uh oh, brainwave - curved needles

Soory girls

I had a brainwave. MAybe this is professional deformation, but I
suddenly had a thought as I was preparing the sandwich on Lucia's
quilt. I am using thread basting and a long needle. I use the kwik
klip thingy to raise the tip of the needle as it comes out of the
fabric. And that's when it hit me; couldn't I use a curved needle and
a needle holder as I do when I do surgery, to thread baste the
sandwich? It would definitely be easier on the fingers. I know I can
bring home boxes of surgical thread from work, and I have thread
holders too. But, maybe there is a curved needle that you can attach
your ordinary basting thread to. Anyone? Preparing the sandwich is NOT
my favorite part of quilting. In fact, I really don't like it. I have
the safety pins, but don't really like those either. I prefer thread
basting because it holds the whole shebang together better when it
comes to machine quilting. Ok, I know, there are thoughts and
preferences that range from a to z. So, anyone have anything to say
about thread basting with a curved needle and where (online) can I
acquire needles suitable for this?

Thanks

Claudia

Curved needles are certainly made, Claudia. But, the only ones I have
seen are leather needles which have a triangular cross section, and
would leave a hole I fear. But, I can't possibly have seen the only
type that are made. After all, they make curved safety pins. Perhaps
having a look at a specialist needle-maker's site (like John James)
might be worth doing? I have used my curved leather needle for many
things other than leather, but never for anything fine, I'm afraid.
However, happy hunting ...
..
In message
,
claudia writes
Soory girls

I had a brainwave. MAybe this is professional deformation, but I
suddenly had a thought as I was preparing the sandwich on Lucia's
quilt. I am using thread basting and a long needle. I use the kwik
klip thingy to raise the tip of the needle as it comes out of the
fabric. And that's when it hit me; couldn't I use a curved needle and
a needle holder as I do when I do surgery, to thread baste the
sandwich? It would definitely be easier on the fingers. I know I can
bring home boxes of surgical thread from work, and I have thread
holders too. But, maybe there is a curved needle that you can attach
your ordinary basting thread to. Anyone? Preparing the sandwich is NOT
my favorite part of quilting. In fact, I really don't like it. I have
the safety pins, but don't really like those either. I prefer thread
basting because it holds the whole shebang together better when it
comes to machine quilting. Ok, I know, there are thoughts and
preferences that range from a to z. So, anyone have anything to say
about thread basting with a curved needle and where (online) can I
acquire needles suitable for this?

Thanks

Claudia

--
Best Regards
pat on the hill

Claudia,

Collins makes and sells packages of curved needles made just for quilt
basting and other things. Most stores carry them. Even JoAnn's if
you are brave enough to try to shop there. They can also order on
line. The package of 4 needles is less than $3.
Basting is not my favorite part either, but the good thing is that I
belong to a small group who helps.
Anna Belle in Palm Bay

On Mon, 1 Dec 2008 03:39:56 -0800 (PST), claudia
wrote:

Soory girls

I had a brainwave. MAybe this is professional deformation, but I
suddenly had a thought as I was preparing the sandwich on Lucia's
quilt. I am using thread basting and a long needle. I use the kwik
klip thingy to raise the tip of the needle as it comes out of the
fabric. And that's when it hit me; couldn't I use a curved needle and
a needle holder as I do when I do surgery, to thread baste the
sandwich? It would definitely be easier on the fingers. I know I can
bring home boxes of surgical thread from work, and I have thread
holders too. But, maybe there is a curved needle that you can attach
your ordinary basting thread to. Anyone? Preparing the sandwich is NOT
my favorite part of quilting. In fact, I really don't like it. I have
the safety pins, but don't really like those either. I prefer thread
basting because it holds the whole shebang together better when it
comes to machine quilting. Ok, I know, there are thoughts and
preferences that range from a to z. So, anyone have anything to say
about thread basting with a curved needle and where (online) can I
acquire needles suitable for this?

