@@SookieSews I got them from our garden. I think some renovation or hardware stores sell river rocks. Rocks that have been smoothed by a river current are best. Easier to paint.
I make doll clothes all sizes and use a (hair) curling iron and flat curl iron to press tiny fabric pieces, laces, trims, ribbons when sewing. I use a small damp sponge if I need steam :)
Plastic tablecloths with a fuzzy backing make great design boards. Face the fuzzy side out and your blocks will stick and you can move them around at will. Plus they come in a variety of sizes to fit your sewing space.
A 3D Hook would also be great to hang your roller on to keep it handy while chain piecing so that you don't have to keep running back to your ironing area.
I put a Picnic tablecloth down flannel or cotton faced up and put it in an old or unused picture frame on top of the glass bingo you have it as a portal right besides your sewing machine or carry it with you on the go such as roadtrips, camping, classes/Retreats, etc. I love mine❣️
I make tiny bird pin cushions, stuff them with walnut shells or anything kind of heavy, and glue them to the large washers for weights. Adds some weight and is handy for pins. AND THEY'RE SO CUTE!!
You can also use cheap magnets as weights with a piece of thin sheet metal under a cutting mat. Helps the magnet stay in place and your fabric does not move.
When teaching my daughter to sew, to avoid pins to prevent her from poking herself, I bought a pack of mini-clothes pins for her to use. They held the fabrics together and were safer for a 7 year old to use.
When sewing thick material at seams, instead of using a 'hump jumper' or 'bulking seam sewing accessory' I use a 'post-it' notepad, bingo, problem solved without having to pay for expensive tools!
Another tip I’ve seen is to use a scrap piece of the same fabric you’re sewing, and fold it into as many layers as you’re sewing. You get the exact thickness you need.
I use small clear command hooks on my sewing machine to hold my small scissors that I use for snipping threads. I also use the small wide command hooks to hold my machine needle case so I know what needle I have in my machine at the time…I mount it on the right side of the machine near the switch and flywheel. That way it’s always available if the needle breaks it I need to replace it.
A hair 'flat iron' is one of my favourite irons in my sewing room! It does hems, bias binding, ribbons, etc. Nit only do I ❤mine, but I've also shared this tip with my sewing friends & they now love them too! Easier with narrow hems than an iron. 😊 I also have hand problems, both weakness & tremors, so pegs are great 👍 for so many things, including using pins. I can grip them as they are bigger, so I need less strength in my hands ... and they are easier to hold onto with the tremors. 😊 I also use bright wool on the handle of my good fabric scissors so that no-one else can use them!!
@tracybingham7739 thanks for mentioning what you use it for, I think I might be making a fourth video on this topic and I love my flat iron for curling my hair but I’ve never used to do any pressing, I think I’m going to try
Putting washi tape on rulers is amazing. I do think it's better on the bottom rather than the top, because that way there's no slight refraction (because rulers are generally printed on the bottom). It also makes it easy to get it perfectly on the line, and it doesn't cover up the lines on the ruler.
The facial jade roller for pressing seems open is absolutely brilliant! I must have 4 different rollers in my bedroom. Jade, rose quartz, amethyst... oh my goodness I think I even have onyx LOL.
It really is! Imagine how pretty your sewing machine will feel too ;) seriously though I use my jade roller every night on my neck and forehead, not sure if it's doing anything (like smoothing out wrinkles) but it feels good :)
Great ideas! I use clothespins to sort and hang my zippers. They can be sorted by size, color or use. I have a cord across my pegboard and clip the pin over the cord and hang my zippers. Much easier to find than having them in a drawer.
My favorite: I got a 6-pack of cheap paintbrushes in the toy section at Family Dollar, which I use when turning things. They are smooth and have a fairly blunt end, and the various sizes mean that I always have just the right size. My other thing is empty facial tissue boxes to use as a mini-wastebasket right by my machine. Just toss it when it's full.
Love the fork idea...pleats have been off when I do them, but tried the fork and now im on a roll with these pleats! Thank you so much, I wouldn't have ever thought.
