 | 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 |
Arts & Crafts
2013-05-29 10:12:29
Polyester thread in a quilt?
Q-Is it OK to use polyester thread in a quilt?
A-Short answer – YES if you are talking about traditional quilts with cotton fabric.
But I’ve always heard that polyester thread will cut the fabric.
Many of the stories we hear are mostly myths from earlier generations. If the fabric tears as a result of heavy use, it will usually tear along a seam where the stress is the highest. Piecing is the high stress point on a quilt (due to ‘ironing’ rather than pressing and/or ‘adjusting’ the fit to get the points or seams to match). When Grandma made a quilt, cotton was often the only choice and typical quilting was along the seams or ‘stitch in the ditch’. Today’s machine quilting should not add stress to the quilt.
Super Safe Rule for Quilting – Piece with cotton, quilt with any thread.
What about shrinkage?
Quality fabrics and threads do not shrink like those in Grandma’s time. Most are pretreated for shrinkage (especially batiks which go through numerous hot rinse cycles during the dyeing process). Most cotton threads of today are mercerized. This is a heat and chemical process that creates a smother surface that increases the luster of the thread and makes it easier to dye. Quality cotton thread is spun from long staple cotton which is stronger, softer and leaves less lint in your sewing machine. It may shrink slightly in the wash so treat it just like your cotton fabric.
Polyester thread is the most popular thread for general sewing. It is a very strong and economical thread that doesn’t fade or shrink in the wash and does have some give or stretch. The luster, or sheen will fall between that of cotton and rayon.
Rayon Thread is the most popular thread used in embroidery machines. It is a high sheen thread that makes a smooth consistent stitch. It shows well when used to embellish a quilt.
Silk Thread is very strong and elastic with a high sheen and is ideal for hand applique’. Projects created with silk must be gently washed in the washing machine with mild soap – without bleaching agents.
Final thought: For that baby quilt, quilt that is going off to college, or a quilt that is destined for usage rather than being tucked away in an air tight closet, any quality non-glazed cotton or polyester thread is acceptable. The polyester will eventually last longer than cotton. But in 80 to 100 years of use we should expect some deterioration. Quilts are made to be enjoyed and shared. I still remember my favorite well-worn and much loved quilt that didn’t last nearly 80 years – but that one came from Grandma’s time.
