Hi everyone!
This will not be a typical blog post because my computer crashed this week and I have to use my iPad to write this. Let me tell you… it took me a while to even figure out how to do it!
Since we’re talking about improvising this week, I decided to review how to improvise in the sewing room. Specifically…. using everyday household items in the sewing room. Share your improvising in the comments and win a pattern of your choice from my shop! So let’s get started!
Everyday Item #1: How to store those random bobbins if you don’t have a bobbin holder? Use an empty prescription bottle!
You can even use it for storage of sewing machine needles ready for disposal. Once it’s full, you can toss it and not get poked by needles through the garbage bag!
Everyday Item #2: No cone spindle for your large spool of thread? You can use a large canning jar.
If you don’t have a cover with an opening like my jar has, create your own with some cardboard. You do need a cover on the jar so the large spool stays put in the jar.
Clever, huh?
Everyday Item #3: Do you lose your scissors when you are stitching? I know I do. Go to the craft store and buy the chain pictured below and… instant scissors necklace. You can wear your scissors around your neck so they are there whenever you need them!
Everyday Item #4: Are you looking for a handy way to store your rulers? Use a hanger meant for belts!
To hang the rulers, thread a large jump ring (find at craft stores) through the hole in the ruler. Then hang it on a hook on the belt hanger!
You can hang this in a closet or from a hook by your cutting area.
Everyday Item #5: Finally, if you don’t have a pressing stick made for quilting, use a cuticle stick easily found in the cosmetics section of any store.
So that’s it for this week. I hope you picked up some useful tips. Share some of your unusual uses for everyday household items you use in the sewing room in the comments and be entered in this week’s drawing for one of my patterns!
The drawing will be on Monday, July 19th. Hopefully next week, I’ll have a working computer!
Happy Quilting! Deanne
I love to use the back of a silicone cutting mat to trace my applique patterns. It has tiny crosshatch grooves that grab my fabric . Great for marking the diagonal line when making half square triangles slso.
Thanks so much for sharing your sewing hints, especially liked the quart jar and the cuticle tip ideas! I always leave a small decorative box beside my machine to put those small pieces in that can be used under my presser foot. I found a set of 3 sewing decorated ones in a thrift shop and they work great! I also used small silicone trivet mats for my small travel iron. To reduce noise/movement while sewing, I found if you use part of a yoga mat 0.6 cm or thicker, cut a piece just a little larger than your machine and place it under the machine, not only will it reduce noise, but will keep your machine right where you want it. I found mine in a thrift shop also! Happy sewing!
Love the jar for thread tip…especially that you used an antique jar!
Will have to try the cuticle tip idea. Use Velcro to stick a small pin cushion on top of your machine so pins are easily in reach.
Thanks for these tips. I mounted an IKEA picture shelf above my cutting table to tore my cutting rulers. Always in reach!
This comment is not specific to this great post….but to your entire blog. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate the wool BOM’s you so graciously share as well as the BOW’s. The helpful hints along with the photos and videos are the best and most helpful I’ve seen. I’ve been a quilter for a long time but was new to applique and am now “hooked”, thanks to you. I routinely go back through older posts on your blog to refresh my memory and for inspiration. I just want to give you a heartfelt and sincere “thank you”. Please know you have many grateful readers. God bless…..
Thanks so for your kind words! It makes me happy that I can inspire you and other quilters with my blog!
Thank you for these tips! Accuracy is top of the list for sure and finishing like hand sewing is what really gives the finishing touch!