I have machines that take different size bobbins. I mark my bobbins with different color nail polish to keep them separate. Then I put nail polish on the bobbin cover of my machine. The red bobbins go in the machine with the read nail polish on the bobbin cover. A bonus benefit to marking the bobbin cover is that they are easier to find if I drop them. Mine are clear plastic, so the little dot of color makes it easier to see when it tries to hide away on me.
If you are like me and use fusible interfacing, after you iron the fusible to the wrong side of your pattern piece, you often end up with a fine line of adhesive all around the edge of the piece. Eventually everything you iron leaves lint stuck to that adhesive and you end up with grungy looking lines stuck all over your ironing board cover. I bought a couple if those silicone cookie sheet liners (I got mine from the dollar store) and put that underneath whatever you are fusing your interfacing to. Nothing sticks to the silicone mat so your ironing board cover is safe from sticky gunk. This is really useful if you have a wool felt mat because you really don’t want to gum up the surface of that. I’ve been using the same two silicone mats for years and I no longer have sticky residue on my ironing board cover and every time I wash it it looks like it’s brand new.
I keep the balloon bouquet weights to use for fabric weights, especially for larger projects. If you want to cover them , you can easily use up scrap fabric (cut with pinking shears), and wrap and tie it like you're wrapping a gift basket.
I love the clothespin ideas! I use them to hang my patterns and other art work I’ve created but I’ve kept a bin underneath my sewing station and never used them in sewing before. I do use binder clips for some thicker projects
Great ideas can’t wait to see your other videos! Diann from @silverthreads uses painted rocks for paper weights! I love free! Also use parchment paper when using fusible. When sheet on the bottom protects your ironing mat one sheet on the top protects your iron and you can reuse them just stick them on your bulletin board for later.
I had been using the clear medical tape on my rulers (for non-slip), but even better is clear stair tread non-slip tape. Even though it is thicker, it doesn’t interfere with measuring and it *really* holds the ruler secure on fabric.
Cigarette lighter for melting stuff. when I shorten a zipper I always melt the cut end so it doesn't unravel. A hammer for pounding the seams of jeans at the hem line. sort of meat tenderizing them before you sew. anyway, those are my favorite non sewing sewing tools
That roller technique is great for non-organic materials (not cotton, not linen, etc.). I’ll be using it for vinyl, “leather”, cork, etc., etc., etc. Thanks!
I use metal hair clips to hold my hims up, and my binding down, until I can get the blind stitching by hand finished. They stay in place well; and they don't poke and cut me. Plus, they are easy to find if you should drop any.
I do so many arts & crafts and sewing projects. Once I visited Harbor Freight I never looked back (for supplies that is) and have saved tons of $$$$. One item I can't do without is their 36" long Telescoping (3" diameter base) magnetic wand (lifts 25lbs). The have pocket sized ones with a 1/2" head that lifts 10lbs also. Anything I drop that's metal it quickly gets it for me without getting out the broom. Also all their tool bags are very good quality for my many vintage sewing machines I collect, each machine gets it's own labeled zippered canvas bag for parts/maintenance gear/manual/tools/lubes/oils. Glad you're doing these programs to share knowledge. :)
I've had (for some time), a very sturdy dual ended wooden roller 4" / 2" for seams. I think its from the cooking section of the dollar store. The name engraved on the wooden handle is "Norpro". I also use washi/painter tape, and sometimes a lego piece to mark my sewing guide on my sewing machine. Scoring it at the drawer is a better idea than just replacing it. Thanks, Sookie
Love using a dryer sheet (can even be a used one) to clean off fusible BUT the sheets seem to have a coating and left a grease-like spot on my ironing board. Now I fold up an old terry hand towel, lay white paper towel over that, then the dryer sheet. Run the iron over dryer sheet, then remove that and paper towel and then rub iron over terry cloth. I definitely would not put dryer sheet directly on an expensive wool mat!
A slicker brush for dogs can be a substitute for an expensive needle board used to press velvet. Burt’s Bees makes a wooden palm slicker that I keep with my ironing tools.
Obviously a true needle board works better but the difference in price of $10 vs $135 can make the slicker a good option for someone who only uses velvet occasionally
One more use for the lint roller - when having to use a seam ripper to take stitches/seams out - use the lint roller (after using seam ripper on every 2 -3 stitches on one side of your se) to pick up all the tiny pieces of thread.
