One of My Favourite Tools

Do you have a favourite tool or gadget for quilting? I do. I actually have a number of favourite tools and they each have a special purpose.

A stiletto is the tool pictured here in the picture. It is great for doing a variety of tasks. I use a stiletto for piecing and appliqué.

The reason I decided to blog about this today, other than the fact that I couldn't think of anything better to talk about, was because yesterday one of the classes here at the shop started work on a new project. We decided to make a table runner with two gorgeous and complicated blocks and a machine or hand appliqué block in the centre. Now, what in the world has that got to do with using a stiletto. The answer is simple. Everything! The more complicated the block, the smaller the pieces, the more you need that extra finger that the stiletto gives you.

Some of the flying geese in the block we are working on are 1 1/2 x 3 inches. Sewing these are tough especially when you have big fingers. The smaller the piecing the less room for error and the stiletto helps you keep control of your fabric as it moves under the needle, in other words it fits where your finger doesn't.

In other news, we had a fantastic day on Sunday with 8 very eager and enthusiastic beginners.  Patchwork and quilting is really on the up and up.

Happy sewing!

Anne Marie