Hello and welcome back!  I took a break last week since I was visiting family in sunny Florida.

This weeks tips focus on handwork.  I LOVE handwork but rarely S L O W down to do any.  I have made a commitment to myself to take the time and work on what I enjoy.  Hand piecing is how I started quilting 30+ years ago.  I still love it.  I love that it is portable!  I can grab a small bag of pieces, needle, thread and small scissors and be on my way.  It helps pass the time (especially while traveling) and I love sitting outside (my view last week!)

I will be teaching a hand piecing class for AQS Quilt Week in Albuquerque in January!  Look for “Stitch it Slow – Handwork on the Go”. GO sign up HERE as classes are filling up.  I will also be teaching “Hexies and Honeycombs”!  Specifically, flower garden blocks and the wonderful Lucy Boston blocks from Patchwork of the Crosses.  Both classes are all handwork!  Take a break and join me in Albuquerque!!  This brings me to the two tips I want to share today.

#1 –  NEEDLE the thread as opposed to threading the needle.

Let me explain…when using a needle and thread it is easier to hold the thread stationary between two fingers and with the needle in the other hand, place the eye of the needle over the thread and it slides right in.  (Remember the eye of a needle is punched into the metal.  If the thread has resistance, turn the needle around and try the other side of the eye.)

#2 – Pack your “to GO” box with all the bits for one project.

Below you will see my mini flower garden project in a plastic snap lid box I found in the bead box section at a chain store.  It holds my small scissors, needle, spool of thread, cut fabric pieces and 1/2″ hexies.

Give it a go!  Find a handwork project and take a break from the fast pace world.

Debbie  ~  Wendt Quilting