I'm curious is anyone out there has ever tried or actually uses Jean Brown's tool called "Aunt Becky" for hand quilting.

I got mine in the mail this week, and it seems kinda awkward to me. Wonder if it's just me and if it will just take a while to get used to.

Trina

I tried it and it didn't work for me. I have the Thimble Ladies thimble and kind of use her technique.

I have one, and I have used it, but can't get on with it quite like I think it was intended, because I can't wear the same type of thimble, so I only get a couple of stitches on the needle.

There is a video on Youtube that you can watch, which might help you, if you try Googling Aunt Becky. Best of luck.

I feel like I'm drawn to the technique because it really seems like it would save wear and tear on your hands and wrists while handquilting, and probably help you to quilt longer. I saw the video, and she makes it looks so easy.

If you can't bond with it you can always send it to me. Really.

I don't do much hand work as the arthritis prevents me from doing it as easily as I want to. So, anything that helps is welcome.

ali

Hey Ali,

Just in case you didn't see her technique: http://jeansimpressions.com/

I was a little bummed that I paid $6 for a simple piece of metal. Haven't even tried it yet (no time!), but I hope to soon. I knew a few others here tried it I couldn't use it, so maybe someone's willing to pass their along?

I have never used it. I don't think it would work for me because I am used of feeling the slight prick of the needle letting me know that it has gone through all three layers.

I do the exact same thing, but my 'pricking' finger tends to go numb. I'm hoping this new doo-dad prevents that. Jean says you just feel 'metal on metal' when the needle hits it and you know you're through.

Aunt Becky was used in the hand quilting class I took, but I decided I'm not meant to hand quilt (although I very much admire those who do) so I haven't used it much since then. The ladies demonstrating the tool loved it. I think people who have successfully hand quilted without it may have more trouble getting used to it than people who are new to hand quilting.

I have one but don't use it because it is awkward for me also + it won't stay on my finger. Perhaps if I hand quilted every day, instead of about once a week, I might make more of an effort to learn to use it. Nexcare/3M makes a flexible foam "active strip bandage" that I put on the end of my finger if I'm going to be stitching for quite a while. They are cushioned, rubbery, and adhesive.