Thank you so much for those ideas. I am trying to collect enough things like this to share with my quilting group. And I will give you credit. Thank you very much.
I use a magnetic knife holder mounted to the shelf above my machine to hold seam ripper, thread snips, extra bobbins, feet I use regularly, screw driver for machine and anything else that is metal and sticks and is hard to find when I need it..
I glued down a ikea paper ruler (the one they give away at the entry of the store) at the edges of my table insert for my sewing machine. Easy to quick measure when sewing
I use the nail polish to identify the type of needle eg stretch because after you remove it and place with other needles in your pin cushion their is nothing to help you distinguish one from the other.. like the bonus tip was going to get those non slip dots but will definitely do this instead. Great video
That’s a great idea, I buy the SCHMETZneedles and they are colour-coded, but I suppose some of the needles that I have in my stash or not so thank you for sharing
Dinkie hair clips are better than pegs… and cheap 🤗 I also use 3M hooks…. One in the middle of rulers for a handy grip, especially on small 4”/5” square rulers which can be hard to pick up but also holds them down with your fingers away safely while rotary cutting around. I also put 3 on each of my sewing machine, one for scissors/snips and I put 2 horizontally in a row so I can rest my seamripper/awl on and have them both handy on all my machines 🤗 The little chrome/metal hooks are best for this and look quite pretty! (Plus easy to remove if needed and don’t do damage)
Oh yes, good ideas and pretty is always nice. Love the idea of the 3M hook on the middle of the ruler for handy grip!! Gonna add that to the next video if there are more ideas :) Thanks for sharing
Another tip is that I use the cricut pressing mat for a portable ironing surface. Much less expensive than the wool ones and the heat is more easily distributed when ironing.
@@SookieSewsI made my own using a flat wood scrap and part of a wool ironing mat and fabric over it all staples to the back. To make it look neat I then covered the back with felt. It’s perfect size for next to my sewing machine and for my mini iron.
RE: clothes pins - I don't use them with sewing since I don't do much of that. However, I do use them with my crochet as a weight to keep the beginning material from curling back into the work area.
What great ideas, especially for an amateur like me. I don’t know if there are toxic fumes when drier sheets are heated, but it might be wise to check before using this way.
Oh I'm glad you gained some stuff from the video, but I don't know about the drier sheets putting off toxic fumes, but they go into the dryer so I would think if the iron were on a lower setting it couldn't be any worse than in the dryer. MMM good thought though.
I kept a pointed Awl next to my machine t guide fabric under the presser foots edge. Also I have a metal ruler called a square. It makes perfect square. rectangle and odd shapes that have straight edges. Happy sewing all
I use nail polish to identify the bobbins that have wash-away thread, so I don't accidentally use it for anything but basting/fitting - especially when making bras!
@vmichalczyk5141 oh it’s neat. The thread is made from a synthetic product that will stitch strong and theme washes away later. Most brands have a version. Just do a quick google search.
Getting older slash arthritis has made finger pressing painful. Sometimes the spring-loaded clothespins fail and they're hard to fix. I discovered one half is a great substitute for at-the-machine finger pressing.
I forgot to mention the other day that if you take several, (I think I used about four) large washers like you have in the video and I put hot glue on parchment paper (a silicon surface would work too!)so it will peel off when your done, set a washer on it, then put more hot glue on top of that and put another washer on it and then just stack them up like that all the way up till I had enough washers to get a good weight behind it and I use them as fabric weights on the cutting table or pattern weights, they don’t slip and slide because of the hot glue. I made them years ago and still use them!
I use 1/4” painters tape for the uses you use suggested for Washi tape and more. Available at auto parts stores and paint departments. Also called “pin stripe type”.
Thanks for your notions. I have used some of them time and time again especially the mini clothes pins. The clips are expensive. I have been using blue cutex dots as far back as 2000 to identify my stuff while going to catering school.
Hi Sookie Beautiful ideas on your second shelf, you have a little black sewing machine from singer. I have the same little sewing machine and I love it.
I have different types of bobbins for my different machines and I use a dot of a certain color nail polish to identify the different sizes! They use to label the bobbins but unfortunately the newer ones don’t have a number or letter on them!
