I've been meaning to write a post about Connecting Threads (not as an advertisement, but as a quilter/consumer), and after all the questions I got about it on my last post about thread, I thought it was a good time.
Yes, the majority of my thread stash is from the Essential Threads collection.
What I love about this thread:
-It's cheap, er, economical. :) At just $2.49 per spool, it's a great bargain.
-It's 100% cotton.
-The color selection is great.-Since it's so reasonably priced, it's easy to stock up on many different colors.
-A $50 order=free US shipping. (Always a plus!)
-The spools are 1200 yards! (I've already talked about how much I hate tiny spools, haven't I?)
-It works great for hand quilting, top stitching and piecing.
-I've used it for some applique, when the color was just right.
-It's great for some quilting applications.
What I could live without:
-The red thread bleeds. I'm pretty sure of it anyway.
-It looks a little thready when quilting. It's 50 weight (which is standard), but it seems fairly thick to me. Sometimes thready is ok, like on the blue quilt it was just fine, because that quilt was about the quilting. On other quilts, sometimes it's nice to have the thread blend in a bit more and let the fabric/design shine.
-A few people I've recommended it to have had problems using it in their machine, but I've had very few problems using it. I bet it all depends on your machine.
Connecting Threads has recently come out with a new thread line Essential PRO thread designed for long arm quilters (which I am not) but the cones work just fine on my Juki. I was excited to try this because it's a 70 weight thread, so it's thinner than the other thread. It is polyester, but that doesn't bother me a bit. These cones are over 3300 yards! Yay! No danger of running out of thread. I'm still in the testing stages, but so far, so good. I used it for free motion quilting and for walking foot quilting, and I really, really like it! It just so happens that my 3300 yards of thread matches my bolt of aqua fabric perfectly. I may need to get another bolt or two of that fabric. :)
CT also sell fabric, which piqued my curiosity. I ordered a bit of it and while I haven't sewn with it yet, I love what I see (and feel). I've heard lots of good things about it.
Oh, and they have 58 colors of solids! (For $3.96 a yard!) I ordered a charm pack to test them out. I love the colors in person. The charms don't have a pinked edge, so they fray a bit. Not a big deal, just makes it a bit harder to take a pretty photo. I'm looking forward to trying these out, too.
So, to sum up: I love Connecting Threads. I love supporting a decent company with a good product that helps keep quilting affordable!
I also love their thread and their fabric. One of the other things I love is their clearance section. I've bought a couple of kits for charity quilts for as little as 3-4dollars per yard for the fabric and pattern. Good Stuff!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the review. I've been wondering about their thread because the price is so good. I'll have to try some now. Connecting Threads is also a good place for quilting books because they usually discount them.
ReplyDeleteFunny, I was going to post about their thread too. I love their thread for all of the reasons you listed, especially the "economic" one;-) Going from spending $5/up on a spool less than half that size I am quite happy with these.
ReplyDeleteI've tried their fabrics too and find them to be of good quality. Especially when they do their deal of the week you can get some real bargains- whole quilt kits for seriously $3/yard. Can't beat that!☺
I am a big fan of Connecting Threads. I like their fabric and thread and they have great sales. I am also a member of their online quilt community, "Quilt With Us"
ReplyDeleteAmen on the thread. I love having such a large colorful selection that is affordable! I have been sewing with their thread since it came out and it has worked fine for me.
ReplyDeletehttp://quilttaffy.blogspot.com/2009/05/39000-yards.html
I'm glad to hear your experience with the solids. I've been watching those but haven't been brave enough yet.
I love Connecting Threads fabric and threads. I like the fact that it's made in the USA too.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad to hear your take on this and the quality of their products. I have been curious. Thank you very much!
ReplyDeleteI'm a big fan of Connecting Threads! I love their charm packs, very affordable. I have a set of their winter fat quarters all set to cut out for an advent calendar.
ReplyDeleteThe thing that upsets me with Connecting threads is that they Surcharge to Hawaii and Alaska $7 - so the "free" shipping for $50 costs me $7 to ship - don't get me going on how much it is when I don't have a $50 order . I rarely have enough for an order from them to get the "free" shipping. I find other suppliers for my thread.
ReplyDeleteGee, I thought I was the only one who loved their threads. They're great for all the reasons you gave. I have used them for machine quilting and love the results. I bought some of their fabric a couple of years ago, and it was not the fine weave I was used to in quilting fabrics--it was almost like a double-knit in some ways. Your positive review makes me want to try the fabric again; those solids look especially luscious!
