Quilting Tools

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Title: QUILTERS TOOLS
Post by: golo on December 30, 2007, 12:47:55 AM

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We
all pretty much use the rotary cutter and board, but does anyone have
any special tools they use to make things easier... I made myself a
pressing stick from wood which comes in handy for pressing seams as I
am sewing... What do you have that make something easier in the
quilting world??? :santa_huh: check out a good segment at
www.quilterstv.com on some new tools to use....

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Title: Re: QUILTERS TOOLS
Post by: quiltermarynel on December 30, 2007, 02:50:54 AM

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One
tool that I use for every quilt I make is the June Taylor "Shape Cut",
which has slices at 1/2" intervals to guide my cutting. It is really
great for making a bunch of strips without moving the ruller
constantly. There is a 1/4" one too, but it does not work as well,
since the narrow plastic strips tend to wobble, defeating the whole
purpose.

A non-standard tool that I like is a binder clip. I
got DH to screw up a few in my sewing room. I can hang a block that I
have completed or a section of a paper piecing project, to restrain it
from base jumping into the mess on the floor.

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Title: Re: QUILTERS TOOLS
Post by: BearFoot on December 30, 2007, 03:03:46 AM

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I
have a wooden wallpaper roller that is used to smooth seams when
hanging wallpaper, that I use to press seams instead of finger pressing
or using the iron. Sometimes saves steps moving between the sewing
machine and the ironing board. I need my stiletto too to get my seams
to feed the way I want them to.

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Title: Re: QUILTERS TOOLS
Post by: quiltermarynel on December 30, 2007, 03:12:13 AM

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Thanks. I like the idea of the wallpaper roller. I'll ask the DH if we still have one.

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Title: Re: QUILTERS TOOLS
Post by: Pawstoquilt on December 30, 2007, 01:39:57 PM

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I
LOVE BINDER CLIPS!!!! Couldn't get by without them. Esp. like them
for holding strips that are measured and cut for Log Cabins.

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Title: Re: QUILTERS TOOLS
Post by: QBee - Mary Ann on December 30, 2007, 04:10:09 PM

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Binder clips!
Yes!! My design board is flannel covered foam insulation board. I have
3 BIG binder clips at the top, with the back part of the silver clip
folded open. That's how I hang it on removable hooks on the wall. I
also used binder clips to clip the backing to the table when I was
doing pin pasting. My two must-haves (well, three if we count the seam
ripper :santa_wink: ) are my finely pointed long tweezers and my dearly loved Havel's SnipEze. QBee- Mary Ann

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Title: Re: QUILTERS TOOLS
Post by: breezepines2002 on January 21, 2008, 03:10:42 PM

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well
today I made an addition to my tools, I took an old lazy susan from the
garage, still in good shape but gathering dust and glued a cutting
board to the top after cutting it to fit, presto a rotating cutting
board, now I can cut small projects and trim with out moving or
disturbing the material, really works great..bonnie

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Title: Re: QUILTERS TOOLS
Post by: golo on January 21, 2008, 03:28:57 PM

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Smart going, bonnie... thats how my DH made mine... slick!!!! ;)

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Title: Re: QUILTERS TOOLS
Post by: Pawstoquilt on January 21, 2008, 05:05:24 PM

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I
like the wooden skewers for pushing seams thru s. machine--if I hit one
doesn't break the needle >:(. Never thought about a little wall
paper roller--that's a really good idea :D.
Ummmmmm..........may just have one in the old summer kitchen..........gonna check (when it gets warmer).

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Title: Re: QUILTERS TOOLS
Post by: masufa on January 21, 2008, 06:22:38 PM

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I use small BINDER CLIPS to hold my binding on while sewing.

Flannel
Board.... I have sliding closet doors in my sewing room and I took them
off and covered them with flannel then rehung works great, I also glued
a cloth measuring tape down one side of one door.

Masufa

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Title: Re: QUILTERS TOOLS
Post by: quiltermarynel on January 21, 2008, 11:17:25 PM

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Masufa, that's a great way to have your flannel board.

