Now I know why I do raw edge applique. One heart down and I'm going to have to read through this thread for all your good advice. Hats off to those who've done all the house and tree applique.

Thx, I've been a sucker for fabric, I hope this non-fabric buying year will increase some of the range of techniques , maybe find a new favourite.

I just watched Show 1511 with Laura Fraga. She had lots of good applique tips and recommends size 12 needles.

Have fun, Terrie and enjoy all your goodies! I just got the Perfect Circles (smaller set) in the mail and used them and they were wonderful to work with. Because the Tulip milliners needles were so great to do appliqué with, I went back and purchased a few more sizes and the embroidery as well as their appliqué needles (just to see how they differ from the milliners). It's always nice to play with some new basic tools and find something that really works and makes it a joy to quilt.

Make sure to show off your trees when they're done!

Now, I better go applique my trees, since I'm leaving the windows for another day - when I get my glue!

Well, Rita, Renata: I just spent $80US ( and the Cdn $ is down, really down! )
However, it's fun to buy stuff, especially since my New Year's Resolution was not to buy more fabric, only tools, thread, etc. So, thanks for the info. I got the glue stick like Rita, (with refills)and the needles and the Perfect Circles, both sizes and the ovals too, since I've been looking at them for ages. I stopped at ordering myself or some of you nice ladies each a magnetic needle holder.

And, Wendy, I do think the rooster has your name on it!

If it helps anyone, the price I paid for the Tulip needles at my LQS was exactly the same as advertised by Piece O Cake that Rita mentioned in her post. I also read their shipping policy and it looks like they really go out of their way to be helpful to international customers. For US customers, domestic shipping rates apply and those are reasonable.

Thanks,Rita, thanks Renata.

I googled 'Tulip Milliners Needles' and ended up on the 'Piece O Cake' website where they sell them at what seems like a reasonable price. They also have the glue-pen that I use Terrie. But what was particularly refreshing for me was when I read their shipping information. If you are ordering from anywhere but the USA they are very helpful. They also have a really cute collection of magnetic brooches which can hold your needle or small scissors on you while you work. Wendy, there's even one of a rooster.

I think they are called "straw" because milliners needles were also used to stitch straw hats (another thing of the past...).

Just looked up Tulip needles. The milliners' needles say 'straw' Now, maybe this is a dumb question, but does that mean they are made from straw?

Oh yay! Thank you Renata for letting me know. I will definitely look for the big eye needles!

JoJo, I just got back from the quilt shop to pick up more Tulip needles of different types to try and the appliqué needle comes in two types: one with the large eye and one with the normal eye. In fact, I opted for the #10 with large eye. The box will say #10 Big Eye. It was by chance that I saw it.

A great big thank you to Renata and Rita and other who helped out on this one. Renata, no need to apologize for 'tardy' responses. This is an International forum, plus, I wasn't expecting a lightening-fast response. Thanks very much. Rita, thanks for the pics. Thanks to everyone who gave a tip or comment.

I like the tip about the basting glue. I have shied away from that, but may try it. I would go out today to see if I can buy those milliner's needles, but it's -22C today, and I have lots of the quilting stuff to do - inside!.

BTW my grandfather was a milliner! Growing up as a child, we had load of felt hat forms, (not pressed yet.) Ribbons, buttons, feathers, etc. I still have some of those buttons, and those old fashioned hat boxes. I guess as ladies stopped wearing hats so much, and he got older, the business just faded away.