by pennifold ( edited 08 Jan 2017 ) 08 Jan 2017

I think I'm up to number 12 and this one was meant to take 2 and a half hours with over 47,000 stitches in it. It took more than 3 hours because I had so many thread breakages. I've got to remember to keep getting up from my sewing chair too as that length of time gives me a bit of grief. So, I'm only doing one square at a time and not over working my sewing machine. Love ❤️ Chris


I still have some threads to cut off yet!

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by crazystitcher 09 Jan 2017

Hi Chris,
I can really empathize with your frustration with trying to sew something challenging in this weather and your recurring pain must only add to that.
I have the same model machine so decided to look for a little more info about the Kingstar thread you are now using as I suspect it may have a little to do with your breakage problem.
I found the info here on the manufacturer's site: http://www.fjx.co.jp/english/cata...
The Kingstar poly comes in two weights (40 and 60); the 3000 M spools are 60 wt which is much finer than the 40 wt and its strength is only a little more than half that of 40 wt thread; if you really wanted to stitch this design with such fine thread you are going to need to make a few adjustments re bobbin thread, bobbin case and tension as well as top thread tension; if you did not intend to stitch this design with 60 wt thread; then you will need to ask your supplier to trade the un-opened 3000 M spool for either 2000 M or 5000M spools of Kingstar poly which are the 40 wt thread. (also the advised needle size range for 60 wt thread is different to that for the 40 wt thread). Perhaps you intended to use 60 wt thread and have already made adjustments, but if not, I hope this helps.

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pennifold by pennifold 10 Jan 2017

Thanks for all that information sounds great. I'll look into the thread weight. I know the bobbin thread is fine as the Brother machine only likes lightweight thread. Love ❤️ Chris

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by Sewmum1 09 Jan 2017

This is so pretty. Will be beautiful when it is done

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pennifold by pennifold 10 Jan 2017

I hope so. Love ❤️ Chris

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by stella1 09 Jan 2017

Very nice and absolute stunning

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pennifold by pennifold 10 Jan 2017

Thanks Stella love ❤️ Chris

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by airyfairy 09 Jan 2017

Very pretty Chris. Love the navy spot

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pennifold by pennifold 10 Jan 2017

Thanks Sarah me too! Love ❤️ Chris

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by lbrow 08 Jan 2017

Take it slow and easy Chris. Looking great/Lillian

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pennifold by pennifold 08 Jan 2017

I am Miss Lillian love ❤️ Chris

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by manami 08 Jan 2017

It is so beautiful Chris! What model is your machine?

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pennifold by pennifold 08 Jan 2017

Hi Yoriko it's the Brother Quattro Innovis Eye 6700D - beautiful machine when it's working properly! Love ❤️ Chris

manami by manami 09 Jan 2017

Thank you Chris, I need a machine with big hoops, I will take a look in the dealer. Love, Yoriko

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by babash 08 Jan 2017

Chris slow your machine right down. I know it will take longer but less frustrating. Also you may just need to crank up the air con. This Summer has been the worst for sewing I feel.
If all fails try the other reel of thread that you have and see if it reacts the same. If so if possible return it to the shop.

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pennifold by pennifold 08 Jan 2017

Hi Barbara, I've got it down to it's slowest speed of 350 the next is 600 and then 1000! You're not wrong regarding this summer it's horrible and only second week of January! Love ❤️ Chris

airyfairy by airyfairy 09 Jan 2017

Chris we are also having some very hot, humid weather. I am dreading February.

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by bejoscha 08 Jan 2017

Beautiful perfect work!

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pennifold by pennifold 08 Jan 2017

Thanks so much. Love ❤️ Chris

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by brendalea 08 Jan 2017

What I have seen sofar the blocks are so nice, love to see it completed. Know it is going to take a long time, but going to be worth every stitch. Hope you are keeping it for yourself. Take care & Happy Stitching Brenda Lea

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pennifold by pennifold 08 Jan 2017

Thanks Brenda - yes this is for me! Love ❤️ Chris

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by pennyhal2 08 Jan 2017

I love seeing these designs stitched out. It really helps to know what they look like in "real life." I've been wanted to do a ME quilt and am thinking that this type is what I want to do. Why did you keep having thread breakage?

Yea, sitting too long is not good. I get up and walk up and down the stairs a few times.