ReplyDeleteLove that shop too!
ReplyDeletethe threads price and quality is awesome and as you said, the color selection are amazing!
Just I wish they will have shipping service to Mexico, that would be wonderful!
Would love to be able to shop at Connecting Threads but they won't ship outside the USA claiming they can't find an appropriate shipper- may I suggest USPS? These days it's no biggie to ship just about anywhere really.
ReplyDeleteglad to hear it - i have been wondering for some time!! especially the solids!
ReplyDeleteLove em! They are really the only place I buy thread from. And why not, when it's such a good price? I love the thread, and have a good variety of colors :D
ReplyDeleteI also have some of their fabric - just recently got some solid. But I've used their charm packs, etc and like em!
I also occasionally get my batting there. The queen size is cheaper than other places. :D
I too just bought a spool of the 70wt poly thread to test. I am a longarmer, and am a Superior Threads adict, so this is really branching out. I bought many of their cotton threads last year when I was starting out and didn't know better. They are VERY linty in the machine. I had plenty of trouble with thread breakages too. In the end, I got rid of all cottons at a garage sale. Longarmers beware!...
ReplyDeleteI have bought fabric from CT and was very pleased with it. After your review I will try the thread too. I have tried to get a new catalog but haven't received it yet.
ReplyDeleteDarlene
I've never tried their thread but I have ordered fabric from them (love the vintage-y feel of the Canning Day line) and have been very pleased with the quality - not to mention the price.
ReplyDeletei really really really like connecting threads.
ReplyDeletefor their affordable and useful products, and they also have a good price for shipping to canada!!! bonus for me!
i've bought, thread, fabric, and blades from them and all of them have been super! no problems at all.
i really want to stock up on more of prementioned products.
oh, and i've made 3 quilts from their fabrics, and machine quilted them on my machine with their thread.
good stuff!!!!!
a
That's really good to hear. I'm an avid knitter and purchase yarn, needles and other such goodies from their sister store, KnitPicks. The products are good quality and prices are more than fair. Customer service is EXCELLENT!
ReplyDeleteLove your blog!!!
I also love their fabric and thread.I have purchased their rainbow brights,very bright and good quality.I might have to try their solids.Thanks for sharing,Amy
ReplyDeleteI just spent about 45 minutes looking at all the stuff. Great site. Thank you for sharing. I will need to buy from them.
ReplyDeleteThanks for saying something about Connecting Threads - I get their catalogs in the mail and have been curious about the quality of their products. I will definitely give them a shot now, thank you!
ReplyDeleteI have loved their thread and it's SOOOOO much cheaper than my local quilt shop's.
ReplyDeleteI love them! I suggest to always do a quick google search before placing orders, sometimes there are GREAT coupons floating around out there for this site (many of which you can get from signing up for their email list). The fabrics are good quality, and pretty inexpensive. They tend to be a bit more country than I prefer but not too much! :) I've never used their thread though, I might have to try it!
ReplyDeleteI went to the essentials thread website, got all excited and discovered they don't ship to Australia.
ReplyDeleteI like Connecting Threads as well. I have ordered fabric thread and batting from them. Great customer service! (And I am excited they now carry batiks!)
ReplyDeleteI started buying thread there because you mentioned it, and I LOVE it. I feel like the other options are either the cheap stuff at Joann's that feels... well... cheap. And then there's the lovely Mettler stuff at the local quilt shop that will cost me an arm and a leg. I have had no problems at all with the thread from Connecting Threads, and like you, I especially love how generous the spools are.
ReplyDeleteI have also ordered their fabric and been quite happy with the quality. While many of the designs are not to my liking, once you find some good basics (like those dots you found, ooh, you can never have too many dots!), I think they're great and the price can't be beat. Especially if you compare the price vs. quality to a lot of the stuff at Joann's....
I like Connecting Threads fabric and thread, although the thread does seem thicker than my other 50wt thread--which also means that the bobbin doesn't hold as much thread leading to more frequent empty bobbin changes--and the thread doesn't have the same sheen as say Mettler does. Nonetheless for a general purpose piecing and quilting thread I like it and use it. For applique I prefer a thinner less visible thread.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE CT! Their quilt kits are great and very reasonably priced - I made a quilt for a friend from "Cheep Talk" and it's amazing! Most of my thread is also Essential Threads. It works so well! I've also gotten lots of gifts for my quilting mom & mother-in-law that they love!