What I use for holding binding is hair clips. The are the same as the speciality clips sold for quilters, but much cheaper.

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Title: Re: QUILTERS TOOLS
Post by: masufa on January 22, 2008, 01:31:39 AM

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Yes,
I know the clips you are talking about they work well also. I use
binder clips for everything I buy the plastic bowls that have a variety
of sizes in them sometimes you can find them at Big Lots for 3.00. I
use them to hold the sheets over the tomato plants when there is a
freeze warning, and to close potato chip bags, for sewing projects,
like holding pieces of fabric together for projects, I can clip
template patterns to the magazine so I have everything together. I have
to say that is one of my favorite tools.

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Title: Re: QUILTERS TOOLS
Post by: Pawstoquilt on January 22, 2008, 07:27:25 AM

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The
uses for binder clips is endless--there should be a book. The little
ones also work well to mark pages (with quilt patterns of course) in
magazines. They rate right up there with post-it notes and duct tape
;D ;D.

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Title: Re: QUILTERS TOOLS
Post by: missmommy on January 22, 2008, 08:04:54 AM

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Did
anyone mention blue painters' tape? And removable tape (made by 3M)
for fixing torn paper piecing patterns (if you tear it when
ripping)...you can sew right through it and it won't gum up the
needle.

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Title: Re: QUILTERS TOOLS
Post by: Pawstoquilt on January 22, 2008, 08:10:05 AM

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Missmommy--I have never seen blue painters tape--I know Bearfoot also uses it.
Is it in the "paint" dept. at Wallyworld?

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Title: Re: QUILTERS TOOLS
Post by: TxMaryQuilts on January 22, 2008, 09:21:05 AM

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Yes,
the blue painters tape is in the paint dept. It has a lower tack than
other tapes and originally was designed to tape off areas when you are
painting. It won't pull the paint off when you remove it.

Of course now that quilters are discovering it, it has a whole new purpose in life.

You
can "stack" it next to your needle as a seam guide. Mark grids on a
quilt for quilting, tape patterns together, place over DH's mouth if he
complains about fabric purchases..............

Good stuff ;D

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Title: Re: QUILTERS TOOLS
Post by: Pawstoquilt on January 22, 2008, 09:41:57 AM

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Quote from: TxMaryQuilts on January 22, 2008, 09:21:05 AM
place over DH's mouth if he complains about fabric purchases..............

Good stuff ;D


Could make it worth the price!!!

Ya know they will soon color it pink--and raise the price--and sell it in the QS ::) ::).

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Title: Re: QUILTERS TOOLS
Post by: finisher on January 22, 2008, 09:43:30 AM

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LOL Mary..when DH complains about things..I'd need duct tape! Painter's tape doesn't stick as well. ;)

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Title: Re: QUILTERS TOOLS
Post by: Merry Bee on January 22, 2008, 01:27:55 PM

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And then Finisher, he could not complain about you stealing his duct tape.

What
are binding clips? I feel like a clueless ditz for asking. Are they
those big clips you pinch to put stacks of paper together?

Title: Re: QUILTERS TOOLS
Post by: Pawstoquilt on January 22, 2008, 01:31:13 PM

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Yes they are Merry Bee but.......you can get them in all sizes and even in colors.
I usually use the small ones.

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Title: Re: QUILTERS TOOLS
Post by: breezepines2002 on January 22, 2008, 07:04:26 PM

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another
great tool is ---out in my husband's tool box was a metal dish with a
magnet on the bottom, they use it in the garage for nuts and bolts etc,
I grabbed one and cleaned it up really good and presto,,great dish for
my straight pins,, they stand right up in it and they are easy to grab
when pinning things together.. bonnie

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Title: Re: QUILTERS TOOLS
Post by: missmommy on January 23, 2008, 07:40:46 AM

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Paws
- We don't have WallyWorld here in NY. I buy it at places like Home
Depot , Sears and Lowes. But I'm pretty sure you can get it in any
paint dept. If you can't find it, let me know and I'll send you a
roll.

