When I’m getting ready for some hand stitching, there’s not much I need handy. First of all, needles. I prefer #12 sharps but also use #11 sharps. I’ve learned to change my needle usually after about 4 or 5 hours of stitching, more frequently if I’m working with a batik. It’s amazing what a difference a fresh needle makes.
When it comes to thread, DMC and YLI Heirloom are my absolute favourites, although I also use Mettler 60/2 and YLI Select. It mostly depends on what matches best.
The grey blob thimble is my favourite for piecing. It’s comfortable on my finger. The thread snips I bought at a craft store a few years ago for 99 cents. I wish now I had bought at least 2 or 3 more of these! I’ve not seen anything better anywhere — certainly not for the price.
And then there’s this — the one thing that I’m lost without now. My finger pincushion. I have it on my index finger. It felt funny at first when I started using it but now I just cannot do without it.
It was Smudge’s turn to hide his head in the kitty bed this time.
Lester, on the other hand, was awake and watching over everything.
Quilt Obsession 
Got an error message when I tried to post my comment, so I don’t think it went through. I said it was an interesting thimble and I may give one a try. I use a leather one and like it, but it’s not perfect.
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Tools of the trade…..how important all these items are…love the pin cushion, do you ever forget that it is there and pop off and do a job and look down and there it is….thanks for sharing Cathi…
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Hi Cathi, I found your blog on QuilterBlogs.com and hit pay dirt LOL. Your blog is exactly what I was looking for as I’m strictly a hand piecer too…and very new to blogging.I look forward to visiting your site everyday.Crispy
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I have similar supplies always at the ready. Maybe I should look into a finger pin cushion, though. I end up using my shirt *s*
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I love my finger pin cushion I made from a bottle cap. -otherwise, I use the same needles and thread- those nippers are nice!
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So, maybe my batik binding fabric isn’t tough, maybe my needle isn’t sharp. LOL
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I have some of those ‘snips’ and find they are perfect for trimming my fringe! :o)
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Love the pincushion! I have seen the Heirloom thread at a few quilt shops, but I have never come across the DMC thread. Where did you get it? I would like to try both of them.
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A crafts person is nothing without the proper tools. I love your pincushion. The snips are great too. I have just discovered silk thread for appliquing. It’s fantastic! I just want to know… What did you do with Smudge’s head?
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Just popped in to say Hi, and I love that little grey thimble. I can’t stitch without a thimble.
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I wish I could get into hand quilting, but I find it a chore, not a joy…….plus I seem to have too many other things to do at the moment.Gill
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I love Roxanne needles too. Your pincushion looks a lot more comfortable than mine.This is one of the things I enjoy about hand piecing – you really don’t need a lot of equipment to pick it up and do it.
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Love your pincushion. Never seen one for your finger before.
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