Thread

Let's talk about thread you say?

There was a time that the types of thread available to consumers in the US was limited in some ways, but I wish I had some more of those threads now!

Top of my list was Molnlycke (that is umlaut o).   Molnlycke is a town in Sweden, but around about 1975 it was also the brand name of a fabulous long-staple 100% poly thread.  The thread came on dense heavy plastic spools which would stay put on the vertical or horizontal spindles of the day's sewing machines.  The color range was a lot more modern than its contemporary US competitors.  Sometime in the late 1980's, a big US thread manufacturer bought Molnlycke, and promptly put it out of the US market.  But I think they secretly studied how to make better thread, because almost instantly (20 years later) the thread quality of US manufacturer Coats and Clark improved drastically.  More on that later.


About the same time as Molnlycke appeared on the US market, a Swiss maker by the name of Mettler also introduced its line of 100% long-staple cotton ("silk finish" because of the smooth surface) and of 100% long-staple polyester (Metrosene).  The color range put everyone else to shame, and the spools were slim, very modern looking but at first a little wonky because the spools would not fit a lot of home sewing machines.  That problem was quickly corrected but the perception plagued them for a long time.   


About 5 years ago, Coats and Clark improved their thread line (old "Dual Duty" short staple poly/cotton blend thread would leave a layer of Coats and Clark color dust inside my machine anytime I used it).  It's now called "Dual Duty XP" (for "extra performance), and is very good quality now.


But how to choose from my favorite brands?  It is simple for me...natural fiber fabrics get Mettler "silk finish" 100% cotton thread (article 105).  Cotton thread is compatible for all natural fibers.  I don't buy the reasoning that you have to have very strong thread...you don't want your thread to abrade your garment fibers.  Another advantage of cotton thread--it's much more forgiving of color than is polyester.  With cotton sewing thread, you can also hand sew with ease.  

If I sew synthetics (can't recall the last time I did that) I use a poly thread.  Either the Metrosene or the Coats and Clark, whichever is closer in color.  In a pinch for a color match I have used poly thread on natural fibers, but rarely.  Poly thread has a way of kinking up when you are hand sewing, but if you use a shorter strand of thread, it is less of a problem. 


Both companies have a range of topstitching thread, but I like the results I get from using two strands of regular thread (stack two spools or bobbins on your thread spindle and feed through as one thread).  You can use two different shades, hues, or even totally different colors (or try variegated thread).  The heavier threads are handy for sewing on buttons.

So, in a nutshell, Mettler's "silk finish" article 105 100% cotton is my go-to thread. I'll continue to hoard my Belding-Corticelli wooden spools of silk size A and D (for sewing and for buttonholes)--they are just sooo prettty.   Happy Sewing!

About pins...

There are so many pins on the market for every kind of sewing and craft.  How does one choose?

Most important is the quality of the pins.  You want a pin that is nicely polished, with a perfect point.  Japan, England, and Switzerland are known for producing top of the line pins and needles. Some US companies subcontract to other firms abroad, but most of the time the quality control is good.  I've listed some of my favorites and their intended (or adopted) purposes.

My favorite all around pin is the glass head pin from Dritz.  I sew with silk and wool more than anything else, and the fine polish of the point on this pin is always reliable...won't snag your delicate fabrics.  The white glass head allows you to leave the pins in place while you press (although I don't press directly over them because I don't want an imprint on my fabric)...they won't melt (don't ever try that with a plastic head pin!).  They are also easy to find once-uh-dropped onto the carpet.  (bottom right)

Clover also makes a very good transparent glass head pin...even better for more delicate fabrics.  The Clover pins are longer and they will bend if you try to use them in heavier fabric.  (top right in the picture below)

Iris-Swiss pins are favored by professional dressmakers.  This all-metal product is affiliated with Schmetz.  These very fine pins do no easily bend, and have a very fine head.  They are perfect for sewing with all types of natural and synthetic fabrics.  (not shown here, they come in an orange box).