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Title: Re: QUILTERS TOOLS
Post by: Pawstoquilt on January 23, 2008, 07:47:07 AM

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Missmommy--thank you sooo much. No Walmart in NY--WOW--thought they were every where.
Yea--we have Lowes, Menards etc. I'll check it out.

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Title: Re: QUILTERS TOOLS
Post by: missmommy on January 23, 2008, 10:09:05 AM

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Paws, we have Walmarts but not WallyWorld - or is that what you call WalMart?

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Title: Re: QUILTERS TOOLS
Post by: TxMaryQuilts on January 23, 2008, 10:27:58 AM

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Missmommy, LOL, that is what we call Walmart. Don't know why but we do ;D

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Title: Re: QUILTERS TOOLS
Post by: Pawstoquilt on January 23, 2008, 11:02:51 AM

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Quote from: missmommy on January 23, 2008, 10:09:05 AM
Paws, we have Walmarts but not WallyWorld - or is that what you call WalMart?


Missmommy--I'm
sorry!!!! Guess that's what everyone calls it around here. Thought it
was strange you didn't have Walmart--everybody in the world has Walmart
;D ;D ;D .

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Title: Re: QUILTERS TOOLS
Post by: missmommy on January 23, 2008, 11:29:40 AM

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Duh!
Now don't I look dumb! I asked a bunch of people here at work if
they've ever been to a Wallyworld....and they all said no...never heard
of it. So that's definitely not a NY word.

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Title: Re: QUILTERS TOOLS
Post by: Pawstoquilt on January 23, 2008, 11:32:44 AM

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WHO HOO Missmommy--bet you hear it now!!!

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Title: Re: QUILTERS TOOLS
Post by: golo on January 23, 2008, 12:04:08 PM

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We
call it Wallyworld in North Dakato toooooo.... but we have a local
grocery store in town called Wally's and we referr to that as
Wallyworld also.... ;)

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Title: Re: QUILTERS TOOLS
Post by: missmommy on January 23, 2008, 12:58:42 PM

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Quote from: TxMaryQuilts on January 22, 2008, 09:21:05 AM
, place over DH's mouth if he complains about fabric purchases..............

Good stuff ;D


I wish! I for one would recommend Krazy Glue for this.

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Title: Re: QUILTERS TOOLS
Post by: redwork on January 23, 2008, 01:08:09 PM

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Hi Finisher
Thats sounds like a good idea to use the tape.
I
would like to know where Toledo you are located if you wish to share.
I was wondering if you like to meet a location and talk about
quilting. Remember me I live in Monclova Ohio
Thanks Sue

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Title: Re: QUILTERS TOOLS
Post by: Pawstoquilt on January 23, 2008, 01:31:50 PM

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Quote from: missmommy on January 23, 2008, 12:58:42 PM
Quote from: TxMaryQuilts on January 22, 2008, 09:21:05 AM
, place over DH's mouth if he complains about fabric purchases..............

Good stuff ;D


I wish! I for one would recommend Krazy Glue for this.


LOL.........UHOOOO...are we having a bad day ;D ;D ;D !!!!!

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Title: Re: QUILTERS TOOLS
Post by: TxMaryQuilts on January 23, 2008, 04:01:07 PM

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House
has been quiet for two weeks. DH out of town. When he came home for the
weekend it was such a transformation. As in instant chaos.

The
dog acts up, the phone starts ringing (how does everyone know he is
back ??? ) Dh is is talking to himself in the kitchen, walks around
singing, annoying DD. It is unbelievable.

Oldest DD went with us
shopping Sat. afternoon and called me Sunday. She said "Mom, I forgot
how tiring it is to hang around Dad. He never stops moving and
talking!" (She doesn't live at home any more) I just laughed.