ReplyDeleteI really like Connecting Threads. I've been using their Essential threads for a while now, but have not tried the Pro. I've also bought a few of their kits, as I think they are reasonably priced. One kit I bought had a pattern by GE Designs. Thanks for the shout out. I will have to give the Pro threads a try.
ReplyDeleteI've been using their thread for about 3 or 4 years and I love it! I really love that there is so much thread on the spool. I haven't tried their new long arm quilting thread, but I'll be putting in my order for my stocking. I have a long arm quilter and have been looking for a good thread for it!
ReplyDeleteI have been using their thread too and am pretty happy with it. However, when I went to quilt with it, I had problems. Maybe I need to try that new thread you mentioned. But, I am generally happy with their service and sales prices!
ReplyDeleteI like Connecting Threads for my "supporting role" fabrics --- they have a ton of great tone-on-tone and mini prints that read solid. I'm trying to branch out from always pairing my busy prints with solids and CT opened up a whole new world! They have a nice offering of free patterns/projects, too, including paper piecing templates. I've not bought thread from them (yet) but only because my LQS is consistently well-priced on Coats & Clark, which I love. Tempting, though --- love their color selection!
ReplyDeleteI am in the process of trying it out. I love it for piecing, because of the price. And, the color selection is wonderful...works well for straight-line (walking foot) quilting. However, my Naomi Janome does not like it for free-motion quilting. Not. At. All. I've been curious about the fabric...might have to try some.
ReplyDeleteI think it's such a coincidence that you just posted this - I wrote a post on my blog about a week ago just on this 'discovery' of CT! ;-) I haven't tried the fabrics yet and was wondering who had and what the feedback was. Good to know, and thank you for posting this.
ReplyDeleteI love their thread too. I bought a couple of the package deals a few years ago and still have a whole bunch left. I can't use it on my Janome 1600DB P, but use it for piecing. It is good quality thread for a great price.
ReplyDeleteHi Amandajean......You and I have emailed back and forth about Connecting Threads. I'm adding my "two-cents worth" so the others can see how many of us there really are who like their threads and fabrics. I've used their products for about two years now and have never been unhappy with anything. They have super prices and wonderful clearance prices!
ReplyDeleteMy sewing machine loves the threads and so do I. I had a lot of trouble with threads from the fabric stores...name brand ones! They split and knotted up for and CT's thread doesn't. Plus, it is SO economical.
Karen
Timely post for me. I just received my first order from them. So far so good with the thread on my cheap little workhorse Kenmore. Is that olive in your top photo? If so, I also have that color and it was just the perfect green that I had been missing. I've prewashed the fabrics I bought but haven't sewn with them yet. Gotta love the colors of their solids too. Thanks so much for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI love Connecting Threads. I use their thread and fabric and have been pleased with both.
ReplyDeleteI've been using their threads for several years now and love it....great price too. I'm not crazy about the hand of the fabric, however, so won't be ordering more of it....maybe I will try a charm pack of the solids to try it out. They have great prices on books...and some wonderful sales....fast turn around too. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteGood post, AJ!
ReplyDeleteThis kind of information is always essential to the quilting crew out there - me included! For my 2 bits, I have been ordering from CT for over a year now, perhaps longer. I had a tough time with the thread a bit, but got over it because of all those 'plusses' you mentioned in your post. The fabric, so far, is great and the prices are phenomenal. Their selection is growing, too, and that's nice. I REALLY love when they put stuff on clearance!!! I have bought quilt kits for ridiculously low prices, and not to make the quilt, but to have the fabric selection at a cheaper price!
Would be great to use, but they do not ship to Australia.... see me crying?
ReplyDeletecheers
Christine
I have used this thread for piecing and it is linty. I have to clean out my machine more often. And my Janome does not like it for free motion quilting. I am eager to hear how you like their fabrics. I do love buying books from them.
ReplyDeleteI have used both their thread and their fabric.
ReplyDeleteTheir cotton thread is a bit thinner than I'd usually choose for machine quilting (I like a "thready" look). It has mostly worked fine for piecing, but last year when my machine needed maintenance, I had major tension problems which went away with the more expensive threads. Now CT threads are fine again. This is probably an individual machine issue, though.
