Sewing Tools.
Gotta Have Them!

If you've been sewing for a while, you have a drawer or two full of these. Your sewing tools. Also known as sewing notions, sewing essentials, and "sewing thangs" depending on where you live. If you are new to sewing, you probably only use a sewing basket and have all the sewing essentials in it that your instructor told you to buy. You've done well. Now, go ahead and empty out a drawer somewhere. Trust me, you'll be filling it up in no time. My mother, a fantastic seamstress in her day, was a master collector of sewing essentials. She grew up during the Depression and learned the art of recycling long before it became a household word - just like everyone else during that time. Nothing went to waste. When clothing wore out, every button, zipper and piece of trim was salvaged. She still has shoe boxes and bags full of such stuff. Some of it is older than I am. (Nope, not telling!) Sew Many Choices Have you checked out the walls at your local fabric shops? Of course you have! You can't possibly walk out the door without checking to see what's new. It's amazing what you'll find. I have drawers full of nifty little devices to make my sewing easier.. and some of them actually get used! You too? Aha! I thought so. When it comes to things like needles, threads, elastics, chalks, pins, pin cushions, and all the usual suspects, most fabric stores and fabric departments are fine for what you need. However, if you are looking for special ribbons and trims for your fashion sewing or home decor sewing, your local stores may not be the best source. Unless you need a ribbon or trim "right away", there are oodles of on-line stores with great trims you probably won't find locally. (Although, in all fairness, I have to admit I have been surprised by what I have found at two of the major fabric chain stores lately.) MY Recommended Sewing Tools Seriously! Well, Sort Of. (no, I did not include the sewing machine - you can find that topic by going here. Ok, here we go...sewing tools, all the sewing essentials you really need! Sewing Scissors: At least two. One for you and one that you'll use as a decoy because your husband and kids will NOT adhere to the "sewing only" rule and will use these on any and everything thereby rendering them useless for cutting fabric. Ok, seriously, I recommend you buy scissors that have a spring action handle - especially if you suffer at all from hand related problems like carpel tunnel or arthritis. They are not expensive and your hands will thank you for it. Measuring tapes: Buy several. I like the kind that retracts into its holder. So will anyone under the age of fourteen so buy several. You didn't really think the spring wore out because of YOU, did you? Seam Rippers: You should have several of this sewing essential as well. They aren't just for ripping seams. They also open buttonholes made with your buttonhole attachment and make great "staple removers" for taking buttons off the card. However, try to avoid these--the now-you-see-me, now-you-don't rippers. Really, they totally disappear on me in the drawer. Fortunately, if I close it, count to three and look again... they reappear! Fabric Markers: I use air erasable and water soluable most of the time. Follow the instructions and they work well. As for those little chalk pencils, I think the manufacturers put the little brush on the end as a joke. No amount of "brushing" removes the mark - at least with the ones I have. Good Lighting: Yes, lighting is a sewing essential! Put your sewing machine where you get the best natural light during the day and keep a really bright floor lamp nearby for evening and nights. If you can afford it, invest in a lamp specifically made for sewing and crafting. You'll find these sold on-line and at most fabric stores. Just don't let your husband see the sales slip. Pins: The longer the better! I especially like the ones with the shiny colored heads. They really dress up my pincushion, and they are easier to handle if you have "mature" hands, plus you can see them better if they drop on the floor, which is a plus if you have "mature" eyes. Note this! Use glass head pins if you are one who tends to iron over the pins holding your fabric pieces together. Glass head pins will not melt under hot irons and ruin your fabric like the plastic ones will. A Good Multi-Task Office Chair: That's right, a good chair is a sewing essential. Ergonomics aren't just for the office. Be kind to your spine and be sure you are sitting correctly. Your sewing chair should have an adjustable lumbar support for your back and easily adjust to your height. Ideally, your chair should also swivel and be on casters for easy movement. If you don't have one, go to your nearest office supply store and get one! Mine was only about $40 and worth every penny. Breaks: Admit it, you get so involved with your project you wind up with neck, shoulder and back aches because you're hunched over or in one position for long periods of time. Don't you get enough of this at the office? Get up, stretch, massage your hands, roll your neck and roll your shoulders. Then drop and give me twenty straight seams Soldier! One last thing, maybe the most important. The right attitude: You must have patience with yourself and the project, acceptance that things may not always go as planned, and a healthy dose of humor to put it all into perspective. "Happy Stitching!" Enter your search terms Submit search form   Web www.its-sew-karren.com