I just finished piecing a very large quilt top (for a full sized bed; finished at 88" x 78" before the outer border, so + 4" on each direction, so I guess it is 92" x 82") that had a lot of piecing to it, so I know I need to clean my machine before I start quilting, but another question is, I switched my needle for a denim needle so I can do some place mats out of denim before I start actually quilting the quilt top; when I finish the place mats, should I put back the needle I took out? Or go ahead and switch to a new needle??
I have had the machine since August, and have done this top, quilted a baby quilt, pieced & quilted a Christmas Tree skirt, and done a few small things on it. The needle seems to still be fine, but is this a good time to go ahead and switch? Or put this one back, quilt with it, then switch to a new needle after that?
What is the general guideline on things like this???
I do have quilting specific needles, too; should I put one of those in for doing the quilting, and *then* put back the old needle??? How long is a needle usually good for? (eek, terrible grammar; sorry!)
Thanks for your tips!