Hi Cuties, Paula brought up an interesting question about your favourite sewing tool- this leads me to the suggestion to put together our best self-made helpers or time&money-savers.
I want to open this with a substitute for
the very good but expensive omnigrid
ruler.
The original ruler costs about 15 Euro
(plus delivery)-
but I use a simple item from school
equipment, a geometry triangle instead. The
largest version costs 3 - 4 Euro and has
(better than omnigrid) a handle
attached.
But by the way, Prym have very useful tips
on their website- maybe you want to take a
look.
http://www.dritz.com/projects/quilt
...
The second tip is for a thimble.
I spent a lot of money to find the right
one, but my hands are getting dead when
using one of the commercial ones of metal,
plastic or porcellain.
So I tried a bulky ring made from leather
(was clover brand I think)- worked, but 8
bucks for that was unbelievable.
I made a template from paper, cut this from
thick leather scraps and glued and pressed
the sides together (trick: while wearing
it).
This was the first thimble which was
fitting and fun to work with.
Maybe you have an unusual item in use (such
as hairclips for the quilt binding).
I am looking forward to your tips and
ideas!
19745 I use the tiny knit pony tail holders to cove my bobbins and keep them from unwinding. I use matching colors to the thread so its easy to decide which one you need. I also use the outside from a thin point marker that I removed the insides from. I use it when I am using aan extra tall spoll of thread to keep it in place when it is unwinding. No need for the expensive wire thread holder extender. Look forward to reading these post. Great question. thanks for asking.
by evajungermann 01 Sep 2009
Have to try the point marker tip
urgently.
The only reason for staying with my machine
while it is LOUDly working is to watch the
thread. It never! curles up while watching
it, but immediately when I left the room.
Could you explain how to install it to the
desk/machine?
Worn out needles I collect in a separate
box too- some of them for use with unusual
material (to mark paper templates for
example) and to protect the wild animals
when thrown away.
(last week I found a hedgehog wearing a
McDonalds plastic Flurry-ice-cream-collar
with paper cup attached. He was stucked in
it, blind and surely would have starved
this way- poor darling.)
by nonmusicmom 01 Sep 2009
My machine has 2 spool pins I have the marken on the back pin the one I use the most when winding bobbbins. The thin line markers are thin enough that the just slide right over the thread pin and it stays in place for me.
6799 Eva, this is my 'self-made' helper that I can't do without. It's just a small mirror on an icypole stick (lollypop stick or whatever you call it). I use it to see how much bobbin thread is left without removing the hoop, it saves me time. I just slide it under the hoop with the mirror facing down, then angle it over the clear cover of the bobbin, and hey presto, I can see if I need to change the bobbin! Love and hugs sweetie, and have a terrific day/night.
by evajungermann 01 Sep 2009
This is brilliant!
I hate this alarm and panic when bobbin
ends unexpected.
13092 I have a pair of longnose plyers of which my Dad filed the grooves off to make it smooth. That I use when I undo sts to take hold of the piece of cotton and pull it out. I find it very handy and keeps it with my unpick.
by evajungermann 01 Sep 2009
I have such plyers too (from my grandpa)
and it was a hard choice if this
wouldn't be my favorite sewing
accessorie.
I love this when it comes to machine
applique but most, when the threader of my
machine failures service.
5291 I use the scotch tape too. I put a little piece on threadspool as I'm finished with the thread, to avoid the thread gets off the spool.Scotch tape is easily to remove and does not leave glue on the thread, I hope you know what I mean by this use.
by evajungermann 01 Sep 2009
YES! Scotch tape is a brand available in
germany too and what I love about it: you
can write on it.
At the moment I am working on a
applique-quilt-poem-project and have
stitched out about 12 blocks, 6 to follow-
sometimes I have to make a longer break so
I forgot which designs (they are very
similar autum leaves)I had already used. I
glue it to my design board (this I call my
wardrobe while having an ongoing
project...) and label the blocks with
scotch tape with the design number written
on it.
Not sure if it leaves glue after 6 month
hanging there..... unfinished ;-)))
64720 Love the thimble idea. I would add a piece
of thick felt or additional leather to pad
the area of the thimble where I pushed.
This would help keep the needle from
puncturing the leather and hopefully make
it last longer. I have a wonderful
purchased one my MIL found for me several
years ago and I've never seen another
like it. I have large fingers (I think)
and have a difficult time finding a
commercial thimble that fits correctly.
GREAT TIP
by evajungermann 01 Sep 2009
Very true! These quilting needles (named
SHARPS.... could have given me a
clue....ouch!) are sharp at the other end
too and love to pick through. I was
wondering for a metal inlay from the
screw-underlay-equipment-whatsit.
Washer!
Yes, I will put in a little washer next
time.
Thanks! Great!
2018 cleaver idea..........thanks now if I can make one that will come out right. Ha ha
21958 this is a photo of the thimble template
by jacquipaul 31 Aug 2009
Merci beaucoup; cute little template. Sadly
I had already bought one.
*4u!
Jacqueline
by marjialexa 31 Aug 2009
Very clever, Eva, I have some scrap leather, think I'll try it. A custom made thimble might actually get worn! Hugs, Marji
by 19745 I have found that people who sew (any form) have an insight to find uses for other products and also to invent or create something...It is that inspiration that has made millions of dollars for people and an example of that for one is Velcro..Sometimes we have to think outside the box...Great posting Question..*
6058 
2642 This is probably not a new idea, but I can't live with the low tack scotch tape I keep near my machine. I use it to clean up all of the little bits of thread and fuzz that accumulates on my fabric especially when I have to take out some stitches. It prevents little bits of thread or fuzz from getting into the machine and causing problems.
1472 When I do just about any kind of hand stitching (hemming or shortening garments) I use an old cutting board. The one I have is soooo old, but it makes the perfect "desk" when I want to watch TV and cut the hem off a skirk or pants.
450 
16430
I use an empty mint tin to put broken needles in instead of throwing them in the garbage can. Just be sure a small child doesn't get hold of it. I also use a thread stand that is used for cone thread for my embroidery thread it feeds off great.Cheaper than the fancy thread wire thing.