Thanks

Claudia

On Dec 1, 6:39*am, claudia wrote:
Soory girls

I had a brainwave. MAybe this is professional deformation, but I
suddenly had a thought as I was preparing the sandwich on Lucia's
quilt. I am using thread basting and a long needle. I use the kwik
klip thingy to raise the tip of the needle as it comes out of the
fabric. And that's when it hit me; couldn't I use a curved needle and
a needle holder as I do when I do surgery, to thread baste the
sandwich? It would definitely be easier on the fingers. I know I can
bring home boxes of surgical thread from work, and I have thread
holders too. But, maybe there is a curved needle that you can attach
your ordinary basting thread to. Anyone? Preparing the sandwich is NOT
my favorite part of quilting. In fact, I really don't like it. I have
the safety pins, but don't really like those either. I prefer thread
basting because it holds the whole shebang together better when it
comes to machine quilting. Ok, I know, there are thoughts and
preferences that range from a to z. So, anyone have anything to say
about thread basting with a curved needle and where (online) can I
acquire needles suitable for this?

Thanks

Claudia

Claudia,
Check for upholstry supplies when searching. I do have a curved
needle for that purpose. I haven't used it for basting the sandwich
together yet so I can't speak about it's good/bad points for that
application. Frankly hadn't thought about using it for that since I
don't thread baste all that often. I'll try to keep this in the
memory banks for future. The curved needle that I do have is a fairly
substantial sized needle (sorry - no specifics as to size) so not sure
if that might be something worth thinking about since quilting needles
are typically fairly fine. I wouldn't think it would matter too much
particularly if you're washing the quilt afterwards.

Good luck with your search!

Kim in NJ

Sure.
They sell several different sizes of curved needle for upholstry and
sail making. They tend to have a stronger curve than suture needles.
Of course you could just go to a scientific or veterinary supply place
and buy suture needles. I haven't any experience with them, but if
they will sew skin I see no reason why they would not sew fabric.

NightMist

On Mon, 1 Dec 2008 03:39:56 -0800 (PST), claudia
wrote:

Soory girls

I had a brainwave. MAybe this is professional deformation, but I
suddenly had a thought as I was preparing the sandwich on Lucia's
quilt. I am using thread basting and a long needle. I use the kwik
klip thingy to raise the tip of the needle as it comes out of the
fabric. And that's when it hit me; couldn't I use a curved needle and
a needle holder as I do when I do surgery, to thread baste the
sandwich? It would definitely be easier on the fingers. I know I can
bring home boxes of surgical thread from work, and I have thread
holders too. But, maybe there is a curved needle that you can attach
your ordinary basting thread to. Anyone? Preparing the sandwich is NOT
my favorite part of quilting. In fact, I really don't like it. I have
the safety pins, but don't really like those either. I prefer thread
basting because it holds the whole shebang together better when it
comes to machine quilting. Ok, I know, there are thoughts and
preferences that range from a to z. So, anyone have anything to say
about thread basting with a curved needle and where (online) can I
acquire needles suitable for this?

Thanks

Claudia

--

Nothing has been the same since that house fell on my sister.

You can get them in regular sewing shops. Often sold for doll making -
if you get craft items but not upholstery :-)

Definitely easier than using straight needles.

Hanne

claudia wrote:
Soory girls

I had a brainwave. MAybe this is professional deformation, but I
suddenly had a thought as I was preparing the sandwich on Lucia's
quilt. I am using thread basting and a long needle. I use the kwik
klip thingy to raise the tip of the needle as it comes out of the
fabric. And that's when it hit me; couldn't I use a curved needle and
a needle holder as I do when I do surgery, to thread baste the
sandwich? It would definitely be easier on the fingers. I know I can
bring home boxes of surgical thread from work, and I have thread
holders too. But, maybe there is a curved needle that you can attach
your ordinary basting thread to. Anyone? Preparing the sandwich is NOT
my favorite part of quilting. In fact, I really don't like it. I have
the safety pins, but don't really like those either. I prefer thread
basting because it holds the whole shebang together better when it
comes to machine quilting. Ok, I know, there are thoughts and
preferences that range from a to z. So, anyone have anything to say
about thread basting with a curved needle and where (online) can I
acquire needles suitable for this?