I like the weight and hand of their fabric, but it does shrink in the wash at different proportions in the warp and weft, that is, a square may wash up as a parallelogram. This is not an issue for me because I pre-wash every fabric (I have even pre-washed jelly rolls--please do not do this, it is insanely stupid and you will want to hit yourself if you do) but if you are planning to make anything that will ever be washed you might consider pre-washing CT fabrics.
I love the thread, too - esp the color selection. I mean, my LQS can only carry so much and seems to carry more quilting thread than piecing. I always choose a ET color for the bobbin when I'm quilting. I need to order some more gray and cream.
ReplyDeleteHave you seen all the precuts? And the prices?! WoW! I made a Wish List for my SIL for a book, which they often have marked down, and for solid, marbles and batik charm packs to sample the colors and see what I really want to buy later.
I like the thread too:)
ReplyDeleteI'm another that used CT thread and I love it. Love the color selection, love the price and love the amount you get for the price. I haven't run into any issues yet.
ReplyDeleteI love CT thread and fabric also. I've been using both for a few years now. You will love the new solid fabric, it feels and sews just like their other fabrics. I am also a member of Quilt With Us at CT. It's an online quilting community with over 100 different groups. I run 2 of the groups, "Scrap Bags" and In Love With Strings! Stop by and check out the groups. Oh almost forgot, they also offer free patterns.
ReplyDeleteI haven't bought their fabric, but I do use their thread and I like it. Especially for the price.
ReplyDeleteHuh . . . I guess my "secret" shop isn't actually a secret :) I love Connecting Threads! Their prices can't be beat and I totally stock up on their thread - although so far, I've only used it for hand applique. Also, I love it that you can "preview" quilt books - that feature alone has saved me some $$$! It's a great shop!
ReplyDeleteThey don't ship internationally which is shame.
ReplyDeleteI don't use cotton threads anymore because of the lint but am anxious to try out the new line of polyester threads at CT.
ReplyDeleteI've bought many CT fabrics; some great, others meh, all at a great price. Love the free shipping and they have good sales on their publications too!
I LOVE CT FOR ALL THE ABOVE REASONS!
ReplyDeleteMY BERNINA LIKES THE THREAD!
ANOTHER PLUS,QUILTERS,THEIR PRODUCTS ARE ALL MADE IN THE GREAT USA !
Love.love CT---their fabric is wonderful!!!
ReplyDeleteI have some of their thread as well and like it because it is a cheap thread for piecing. I don't use it for my longarming but should get a spool of that to try I guess. But what I wanted to say was a few years back they carried Essentials in variegated and I haven't seen it since...have you?
ReplyDeleteI am SO glad you wrote this post! I have been getting the CT catalogs for a long time and most of my thread stash is from them but I had never heard anyone I trusted say anything about them. It comforts me to know you also approve! I have yet to purchase any of their fabric but I think now I just might :) Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI have been using their thread and fabric for some time. I was forced into it for economical reasons ($9 + a yard for fabric is STEEP). I really enjoy the quality of both thread and fabric. I've made several quilts from both and been very pleased. I still buy the more expensive fabric but honestly theirs is very good quality and holds up WELL to washing and heavy use. Here is a quilt that goes on my bed made entirely from their fabric:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.flickr.com/photos/44502393@N03/4708946467/in/set-72157624170739681/
It's been washed several times and really holds up.
I'm a happy user of CT quilting threads, thanks to you. I've been piecing and machine quilting with it exclusively since you put me on to it and I love it. That's good news about their fabric - I will look forward to hearing more of your experience with it.
ReplyDeleteI have to agree. I am working on some quilts now and ordered the solids ...man oh man they really look beautiful. i bought kona cotton from another place and the hand is so soft for the ct fabrics! I also love quilting with the essential pro thread I just found them and wow. i'm still going strong on the 1st spool and i bought the adapter from their website as well.
ReplyDeleteI tried this thread as per your recommendation. I find it is very hairy, has some little blobs that require re-threading. I live in Ohio where their warehouse is and it takes at least 8 days, etc. to get a package to me. I have purchased a few pieces of their fabric...not impressed with the feel of it. Definitely not Moda quality. Can't beat their quilt Book prices when on Sale. I am a longarmer and you can't beat permacore thread, give it a try.
ReplyDeleteI love them too. Note about their customer service: I emailed them about thread breakage and they said they'd had a bad batch (few months ago). They immediately sent out replacement spools for my bad ones. Their service was personal, quick, etc. Excellent!