My third child will never grow up. There isn't enough tape or glue in the world to quiet that man. ::)

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Title: Re: QUILTERS TOOLS
Post by: Merry Bee on January 23, 2008, 04:23:50 PM

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I
remember you saying he would be out of town, and I know what you mean
about having a DH talking to you, but I guess we are lucky, at least
they are speaking. Many DHs, I understand, only grunt occasionally.
;)

You are a patient woman to home school a teenage
daughter. DD was in band, it was her life, they were her elite &
exclusive group. She would not have liked me very much if I had home
schooled her, since music was, is still, her life. (I can play the
radio, and that's it.)

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Title: Re: QUILTERS TOOLS
Post by: BearFoot on January 23, 2008, 04:39:06 PM

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I
always call WalMart, Wallyworld...or the Zoo...depending on what time
of day I have to go there (which is always under protest and duress! ;D)
I
can appreciate what you had to say about your DH, TxMary...when mine is
out of town it is sooooo quiet and everything runs so smoothly...no
dishes in the sink, no mess in the family room, to excess laundry
falling out of the basket (at least till he gets home)...even when he
just goes to work for the day it gets really quiet around the house and
peaceful. When he gets home though....whooooeeeeee. Noise, noise,
noise...TV blaring, clothes everywhere, dishes multiplying in the
kitchen and if he cooks dinner (he likes to cook, but hates to clean
up)...then the kitchen looks like a food war zone! He starts yelling
at the dog the minute he walks in the door (and the dog he insisted I
get...and who is well behaved and good company...doesn't know what to
do...so she spends her evenings outside until I go to bed then she
follows me up there). When he decides to start yelling at me...he gets
to spend his evening alone and I get to sew! ;D Sounds really bad when
I type it out...LOL...it isn't that bad!

Tomorrow is the sewing
Expo here in Phoenix. I get to spend the whole day immersed in
shopping for sewing "stuff" I can't wait! I let you know how it goes
tomorrow! :)

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Title: Re: QUILTERS TOOLS
Post by: Merry Bee on January 23, 2008, 04:48:18 PM

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Be
sure to get plenty of stuff, BearFoot, you never know when you will
need those things. I wish I could be there, too. But this is good
weather to just stay in the house. For north Texans, 43 is cold, and
it is a wet cold, too. We are up to wearing sweatshirts and hoodies.
Maybe I should have come to Phoenix, after all. Have fun!

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Title: Re: QUILTERS TOOLS
Post by: missmommy on January 23, 2008, 07:05:52 PM

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Quote from: Pawstoquilt on January 23, 2008, 01:31:50 PM
Quote from: missmommy on January 23, 2008, 12:58:42 PM
Quote from: TxMaryQuilts on January 22, 2008, 09:21:05 AM
, place over DH's mouth if he complains about fabric purchases..............

Good stuff ;D


I wish! I for one would recommend Krazy Glue for this.


LOL.........UHOOOO...are we having a bad day ;D ;D ;D !!!!!


You
could say that. DH will be gone Mon through Wed on business. It'll be
like be on vacation here! I think I will take off from work Tue and
Wed. ;D

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Title: Re: QUILTERS TOOLS
Post by: Merry Bee on January 23, 2008, 08:17:48 PM

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Way to go, missmommy! Two days off just for you sounds like a good thing!

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Title: Re: QUILTERS TOOLS
Post by: golo on January 23, 2008, 08:48:54 PM

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Oh, it would be sooooo wonderful to have me time for two whole days... lucky you missmommy.

I
bought two storage units today, one a tall shelving unit and one 4
drawer unit... going to redo the my all my quilting supplies... Hope
this helps for awhile... :D

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Title: Re: QUILTERS TOOLS
Post by: missmommy on January 25, 2008, 07:37:13 AM

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Yes, DH could drive a sane woman mad...Imagine what he could do to an insane one like me?
Today
he said why don't you come along? Bring my Janome gem, etc - enjoy the
hotel's facilities, meals, etc. Tempting BUT I think I'll stay home.
Besides, I'd have to get a cat sitter and call out sick for 3 days...

