but I didn't see where they were coated for handquilting. Then I searched "hand quilting" and "handquilting" and they showed me the Aunt Becky, some fabric, a pack of needles, some tutorials... and quilting gloves. I hate to say this... But I guess I'll stick with Joann's and Michaels, AC Moore and Hobby Lobby for my tools and batting and what I can't find, I'll purchase off the internet. I'd love to support the "little guy", but when the "little guy" can't support me, I give up. I didn't return for another couple years and I was in the area and all I needed was some quilting thread. I was told by the lady in the store "there wasn't a difference in hand quilting thread and machine thread". And I said yes there is a difference and so the lady asked someone else and she said they had some somewhere in a little basket but they couldn't find it. I know most people prefer machine quilting and I marvel at the lovely work done by machines but REALLY. I don't care that they carry many shades of quilting thread but surely they can reserve a small place for white, black and off white. I was told at another quilt shop that was super large and super cool that he considered "hand" quilting a four lettered word and to not say it. He was joking but It irritated me. It said to me, "I am not making as much off you so don't waste my time" I have done a lot of shopping on line because of my treatment at local quilt shops and I like you would prefer to keep my $ local. They are missing out when they cater only to machine quilters. |
Over time, hot trends change -- I look back and see my work and what was great abck in the 50s is tacky old now -- As my MIL used to say "what goes around comes around"
My UK and NZ friends still love counted cross stitch and samplers. Mim |
Originally Posted by butterflies5518
My favorite LQS is where I learned to hand quilt - it is a small store owned by Mrs/Mr but I get all the attention I can ask for. I am so sorry that you encountered a group that did not think beyond their machines.
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Originally Posted by Jennie and Me
Ashley, I'm so sorry that you seriously aren't supported in your hand quilting. And you're right, I think that all of the stores go where the money is and the money is in the machine quilting....faster turn around= selling more fabric and quilting supplies.
May I just add that I so admire anyone who does hand quilting. I've never tried it, but keep thinking that I will. I, like the majority, want fast results, so I got a long-arm. Sometimes I feel that we all need to slow down and enjoy the quilting process a little more instead of hurrying through it. Please show us some of your work. I, for one, would love to see it. templates, and I understand that, they probably sell very few. Also the magazines seem to do the same thing..."quick quilts" "fast quilts" etc.etc. I personally am okay, I have all I need, patterns and templates, but it's not easy for the newer quilters that would like to do more intricate, bigger sizes and more time consuming methods. |
I really admire the art of hand quilting I wish my hands worked better so I could hand quilt. I received a hand quilted quilt and even my 5 yr old Nephew knows how special it is he shows it to everyone and tells them see all those stiches they were done by hand
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My friend and I searched one Sat 7 Quilting stores and No Aunt Becky's...we gave up. oh and there are videos of the Aunt Becky some where on this QB
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here is the Video...Aunt Becky - hand qulting
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Originally Posted by AshleyR
Go for it! Hand-quilting is so relaxing and rewarding!
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Sorry about your experience. There were a couple of us who asked our LQS if we could have a "hand sewing group" once or twice a month in the evening. Our LQS was all for it. Some hand piece, some hand quilt, some do their bindings, etc. It's turned into a great social evening and we are fortunate that our LQS does carry any and all supplies needed. It's starting to grow as people who come in the shop and see us become interested and we happily share our knowledge. We each give a small fee to help our LQS. It's a win win situation. Check with other quilters and maybe start your own group. It's a great evening out :thumbup:
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You can get the same result as the Aunt Becky by getting an old thimble at the thrift or antique store. It is a silver/nickel color thimble that the dimples around the top are relatively smooth. Hammer the round top flat so you have a good sharp edge. Works just like the Aunt Becky.
I have used the Aunt Becky and don't really like it. Had a quilting friend that said she threw it acros the room several times before she got the hang of it. Some might also use a regular small spoon for the same results. I have more control with the modified thimble. |
Jean Brown teaches you how to quilt the fast easy way with her special "aunt becky tool" technique. It's on youtube.
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Ashley,
I have used an Aunt Bessie for hand quilting. When I could hand quilt I used it all the time to help with the needle on the under side of the quilt. Sometimes when I go to LQS I get the feeling I have stepped into a party that I was invited to. Hope your next trip is more enjoyable. |
Originally Posted by Holice
You can get the same result as the Aunt Becky by getting an old thimble at the thrift or antique store. It is a silver/nickel color thimble that the dimples around the top are relatively smooth. Hammer the round top flat so you have a good sharp edge. Works just like the Aunt Becky.
I have used the Aunt Becky and don't really like it. Had a quilting friend that said she threw it acros the room several times before she got the hang of it. Some might also use a regular small spoon for the same results. I have more control with the modified thimble. |
Thanks and let us know if you like it
Originally Posted by AshleyR
Originally Posted by BluegrassGurl
I want an "Aunt Becky" too. Where did you get yours?
Let me know if you like it! |
The first time that I went into my LQS a few miles from me, I was ignored. Then I went back, killing time between appointments, and the lady over heard me talking on my phone. She then new I was a quilter and asked if I needed any help. I then told her what I planning on doing and I asked her what batiks were. I walked out spending a hundred dollars and three weeks latter spent 300. Now when I walk in I get the royal treatment. I would recommend giving them a second chance.
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Originally Posted by weezie
I've had an Aunt Becky for several years and cannot keep it on my finger, quite possibly because I don't use a hoop or a frame; Jean Brown does her Aunt Becky demo. using a hoop. Anyway, it's not so much my left hand finger (underneath the quilt) that gets hurt; it's my ring finger on my right hand that takes a beating. I use it a lot to assist the middle finger that has the thimble on it. I can't wear 2 thimbles on one hand and have tried various things to protect that finger, but with little or no success.
A Thimblelady plastic cone thimble is about $15 and is sturdy enough to last for a couple quilts, which gives you plenty of time to see if you like it well enough to get the more expensive metal versions. |
Ashley,
I had the exact opposite experience. Although I enjoy hand quilting, due to time constraints, I mostly do machine quilting. I went to a LQS for some advice on a project and I was pretty much told that this shop catered to hand quilters and they would be happy to show me the hand quilting solution to my problem (which I accepted gratefully). They gave me the impression of being kind of "snobby" and I felt that they looked down on machine quilters by some of the remarks they made. I never went back to that particular shop and I think I heard that they are no longer in business. |
First, Sorry you had a bad experience.
Second, What is an "Aunt Becky"? Never heard of it, hand quilter here. Never mind, I found it on another page. Duh, should have looked through. Never used one and don't think I'd try it. Used to using my thumb nail. Kyia |
I don't hand quilt and even I know what a Aunt Becky's is. The more customers that ask for hand quilting things the more your local quilt shop will carry.
For some people hand quilting will never die. My friend sits in front of a fire place and hand quilts in the winter. That is what gives her joy and that is what she should do. I am a machine quilter because that is what I enjoy. I am happy on my machine. So that is what I should do. I greatly admire hand quilted quilts so I hope they never disappear. |
Great timing for this post. I am currently working on my first hand quilted piece. Nice to learn of this tool, I'm ordering one right now. I sure hope it helps me with my stitching, it needs it, LOL.
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I would love to learn hand quilting because I love to do hand sewing when my arthritis allows it. :) Now I know what an Aunt Becky is (I googled it) and that I will need one so thank you for your topic. :)
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