ReplyDeleteI love their thread as well and have never had a problem with it. =)
ReplyDeletethank you for your detailed description of Essential thread & CT's fabrics. While I haven't tried their thread or fabric yet, I do like how they mark their book selection 40% off periodicly.
ReplyDeleteI love connecting threads too. Their fabric is awesome and so reasonably priced. I use their thread first on my Brother and now on my Janome and haven't had any trouble - just don't have the bobbin be a different kind of thread - like from the fabric store they don't work too good together.
ReplyDeleteGreat post CrazyMom! I've never ordered from CT, but I ... wait, come to think of it, I don't get their catalog anymore -- I get their e-mails. It's a new century LOL!
ReplyDeletei live in Canada and use CT and they do ship to Canada. I love their thread and their sale section. I use the sale yardage for backing and have bought it as cheap at $2.25/yd. Never had a problem and am just gong to order more thread this week.
ReplyDeleteI am a fan of Connecting Threads. I love their prices. I get great service, and the fabric is US cotton. Their kits are great.
ReplyDeletethanks for posting about the thread. I did one last year. I love the thread! your right about what machines it will play well with. my cheap little work horse (singer) loves it. My quilting buddy's higher end machine does not. she gave me her small stash because of that. she didnt tell me what machine she has, but complained about the thread breaking. I dont have that problem. I recently ordered more thread and some fabric. the solids are a wee bit thin for my taste but it sews up great.
ReplyDeleteI, too, like their fabrics. I've never used the thread, but will give it a try. Personally, I think their customer service is AWESOME! My daughter saw an Easter bunny tablerunner in a catalog and asked me to make it, but when I tried to order it, they were all sold out. I called and one of the customer service reps literally "made" a kit for me out of the remaining fabrics available for the same price as the sale one. It was perhaps the cutest item I ever made and my kids love it. Thanks CT!
ReplyDeleteI've used their fabrics and threads for several years now and love them! I use their threads exclusively for piecing, and have just started using them on my mid-arm machine without any problems. The quilting looks lovely.
ReplyDeleteTheir fabrics are great, although I must say I don't often like their color tones. I'm excited about the batiks, and can't wait to try them!
Plus, I order almost all my quilting books from them. They post most of the quilt pictures from the books, which makes it much easier as to whether they're my "style" of quilt. I hate buying a book and finding the only quilt pattern I like was on the cover!!
I love connecting threads. The essential thread is a little linty in my machine so I want to try the new polyester thread. How does it quilt, does it look good? I need to just order one. Connecting Threads also has great prices on the batiks.
ReplyDeleteI like Connecting Threads, too, for all the same reasons stated above.
ReplyDeleteI haven't tried it. 1200 yards for $2.49 that's incredible. Incredible I tell you. Sometimes I think I live under a rock!lol! Why do I not know these things!? HAVE to give it a try now. Thanks for the info.
ReplyDeleteYay for a helpful review!! I have a hard time deciding on threads so it was nice to have help. They do have a great selection of colors. I have ordered their books which have great prices. Now I'm going to look at their threads and solids. Woo hoooooo!
ReplyDeleteSo glad that you endorse them. I never buy kits but on a lark I bought the Easy Does it kit on sale and it came out awesome. The Sweet Remembrance fabric line is really special. The red solid is a tomato color that's unique. I am totally wild about the apricot and aqua florals that came in the kit. Already planning more projects!
ReplyDeleteI love the essential pro for quilting on my Juki too. I usually have problems with breaking and this stuf is so nice and fine and strong. I also love that it is less bulky.
ReplyDeleteI love CT too. I'm working on a Christmas quilt that I got from them on the weekly special. I've had great luck with everything I've purchased. :)
ReplyDeleteI have used thousand of yards of Essential thread - love the color selection. Last year they had it on special for $1.99 a spool and I placed three orders all big enough that I got free shipping. I am glad you posted your comments about the PRO line. I have not tried it yet (I do not have a longarm), but next time I order I will get some to try.
ReplyDeleteI really like CT. The first time I ordered through them, I was hesitant given the low prices. I was concerned that the quality would be sub-par. My order confirmed my concerns unfounded! They also offer GREAT shipping prices to Canada!
ReplyDeleteThe only thing I don't like about CT is their pictures of the fabric on their website. Its hard to get a good feel for what the fabrics really look like.