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Title: Re: QUILTERS TOOLS
Post by: tlcquiltnut on February 06, 2008, 11:20:15 AM

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Ok
pig tail ladies , ;D ;) my favorite tool is very simple, but a must
have for me if i am marking diagonal lines .....a very fine roller ink
pen. You can see it on almost everything, except black of coarse. But
right not have to mark and cant find it!!!! >:(
Paws the skewers work well to and cant find that either.....am I losing my stuff or my mind....? tlcquiltnut

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Title: Re: QUILTERS TOOLS
Post by: missmommy on February 06, 2008, 11:40:14 AM

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I don't know who waid this but I love it!

"Of all the things I've ever lost, I miss my mind the most."

Title: Re: QUILTERS TOOLS
Post by: Merry Bee on February 07, 2008, 05:44:21 PM

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I
posted this on another thread, but it belongs here. When I rip out a
long row of stitches, I wrap my hand with wide masking tape and brush
off all the little strings. It also cleans backs of quilts before
making sandwich. I hate to rip, hate to pick off threads. But the
masking tape must be hidden with the good scissors or your DH will try
to keep it with his stuff.

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Title: Re: QUILTERS TOOLS
Post by: BearFoot on February 07, 2008, 06:23:46 PM

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I
use one of those lint brushes that you wash off after use to clean my
tiny threads off. I have used the masking tape before too...it works
good.

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Title: Re: QUILTERS TOOLS
Post by: Schnookie on April 23, 2008, 07:14:33 PM

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OMG
I had just bought one of the Sew Essentials from Joann's and gave it to
my DD...now looking at the package before I was going to throw it away
it stated WARNING: This product contains [b]a Chemical known to the State of California to cause cancer[/b]....Now
what kind of )(&*&^&%#$^&^)(*&^ :tickedoff: is
that! How can they sell things that cause caner??? You can bet I will
read the packages from top to bottom and front to back completely from
now on! This is an FYI for you all!

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Title: Re: QUILTERS TOOLS
Post by: Pawstoquilt on April 23, 2008, 07:16:55 PM

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What is it Schnookie????? And what's it for??????????

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Title: Re: QUILTERS TOOLS
Post by: Schnookie on April 24, 2008, 01:15:08 AM

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Oh
no I was so mad I forgot to tell you what it was. I is a Teflon
Pressing Sheet Says "Protect Your iron & Ironing Board from Fusible
Web Residue"...What about protecting us the people by not making such a
thing. I had know idea that it could cause cancer...there is so much
out there that is bad for us and people just keep pushing good for but
not good for you stuff, to help our everyday lives. Well, I am glad I
read the package, I am going to get it back from DD and throw it out.
I will have to find out where it can go, I am sure it is good for the
landfill either!

Sorry, I got so upset and forgot to tell everyone...we have had our lives touched by the horrible disease in more than one way.
Schnookie

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Title: Re: QUILTERS TOOLS
Post by: finisher on April 24, 2008, 08:10:53 AM

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Schnookie..I'm
shocked that they sell something labeled as being cancer causing! Try
using good old parchment paper. It does the same thing as the teflon
sheet.

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Title: Re: QUILTERS TOOLS
Post by: Schnookie on April 24, 2008, 10:29:19 AM

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Well
you got me sold, I will pick up some Parchment paper, do you buy it in
the sheet form or roll? Where is the best place to purchase it?

I
was shocked too! Now I am wondering just how many things I already have
around my home that is known to be cancer causing

Thanks Finisher for the tip!

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Title: Re: QUILTERS TOOLS
Post by: golo on April 24, 2008, 10:34:33 AM

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YOu should be able to get the parchment paper in your grocery story..in a roll... or a cake decorating isle...