When I want to pin a larger piece with straight edges, I opt for the Dritz quilting pins (with the yellow plastic head).  These are also a very good quality, suitable to pin cottons, woolens, and stiffer fabrics.  (center bottom)

In a pinch, I discovered that the "Sew Perfect" pins are surprisingly good quality.  I've used the plastic head pins and the straight dressmaker pins.  These are pins that we recommend to beginning sewers because they are so reasonably priced and of super quality.  (left top and bottom)

Discard dull, discolored, or bent pins, and enjoy sewing with some delightful new pins!  Like a good pair of shears, they make the sewing process that much smoother and easier!

Where did they go?

Where did they go?

Some of our former neighbors at Georgetown Park have relocated to Arlington, and others remain in the general vicinity of the mall in Georgetown.  Some have not decided if, when or where they will relocate. As we get word, we will post some contact information here.

As of today,

Phoenix Bridal may relocate to Silver Spring, Maryland.

Joy of Beading has relocated to Arlington (5903 Lee Highway, near Harrison Street). It's pretty accessible by bus from Rosslyn. 

Fornash has relocated to Ballston Common Mall, in Arlington. 

Comfort One Shoes is now open at 1329 Wisconsin Ave. NW. Just a few steps from Georgetown Park!

Galerie des Parfums has not announced a new location yet. Here's their Facebook page. 

Total Party has relocated to the Ballston Common Mall. 

Rush Hour Printing has relocated to Ballston Common Mall. 

Meridian Health and Relaxation has moved to the 1600 block of Wisconsin Ave.

The DMV closed its Georgetown Park location in May.  Please refer to their website for the closest location or the temporary C Street location.

We haven't decided where to relocate, ourselves, but keep watching our web page for any news.  All in all, it seems everyone is making the best of the change!  

Frequently asked questions, and more~

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Q.  Is there any news on a new location?
A.  Thank you very much for your interest--not yet.  We'll post the address and opening date when we find a place we really love!

Q.  Is there a way to buy silk fabric (or buttons/other items of interest) while you are temporarily closed?
A.   Not yet.  We are still setting up our storage, then we'll have to move again if we find a space.  Please have patience because we hope to list some things for online purchase.  If you let us know what you saw that interested you, we will keep our eyes open during our pre-opening phase.

Q.  I've sent you messages but have not received a response.
A.  We're sorry.  Some of the messages end up in our spam folder.  Unfortunately we cannot help you purchase anything from our stock right now.



OTHER QUESTIONS;

Q.  My friend says she buys Frida Kahlo fabric from you.
A.   We haven't had any and sorry to say cannot recall having seen any from our suppliers.  If you are talking about a print similar to a Frida Kahlo work of art, ask your friend what supplier is written on the selvedge edge.  You might be able to find the supplier online.  Some quilt suppliers have "inspired by" type prints as well as licensed prints.  Good luck.

All Done

...moving OUT, that is. We don't have a destination for our new location yet!

The fabrics and other merchandise were all safely transported on Saturday, and shelving and fixtures on Sunday. Then the tear-down of the unwanted shelves and fixtures began. That is time-consuming! There was a big ugly pile of scrap lumber in here until just now...Roy hauled it all to the recycling place (they burn it to generate power, so it's not just going to a landfill someplace).

Then vaccuuming out the sawdust and making sure we haven't left anything behind...

Whew. I believe some rest is in order.

Cleared out!

You won't believe this, but thanks to a few very supportive friends who don't need sleep, there is not one fabric that has not been taken to storage as of 20 hours since we closed here at Georgetown Park!

Thank you for being our customer!

Thanks for always enjoying our selection of fabrics, buttons, and trims, and for making the Georgetown store closing sale a thoroughly enjoyable experience for us and for your fellow customers!

We're outta here, check back often for updates.

And HAPPY SEWING in the meantime!