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pennifold by pennifold 08 Jan 2017

I don't know why as the new spool 'Kingstar' which has 3000 metres on it was only bought in November. It could have something to do with the heat, bobbin, the way I hold my tongue!!!!! I've got no idea basically. I hope the next one is better. Love ❤️ Chris

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by toogie 08 Jan 2017

Your squares are coming along nicely. Is your backing fabric attached now? If so how will you join the blocks? I have seen some videos of the strip on fabric sewn in and finished on the backside. Strips don't show on the front.
I think some of the worst pain, is back pain. Mine was burning down low yesterday, still some today, too. I really feel for you being like this for so long...can wear on your nerves, too. Take care and as always, I wish you were well. Toogie

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pennifold by pennifold 08 Jan 2017

Hi Toogie, no I am not backing these squares. They will be joined by other pieces of fabric. Once finished I send the whole top to my quilter who will place the batting between the patchwork top and my backing fabric. This will take me a few months I think. Yes, I agree back ache is not good and especially for us sewing enthusiasts. Love ❤️ Chris

lbrow by lbrow 08 Jan 2017

I can definitely put my 2 cents worth in on that. The pain will be so bad you want to cry but won't because then your head would hurt also. /

toogie by toogie 09 Jan 2017

Lillian my husband has 2 disc completely gone in his back and it was hard to watch him suffer. You couldn't help him because he didn't want anyone to touch him, for fear of hurting worse. He's doing okay now, unless he does something to re-hurt it.

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by sdrise 08 Jan 2017

Beautiful again!!

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pennifold by pennifold 08 Jan 2017

Thanks Suzanne love ❤️ Chris

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by dragonflyer 08 Jan 2017

Very nice...is this the 8x8 square or ???

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pennifold by pennifold 08 Jan 2017

Thanks Kim, yes these are all 8 x 8 but I'm doing them in the larger hoop on the Brother machine. Love ❤️ Chris

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by noah 08 Jan 2017

there coming along nicely hugs

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pennifold by pennifold 08 Jan 2017

Slowly Carolyn - love ❤️ Chris

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by gwillmann 08 Jan 2017

This is beautiful. It will be a treasure when finished.

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pennifold by pennifold 08 Jan 2017

Thanks so much, I hope so. Love ❤️ Chris

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by sonjapotgieter 08 Jan 2017

Beautiful!!!Stunning work....

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pennifold by pennifold 08 Jan 2017

Thanks Sonja I forgot to say these designs are from Stitch Delight. Love ❤️ Chris

pennyhal2 by pennyhal2 08 Jan 2017

Thanks for letting us know! I was wondering where you got them from too.

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by tlp22 08 Jan 2017

Gorgeous work. But, take care of you.

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pennifold by pennifold 08 Jan 2017

Thanks Theresa, I'm going slowly with the sewing. Love ❤️ Chris

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by Smokey12 08 Jan 2017

Looks great, sorry it took extra long. When I have a lot of thread breakages, I change my bobbin.

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pennifold by pennifold 08 Jan 2017

Thanks and yep, did that too!!! Love ❤️ Chris

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by bemara edited 08 Jan 2017

Hi, you know that , if the thread beaks you need a new needle . . sometimes also helps to lay the thread in the fridge . . or make a break with coffee - lol, hugs Maria

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pennifold by pennifold 08 Jan 2017

I had a brand new needle in and had several drink breaks. Will try thread in fridge as it's been so hot here today. Love ❤️ Chris

bemara by bemara 08 Jan 2017

in the fridge, the thread acts humidity on, this helps against break, above all with older thread, hugs Maria

sandralane by sandralane 08 Jan 2017

Interesting I will also give this a go, but sometimes the difference is the thread is just that little bit finer. Sandra.

pennifold by pennifold 08 Jan 2017

The reel is brand new too - Kingstar bright white. I'll go through everything again when next one is due. Love ❤️ Chris

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by sandralane 08 Jan 2017

Another great block Chris, this is a lovely design. Yes, you do need to get up and stretch or walk around, do look after yourself. Thread breakages sure do add to the time of a design, but gives you time to move around or make a cuppa. Sandra.

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pennifold by pennifold 08 Jan 2017

Thanks Sandra, I can tell you I was getting really annoyed at all the breaks. I may end up buying some new white thread. Love ❤️ Chris

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