Thanks

Claudia

Claudia, i always use a curved needle for tying quilts. i just cant
get the hang of a large straight needle. i got mine at TSWLTH. i think
they came in a package of 3 and were very reasonable. i may even have
used a coupon.

amy in CNY

I had a brainwave. MAybe this is professional deformation, but I
suddenly had a thought as I was preparing the sandwich on Lucia's
quilt. I am using thread basting and a long needle. I use the kwik
klip thingy to raise the tip of the needle as it comes out of the
fabric. And that's when it hit me; couldn't I use a curved needle and
a needle holder as I do when I do surgery, to thread baste the
sandwich? It would definitely be easier on the fingers. I know I can
bring home boxes of surgical thread from work, and I have thread
holders too. But, maybe there is a curved needle that you can attach
your ordinary basting thread to.

I've got a few of them, they always seem to turn up in kits of
"assorted needles for any purpose imaginable" and they're the ones
that get used least.

Where we have to worry is when you start taking your hobby into work
and somebody wakes up with your signature quilted on their abdomen.

==== j a c k at c a m p i n . m e . u k === http://www.campin.me.uk ====
Jack Campin, 11 Third St, Newtongrange EH22 4PU, Scotland == mob 07800 739 557
CD-ROMs and free stuff: Scottish music, food intolerance, and Mac logic fonts

Curved needles definitely are personal pereference. Some of my Project
Linus volunteers love to use the curved needles to tie our quilts (we use
crochet thread, not yarn, for tying). Others absolutely hate the curved
needles and refuse to use them.

So, try it out and see which camp you're in!

Donna in SW Idaho

"claudia" wrote in message
...
Soory girls

I had a brainwave. MAybe this is professional deformation, but I
suddenly had a thought as I was preparing the sandwich on Lucia's
quilt. I am using thread basting and a long needle. I use the kwik
klip thingy to raise the tip of the needle as it comes out of the
fabric. And that's when it hit me; couldn't I use a curved needle and
a needle holder as I do when I do surgery, to thread baste the
sandwich? It would definitely be easier on the fingers. I know I can
bring home boxes of surgical thread from work, and I have thread
holders too. But, maybe there is a curved needle that you can attach
your ordinary basting thread to. Anyone? Preparing the sandwich is NOT
my favorite part of quilting. In fact, I really don't like it. I have
the safety pins, but don't really like those either. I prefer thread
basting because it holds the whole shebang together better when it
comes to machine quilting. Ok, I know, there are thoughts and
preferences that range from a to z. So, anyone have anything to say
about thread basting with a curved needle and where (online) can I
acquire needles suitable for this?

Thanks

Claudia

hmmmm, what a good idea.
how come we've not heard that spoken of around the frame here before that i
recall anyhow.
i wonder where my curved needles are, hmmmm.
thanks, Claudia.
j.

"claudia" wrote...
Soory girls
I had a brainwave. MAybe this is professional deformation, but I
suddenly had a thought as I was preparing the sandwich on Lucia's
quilt. I am using thread basting and a long needle. I use the kwik
klip thingy to raise the tip of the needle as it comes out of the
fabric. And that's when it hit me; couldn't I use a curved needle and
a needle holder as I do when I do surgery, to thread baste the
sandwich? It would definitely be easier on the fingers. I know I can
bring home boxes of surgical thread from work, and I have thread
holders too. But, maybe there is a curved needle that you can attach
your ordinary basting thread to. Anyone? Preparing the sandwich is NOT
my favorite part of quilting. In fact, I really don't like it. I have
the safety pins, but don't really like those either. I prefer thread
basting because it holds the whole shebang together better when it
comes to machine quilting. Ok, I know, there are thoughts and
preferences that range from a to z. So, anyone have anything to say
about thread basting with a curved needle and where (online) can I
acquire needles suitable for this?

Thanks
Claudia