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Title: Re: QUILTERS TOOLS
Post by: Schnookie on April 24, 2008, 11:37:34 AM

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Thanks Golo, I am off to the store today got to figure out something for dinner first then off I go...hi ho hi ho

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Title: Re: QUILTERS TOOLS
Post by: finisher on April 24, 2008, 02:53:16 PM

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I
just got home from the grocery store. I didn't need parchment paper but
i checked to see if they had it. They did. In with the Saran wrap..and
foil...that sort of stuff. It comes in that same sort of box and was
$3.99.

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Title: Re: QUILTERS TOOLS
Post by: QBee - Mary Ann on April 24, 2008, 03:46:51 PM

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About
the parchment paper - I know there's something about not all parchment
paper being equal, but I can't remember what it is! :1087: Is it
coated maybe? Anyhow - the fusible will stick to some
kinds and not others. Maybe someone else knows the scoop about this?
Mary Ann

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Title: Re: QUILTERS TOOLS
Post by: Merry Bee on April 24, 2008, 04:15:47 PM

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I
use it on my pressing board because the fabric is scorched. I like to
put a fresh piece of tracing paper or parchement paper on it
occasionally. The gridded fabric wore out soon after I bought the
pressing board/cutting board.

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Title: Re: QUILTERS TOOLS
Post by: Schnookie on May 03, 2008, 09:44:39 PM

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DH
went to a sale today and he came home with a (That Patchwork Place,
Inc. BiRangle) it was $8 and he got it for $2...good buy I guess
nice that he bought it but I have no idea how to even start
to use it, and for what type of block would I use it for? very

Does anyone know anything about the use of this wonderful thing?
Schnookie

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Title: Re: QUILTERS TOOLS
Post by: golo on May 03, 2008, 09:54:24 PM

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http://www.stitchandcrafts.com/shop/ccp0-prodshow/notion3.html

they had a Birangle ruler ...maybe it will explaine :afro:

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Title: Re: QUILTERS TOOLS
Post by: Schnookie on May 03, 2008, 10:32:37 PM

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OH
Golo to the rescue...Thanks Golo but all it said was "Use this handy
cutting guide to accurately cut pre-assembled bias rectangles" What
are bias rectangles used for...I know blocks but what kind of
blocks...have you used bias rectangles before? I think I have only
done thing like 4 patch, nine patch, and the stars that we have done.
Not very knowledgeable huh!

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Title: Re: QUILTERS TOOLS
Post by: BearFoot on May 03, 2008, 10:58:33 PM

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Quote from: Schnookie on May 03, 2008, 09:44:39 PM
Does anyone know anything about the use of this wonderful thing?

I
have one at home that I think I have the book for (there were a couple
of books that used this tool) When i get home, I will look them up for
you...sorry I can't be more help til then though.
I think some of
the Angle Play Books by Margaret J. Miller use the 1/2 rectangles that
the Birangle makes (although I think she uses templates, but the same
idea)

I found these websites for you to check out though
http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/cr_quilting_blocks/article/0,,HGTV_3299_1389954,00.html
http://www.biblio.com/books/162088819.html

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Title: Re: QUILTERS TOOLS
Post by: Schnookie on May 04, 2008, 11:02:24 AM

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Thanks
BearFoot checked out the first link and the Double-Dutch Chain Block is
pretty nice looking, I guess I better learn how to use this little
template. Must put that on my To do list!

Thanks for the help girls! Now on to the other link to see what that might have.

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Title: Re: QUILTERS TOOLS
Post by: quiltermarynel on June 03, 2008, 02:15:19 PM

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I
just bought an omnigrid compass. It comes in 2 packages: a 2"x36"
ruler and a good quality compass center and pencil that go on the
ruler. I have not test driven them yet, but I look forward to
designing big mariners' compasses with them.

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Title: Re: QUILTERS TOOLS
Post by: breezepines2002 on June 09, 2008, 07:31:40 PM

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was just wondering if anyone has heard of ardco templetes? do you know what I can find some? they look and sound great,, bonnie

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Title: Re: QUILTERS TOOLS
Post by: quiltermarynel on June 09, 2008, 08:46:33 PM

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I
Yahooed ardco templates and found a website for them, but it did not
respond. aluminum templates sound like a great idea to me.