BTW, I ordered the same colors as you did and am using it on a Joseph's Coat with a black background!
Take Care!
I love their thread, and I have lots of it. I found out about them from Quilt Taffy a couple of years ago and have been hooked ever since. Their fabrics are also very nice, and I like that they are made in the USA. Their batiks are gorgeous and some of the best prices I've seen.
ReplyDeleteThanks you so much for this post. I had been contemplating buying my thread from CT. I will give them a try as I am almost out of white myself :)
ReplyDeleteI love CT! I have been buying fabric and thread from them for a couple years. The shipping to Canada is the best deal around. Love their customer service.
ReplyDelete(If anyone knits, they have a sister company called knit picks.)
I’ve never commented before and I’m a regular visitor and huge admirer of your blog.I feel ashamed for not thanking you for all the inspiration and great tips yet .Anyway … I’ve been using CT cotton thread ever sense you’ve mentioned it in your post way back .I like the quality and price of course and I agree with you that CT thread is a bit thicker and tend to stand out .But when the quilt is washed , thread seems to sunk in and blend a bit ; so I’ve learned to be happy with it . Now I have to try the Essential PRO :)
ReplyDeleteThank you very much for everything!
Hi! I have been using their thread for years. I buy in bulk and ship over to the Middle East. I will try this 70 weight. One lady from TX was teaching a class and she blasted my thread! I also use it for hand quilting, machine piecing and machine quilting. I love it too but she said it was thick. I have a white one in my machine right now! CT also has some lovely and helpful video tutorials.
ReplyDeleteI just bought thread yesterday, and must have stood in the aisle for about half an hour, trying to choose one (I ended up buyin a few different ones to see if I notice a difference--I'll let you know how it goes!).
ReplyDeleteWhile I didn't read all the comments on this post, I was impressed with the number of positive ones - I'll have to give the Connecting Threads thread a try. Thanks for the recommendation!
ReplyDeleteI get their catalogs, but I have never ordered from them. I haven't read all of the comments either, but enough seem positive to give their products a try. Thanks for the good info!
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love the Essentials thread! I asked for a number of the sets for Christmas last year and it is great to have so many solid colors to choose from when quilting.
ReplyDeleteI have used it both as the top thread as well as in the bobbin, and in combination with many other threads, both expensive (i.e. King Tut) and inexpensive (i.e. Coats & Clark), and I've had no tension or breakage problems whatsoever. I do think that depends on the machine. I do all of my quilting on a Janome MC6600.
I use Connecting Threads on my Elna sewing machine and never have problems. I love their fabrics, so soft to the touch. Their prices are great and their sales even better. I love to buy books from CT because you can browse all of their books on line prior to making a purchase, & their 40% off book sales are a bargain. They ship quickly (to Texas). They also have a wonderful selection of batiks, get their catalog or go online--its a great company! So worth the money!!
ReplyDeleteBrenda C.
Texas
CT is THE place to go to view photos of the quilts that are INSIDE new quilt books. I love that option.
ReplyDeleteI have used it for years...on 3 different machines and been fine. I will admit I used it most on my Juki and Pfaff...but also used it some on the Viking and no problem with it on any of them.
ReplyDeleteIt was good to hear everyone likes the fabric, too, because I have not used it.
I have been a customer of CT for years now. Probably over 75% of the fabric in my sewing room comes from there. I have several kits waiting to be made - bought most of them on clearance for super prices. I use their thread on my Janome and have had no problems with it. I'm glad to see such a great review of CT.
ReplyDeletegreat fabric and notions and you cannot beat the prices even with exchange and duty to Canada I have used a few kits a just love how they have turned out and you have ampule fabric for the project annette
ReplyDeleteI too bought the essential pro as soon as it came out. It works great on my Brother 1500. I love it so much more than their cotton thread which I also happen to think is pretty thick.
ReplyDeleteI shop with them all the time. Fabulous prices on books too, at least compared to the prices here in Canada. I have just ordered some thread to give it a try!
ReplyDeleteIt's nice to see someone review CT rather than "hyping" the big name companies. I have been using Essential threads on all 3 of my machines - usually get the cones. I just ordered the PRO line and anxious to try them. I don't have a longarm, but I think they will be great with FMQ - and what a collection of colors. I hope they come out with some lovely varigated. And I have always been please with their fabrics and their kits are more than generous with amount of fabrics. And like you said, the price supports quilting and quilters.
