 | Janeen Miller retired from Beech Aircraft in 2001. After a very brief retirement, she decided to turn one of her hobbies into a business. The Small Business Development Center at WSU gave guidance and encouragement in the development of a business plan; a perceptive bank executive listened to her presentation, reviewed the business plan and gave a ‘thumbs up’ to a start-up loan. Sunflower Quilts opened on September 9, 2002 with 500 bolts of fabric in a then too large space of 2500 square feet at 405 Osage Road in Derby Kansas.Today, the shop is in the same location, occupies just over 4000 square feet and has 5000 bolts of fabric. Husqvarna Viking sewing and embroidery machines were added in 2007. Owner’s classes and on-site service is offered for these machines.Customers are greeted by a friendly and knowledgeable staff and two Bichons, Louie and Mandy (they also appear in the TV commercials). The shop is filled with eye catching models, cabinets containing a rainbow of fabric bolts, walls of sewing notions, machine accessories and patterns. A large well-lit classroom displays class projects, finished quilts and embroidery projects. The atmosphere is relaxed – husband Jim likes to say “We offer fabric therapy – no appointment necessary.” Sunflower Quilts 405 Osage Rd Derby, KS 67037 (316)788-5120 www.SunflowerQuilts.com |
Sewing & Alterations
2013-03-01 10:18:34
A needle is a needle, right?
Q-I did not realize that there are so many different kinds of needles. Can you explain some of the differences to me?
A-Thanks for the question and I am glad to help. There are numerous types of needles designed for different sewing applications.
Needle – a very basic and necessary instrument of sewing. A very simple item, but not totally understood. Here are some of the comments/questions we hear about machine needles.
Universal needles have a slightly rounded point and come in a variety of sizes. They are designed for general sewing in a variety of fabric types and weights such as normal cotton garments and in piecing quilt tops.
The Topstitch needle has a very large eye that makes it the ideal choice for topstitching with heavier threads. Both the eye and groove are larger, for techniques such as machine tatting or crazy quilt embellishment with silk buttonhole twist, 12 and 30 weight cotton and other decorative threads.
Embroidery needles have a special scarf, a slightly rounded point, and a slightly larger eye to avoid damage to thread and materials. Use this needle with metallic and other specialty threads for embroidery and decorative sewing.
Quilting needles have a special tapered point and light ballpoint to sew through layers and batting with ease.
Stretch needles have a special scarf to eliminate skipped stitches when there is flex in the fabric. Use for knits, swimwear, fleece, synthetic suedes and leathers.
Microtex needles or Sharps have a sharp point like Denim needles but are available in smaller sizes. Use for microfiber to topstitch lightweight tightly woven fabrics.
Wing needles have side wings on the side of the needle to poke holes in the fabric when sewing entredeux (heirloom sewing) and other hemstitches on natural fiber fabrics.
Twin needles have two separate needles mounted on one shank. Use these for decorative sewing, top stitching and twin needle tucks. They are available in different sizes and distances between the two needles .
Ballpoint needles have a more rounded point that will not run or snag specialty knits because they enter the fabric between the knit fibers.
Specialty fabric needles such as Denim or Leather have special features to make sewing on these fabrics a pleasure rather than a challenge
Q: I’ll change a needle when I break it – right?
A: Yes and no. If you broke it, you have no choice. If that is the only time you change a needle – wrong! For best results, change a needle after eight hours of use. If you detect a wop-wop-wop as the needle enters the fabric, you have waited too long.
Q: Titanium needles are much stronger and will last forever – right?
A: Wrong! These needles have a thin layer of titanium coating that will help them stay sharp longer, but still should be changed after approximately ten hours of use.