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Title: Re: QUILTERS TOOLS
Post by: breezepines2002 on June 10, 2008, 12:00:37 AM

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quilter
that's what happened to me too, when I tried to find them on line, they
are suppose to be aluminum templetes, that last for ever and easy to
cut with a rotary cutter too and they are cut out in the middle so you
can fussy cut with them, sounds like a great Idea to me too, If I can
find someone who sells them.. bonnie

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Title: Re: QUILTERS TOOLS
Post by: BearFoot on June 10, 2008, 01:08:09 AM

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I
bought one of these templates when I was in Atlanta from the Red Hen
Quilting. It was for the "swirls". The info on the package says:
Quiltsmith, LTD
252 Cedar Road
Poquoson, VA 23662
757-868-8073
www.ardcotemplates.com (but this website didn't work for me either)

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Title: Re: QUILTERS TOOLS
Post by: breezepines2002 on June 10, 2008, 09:25:51 AM

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thank you,, I'll try it.. bonnie

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Title: Re: QUILTERS TOOLS
Post by: missmommy on June 11, 2008, 10:31:15 AM

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I
have lots of Ardco templates. I buy them at the Lancaster quilt show
every year. They are aluminum and are very good - great accuracy.

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Title: Re: QUILTERS TOOLS
Post by: QBee - Mary Ann on September 02, 2008, 12:04:07 AM

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I just found a couple of helpful items for the less-experienced
(like me). If there are others out there who still struggle with the
scant 1/4" seam, I finally got it down! I used a 4" ruler by Perkins
Dry Goods. You put your needle down in a hole in the ruler and the edge
is where the 1/4" seam should be. Then I used an old rotary cutter and
cut a nice straight strip of stick on mole skin (from the pharmacy foot
care department). I lined up the moleskin with the edge of the ruler,
removed the ruler, and now have a perfect guide for my fabric. I can
lift one end of the mole skin to get to my bobbin case, then stick it
back down again. I understand you could use a lined recipe card instead
of the plastic ruler - but I'd already bought the ruler before I read
about the recipe card.

I also just got pins to hold my seams
together - they're shaped like a long, narrow "u" - like an old
fashioned hairpin but with sharp points. It works great - holds both
edges of the seam so they can't shift and they don't get folded over
and bunched up while you're sewing. Of course, it requires sewing over
the pins which I try to avoid most of the time, but not when I want to
get my seams nicely matched.

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Title: Re: QUILTERS TOOLS
Post by: quiltermarynel on September 02, 2008, 02:23:41 AM

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I
have 2 techniques for dealing with matching seams. One, I pin
diagonally for things that really matter. For less signficant pinning,
I place the pin so it is just outside of my seam line, so i don't have
to remember to stop and take it out as I go. Those U shaped pins do
look good, however.

Title: Bendable Bright Light
Post by: QBee - Mary Ann on April 24, 2008, 03:58:23 PM

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This
is just the greatest! When doing machine applique, I really keep my eye
on the needle, and this light is a terrific help. The downside is that
it costs about $50 - which I think is a lot of $$ for a small light!
Then again, the claim is it should last for 100,000 hours without
burning out. (Do they really know that?!?) According to my
calculations, I could sew day and night for close to 11 1/2 years
before the light burns out. Anyhow, it's such a help I'm glad
I splurged on it. Mary Ann

http://www.bendablebrightlight.com/

itle: Gypsy Ruler Gripper
Post by: QBee - Mary Ann on August 26, 2008, 11:38:30 AM

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I'm
in love!! This is so easy on my hand compared to when I
stretch my hand out and put pressure on to hold my ruler in place. AND
you can lift up your ruler rather than sliding it, so your fabric stays
perfectly in place! The lady at the LQS told me all the employees have
bought them and loved them. She was sure I'd love it, too - and she was
right!! I also bought the small, single size, for using on smaller
rulers, but haven't tried it yet. QBee