ReplyDeleteI have been using CThread for 2-3 years now with no complaints in either my Janome table-top machine or a mid/long-arm machine. I like the vast colour selection, the price and the service. I have trouble keeping the cellophane with the name/code for the colour tucked inside each spool (for reordering purposes) but that's the only downside.
ReplyDeleteI loved reading your comments because I've been curious about CT. The cheap fabric at Joann's makes me angry when I've used it (ridiculous fading, scratchy material, etc.) and I was nervous about CT being the same since it's so cheap. Doesn't seem to be the case. Cool!
ReplyDeleteHoly cow! I've been checking out connecting threads for months now and not five minutes ago filled my basket and hit submit! So I'm waiting for a bunch of charm packs to come my way. I also bought one spool of thread (just to try it out). It's just funny the one day I finally decide to jump for it and order from them and then I read this. Yay!
ReplyDeleteThanks fr the great info. I will have to look into them.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your review. I notices that you mentioned polyester vs. cotton. What is the difference? I use both!
ReplyDeleteAlso - I stopped at week five of your recent quilt along. I just picked it up again this weekend and am nearly finished with the quilt top! I love it. I will be posting soon about it!
Just took a look at my red scrap quilt which I quilted with their thread and have washed over and over. There's no bleeding onto the white sections that I could find.
ReplyDeleteDoesn't mean it's never bled for anyone else, but that's my experience for what it's worth.
Love your gingham, by the way!
I love Connecting Threads. I just received my yearly purchase of thread. I love to admire all the spools of color! I have never used any of their fabric, but this time I did buy packs of charms to try. The colors are great, and the quality seems comparable to my LQS.
ReplyDeleteSame problem as Knitpicks - they don't post to the UK. Shame!
ReplyDeleteWow! Thanks for this post on Connecting Threads! I am checking them out now....!
ReplyDeleteOK, I have not read all the posts, but most that I have read are quite pleased with the thread from Connecting Threads. I jumped on the band wagon quite a while ago... I have lots of colors in Essential thread. It is not something I would use on my longarm, but it works OK for most projects that don't require resilience. I was stitching on denim making a flat seam. The first line was straight stitching and I had no problem, but when I switched to zig zag to tack down the raw edge, every inch or two the thread would break. After many breaks I switched to another thread brand and I had no more thread breaks... which means I will have to be selective what I use all these Essential colors for that I have left. I probably will not order any more. I like Connecting Threads as a company, but their Essential threads now gets a thumbs down from this sewing room.
ReplyDeleteI too am a big fan of Connecting threads thread, and of course they have great prices on their quilt books and you can see what is inside the books before you buy. Lets you know if you really want to spend the money or not. I like connecting threads a lot and would recommend highly for their thread! Lizzie
ReplyDeleteIt was great to read your comments on Connecting Threads. I just ordered quite a few pre-cuts on their Cyber Monday sale and can't wait to get them. I didn't buy any thread but I will try it on my next order.
ReplyDeleteI have every color of cotton Essential thread they make, and I love it. I use it on my midarm quilter and never have problems with it. I just ordered some of their new longarm thread last week and am anxiously waiting for it to come. I also have tons of their fabric, use it all the time. You can't beat the prices at Connecting Threads.
ReplyDeleteI just made an order based on your FAQ. I love it for piecing but it breaks something horrible in my Janome during free motion quilting. I think I will try the poly thread next.
ReplyDeleteGood to know about the red, I got a spool of that!
thanks for the review.
I love them too! Shipping is very affordable as well to Canada. I LOVE the prices and the new selections. I find the thread to shed more than Coats and Clark so I do need to vaccuum out my machine much more often. But yeah - took me a LONG LONG time to run out!
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Monika in Saskatoon
I do like connecting thread products- I have bought some fabrics and batting as well as thread and books. The prices are good - even to Canada where I live and the shipping is a fair price.
ReplyDeleteThey also have a forum called Quilt with us and there is no cost to join.
I belong to a couple of their groups and have met some quilters that live in my area. It is a good company to deal with too.
Regards ,
Anna
Use it and love it!! Love CT fabric too! I love that their threads match their fabric perfectly!
ReplyDeleteI also love the cotton thread but struggled with lint and breakage while doing FMQ - finally went to an embroidery needle and life was good. The lint I can live with
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