(NOTE: I've done this post twice now...Blogger is having problems....sorry if folks have gotten 1/2 without the other 1/2...you know Blogger is not exactly my best friend....I definitely need to change this.)
If it's Wednesday then it is time to increase your E-Notion IQ here at the IHAN Blog. Sorry for being a little absent lately...I've been ill....kidney infection...and I'm moving pretty darn slow...but....I tell ya I'm a still movin' :)
The notion today is the Superior Titanium Coated Topstitch Machine Needles. Why? Because I'm wrapping up the IHAN Needle Exchange Program and I still have some needles left to give away AND because if you don't know about Superior Titanium Coated Topstitch Machine Needles....then I'm just feeling sorry for ya.
If you want to read all about how the IHAN Needle Exchange Program started just click here and it's also a tab on the top of this page.
I know what you are thinking...."What is the big deal and needle is a needle is a needle." Am I right? That's what I thought until the first time I tried Superior Titanium Coated Machine Needles. I shared a package with Mrs. Rosemary aka Waldo and my dear friend in PA, Mary Jane. (Between the two of those gals they have over 80 years experience with quilting....other things too but I'm not goin' into that here...ROFL) So when I got to putting mine in my machine I could not believe how easy it was to thread. No more stabbing and licking...it just went right in. That was the first thing I noticed....a huge plus in my book.
I tried to take a good pix of one of my Superior Titanium Coated Machine Needle but the flash makes it almost impossible and without it...the photo was way to dark. As you can see....the hole is a nice size. I'll blow up the photo below of the packaging and you'll be able to see it better.
There that's much better. Ok....so first they are so much easier to thread. Second they are stronger and last so much longer because they are coated in Titanium.
I knew I was impressed so I called Mrs. Rosemary and Mary Jane and asked them how they liked the needles I had given to them. Both gals said they really noticed a difference and they liked the Superior Needles.
Here are some comments left by quilters who have received a Superior Titanium Coated Topstitch Needle from the IHAN Needle Exchange Program:
Kelly,I didn't believe it, BUT you were right. The Superior Titanium Coated Topstitch Sewing Machine Needle is FABULOUS! I chose the #90/ 14 needle and started using it a few days ago. It stitched through quilt layers with ease AND bounced off several of my pins. I love it! Thank you so much for this program - I'm a believer :Laurie
Hi, Kelly,
Sorry for the delay in writing back, but I didn't use the needle immediately--I finished up some mending projects, and wanted to wait until I was working on a quilt--which I just did, and I love the needle. I will definitely buy more, and I appreciate your needle-exchange program-what a great idea to enable people to try it first!!
Peggy S.
Kelly I am a member of MEG of Toledo. I tried the Titanium Coated superior Needle Topstitch 80/12. Seemed to stay cool when stitching for extended period. Fairly long lasting too I think. Lynda
Hi Kelly,
This past weekend I went to our quild's quilt camp and was given one of your new needles. The one with the gold color to it, I think it was titanium or something like that. I really like sewing with it. I put it in my machine and it was smooth sewing. I don't know how to explain it, but it was the feel of the sewing that was different. I will have to get some of them. Our camp organizer, Ruthie W. got them from you. Can you tell me the name of them so I order the right ones?Sharon T.Hi Kelly! Just wanted to say thanks, so very much, for the IHAN needle exchange program! I used the 70/10 titanium needle from Superior for an embroidery/quilting project. I loved it! I was using adhesive with appliqué, and for once, the adhesive didn’t gum up the needle and cause the thread to fray! I love these needles! I’ll encourage the other women in my guild that took a needle to email you their comments. Thanks again! Diane G.
Kelly,
Greeting from South Carolina!
I recently received a Superior Titanium needle size 16.
I LOVE it!
I have been stitching away and have had no problems whatsoever.
Thank you for the opportunity to trade in my used needle.
I will be purchasing these needles in the future.Happy Stitching,
Christina, Seneca, SC
Kelly,
I just finished a quilt with the needle you sent me and have pieced a second. So far I am very pleased. Thank you for introducing me to Superior needles.Melissa
Green, Ohio
I just used my new Topstitch 100/16 Superior needle to attach prairie point binding ties to a Christmas tree skirt using decorative metallic thread and it all went thru like butter. No needle breakage and no thread breakage. Thank you for setting up the free needle program, I will definitely be ordering some soon.
Judy
Still have a doubt? Try one out for yourself!!! Just click here or go to the top of this page and click on the Needle Exchange Program Link and follow the instructions. Act fast because the IHAN Needle Exchange Program ends August 5, 2011...your request must reach me on or before that date to participate so do it today :)
I've heard comments about the price, $7.00 per package....but they actually are saving you money because you are not replacing them near as often. It pays to be aware of the entire picture not just the purchase price
BUT WAIT...THERES MORE
What fun would a review of the Superior Titanium Coated Topstitch Needles be if I didn't show you a quilt that was made using one?
Mrs. Rosemary has been collecting Aboriginal Fabrics and she decided she was ready to make a quilt and she called to ask if I knew of a pattern that would be interesting. The first pattern that popped into my head was Chopsticks by Julie Herman of Jaybird Quilts.
Here is Mrs. Rosemary's version of Chopsticks using her Aboriginal fabrics. I was in love the minute I saw this quilt.
This is a "twin" quilt according to Mrs. Rosemary. Here it is draped across two twin beds so you know it is one long twin quilt....which makes me think....hey, I'm really tall....do ya think? No? Me either...but a girl can hope can't she?
The batik Mrs. Rosemary used has some nice texture and still allows the eye a place to rest.
The triangles showcase the fascinating fabrics from Mrs. Rosemary's Aboriginal fabric stash.
The Creative Grids 60 degree 12 1/2 inch ruler was used to make this quilt....in case you were wondering :)
I have affectionately named this quilt, "One Hoppin' Quilt by Mrs. Rosemary." I can't think of a better name, can you? Inquiring minds want to know :)
She used some extra strips and pieced them together for the backing.
Do you have a notion you would like me to review? Just Ask!
Feel free to e-mail me at IHaveANotion@yahoo.com and let me know if you have any requests for reviews.
I hope Blogger is being kinder to all of you than it has been to me today!!!
Smiles,
Kelly