Title: Mary Ellen's Best press
Post by: quilton on August 17, 2008, 01:10:39 PM

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Oh, I just have to tell you about this product. I LOVE IT!
My QS recommended it and I thought sure, "its that good!" Sorry, to
Gail for such thoughts but she is right. I'm doing applique work right
now and the fold is nice and crisp after spraying. Oh, I forgot to
tell you its a clear starch. I paid $7.99 for a 16 oz. bottle that has
a spray pump on it THAT DOESN'T CLOG.. There are a few scents, but there is also scent-free which was my choice. This link will give you more information.





http://www.maryellenproducts.com/best_press

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Title: Product Review
Post by: finisher on July 25, 2008, 05:53:51 PM

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I
recently purchased the Fons and Porter rotary cutter and their
mechanical pencil that has white ceramic lead for marking on dark
fabrics.
Rotary Cutter..I'm not happy with it..AT ALL! The spring
in it is of poor quality and I don't expect it to last. It was
pricey too even though I had a coupon.

The mechanical pencil..I
used it to mark the quilting lines on a mostly dark quilt. I liked the
white lead as much as the clover white fine line marker...and it didn't
break like the chalk type pencils do...and I liked that it stayed
sharp. Usually by the time I've marked a whole top the Clover is pretty
much used up. The ceramic lead..I used 2 to mark the whole quilt top.
You get 10 in the package when you buy the pencil. Now for the bad
part..I didn't care for the quality of the pencil. It malfunctioned a
bit and stopped advancing the lead when there was still about 1/2" of
lead left. The lead is .9mm and my cheapo Bic mechanical pencils are
.5mm. Grr..I'm going to the office supply store to get a nice pencil
that will hold the .9mm lead. :afro: If you can find the .9mm pencil
elsewhere..or have one around the house..I HIGHLY recommend the white
leads. As I machine quilted I really roughed that quit up and the marks
stayed put! When I wanted them gone a quick brush with a damp cloth
removed them easily and completely. I'm going back to get more leads so
I have them on hand!

Do you have a product you really love..or hate?

A big thank you to whomever it was that suggested using an emery board to remove those pesky whiskers that are left after seam ripping. I took this idea a step farther. I had on hand an extra "sugar sander" from the dollar store. Its one of those sanders for your heels that are like a paddle (basicly a large emery board) . It worked like a charm......I did a lot of ripping today. I guess the moon and stars are out of alignment for me to sew today.
Lately I've been struggling with paper piecing..I thought i had this skill nailed...I was wrong!. I think the problem is I'm too stingy with the fabric, and cut it too small.

For sure bigger is better with paper piecing. You are working upside down and backwards and it's the angles that are hard to judge. With PPing your sewing is more accurate but it does waste some fabric.

I like that emery board hint too and used it recently. I know a lot of us frog stitch from time to time and it's important to get those little whiskers (I like that term!) from the old seam out of the fabric. If you don't you risk the chance of the needle coming down and pushing those little bits into your bobbin case and it can cause problems there. I'm going to look for the bigger paddle shaped one.I never heard the term sugar sander. I learn something new everyday.

Ok, Friday I went to Fabric Depot with DD and they had this thing called (Binding Miter Tool)..I bought it just because it was cheap and looked like I could use something like that...now I am wondering why I did such a thing. I use the fold up then down method of putting mitered corners on.

I forgot who posted it already, but a Mechanic's Part Dish (magnetic metal bowl) is a great tool for quilters. I have them in 3" and 6". I use them for straight pins, safetly pins and I even use a little one for the bobbins of my current project. They are cheaper than the magnetic pin holders and don't break.

Another tool from the hardware store is a telescoping long magnet. For those of us who tend to drop pins, etc., and have less than wonderful backs, this is a wonderful tool. Of course, mine has disappeared, again. I think DH "borrowed" it AGAIN. This is the guy who made fun of me for buying it in the first place.