I have command strip hooks all over my sewing/craft room. I hang any tool that can be hung i.e. anything with a hole in it. I have some command strips that look like short fat clothes pins. I hang my tape measures with them, so my measuring tapes are fairly flat and not all curly at the end. Then I have some command clips that I use to hold some small flat notions and my expandable magnet stick. I don't know what to call it, that was what I could come up with.
hi. im looking for some advice. first im a leftie. what do you know would be a great pair of true left handed scissors that are not all metal as it seems to wear my hand out quickly? 2ndly i am disabled and have to sit to cut my fabric. what rotary cutter would you reccomend other than the Martelli that might make this so i do not have to put too much pressure for each cut?
Hi thanks for stopping by. Ok since you asked 1. True left handed scissors: try Famore Cutlery a the owner of the company is a lefty so they have a nice full line for lefties here www.famcut.com/search?q=Left&ref=124 2. Rotary cutter. You might check out my video on the SewTites cutting system. It’s the ruler and mat. Watch the video and you’ll see how I have bad arthritis and am so happy with this. Plus you can sit or stand. But be warned, it’s kinda $$ but worth educating yourself on the latest technology. Watch the video here ruclips.net/video/LfUvhlp6aXY/видео.htmlsi=bgC4vxzM_S9t_A4T
Use one side of a wooden clothes pin to guide fabric just ahead of the presser foot like you would use a stiletto, and can also be used as a hump jumper. We used to keep a wax paper square at the ironing board. If the bottom of the iron got sticky, we would rub the hot iron over the waxed paper, followed by rubbing it on an old wash cloth. The iron came out smooth as silk
I have small command strip hooks on each machine to hold my scissors/snips. Larger command strips are inside my cabinet to hold my electric cords in place.
For those sewists who are like I am, allergic to chemical smells, wax paper is a much better choice over the Bounce. Clothespins I have numbered to use for laying out quilt blocks.
Thanks so much, sure hope you enjoy the other videos on the same topic, I think there are 4 and I'm about to do another two since there are such great ideas left by the other RUclips viewers. Thanks for the sub :)
I painted some rocks and use them as fabric weights.
I love this idea. Where did you get your rocks? In Florida we don’t have a lot of rocks so I need to be on the look out.
@@SookieSews I got them from our garden. I think some renovation or hardware stores sell river rocks. Rocks that have been smoothed by a river current are best. Easier to paint.
@@mable552 nice :) I’m gonna keep my eyes open for some
Nice round river rocks would work great! Love this. ❤
Good idea! We have them hanging around the house from kid projects.
I make doll clothes all sizes and use a (hair) curling iron and flat curl iron to press tiny fabric pieces, laces, trims, ribbons when sewing. I use a small damp sponge if I need steam :)
ty for sharing .... im 76 and stilling learning great sewing tips
We never stop learning so we?! I’m glad because I’m learning from you all here and the. I’m able to share.
Plastic tablecloths with a fuzzy backing make great design boards. Face the fuzzy side out and your blocks will stick and you can move them around at will. Plus they come in a variety of sizes to fit your sewing space.
A 3D Hook would also be great to hang your roller on to keep it handy while chain piecing so that you don't have to keep running back to your ironing area.
Great idea! I might need to make a fourth video
Can even add some flannel to the back of the tablecloth
I put a Picnic tablecloth down flannel or cotton faced up and put it in an old or unused picture frame on top of the glass bingo you have it as a portal right besides your sewing machine or carry it with you on the go such as roadtrips, camping, classes/Retreats, etc. I love mine❣️
I make tiny bird pin cushions, stuff them with walnut shells or anything kind of heavy, and glue them to the large washers for weights. Adds some weight and is handy for pins. AND THEY'RE SO CUTE!!
Wow you’re so clever. Where can we see a photo?
You can also use cheap magnets as weights with a piece of thin sheet metal under a cutting mat. Helps the magnet stay in place and your fabric does not move.
Clever
When teaching my daughter to sew, to avoid pins to prevent her from poking herself, I bought a pack of mini-clothes pins for her to use. They held the fabrics together and were safer for a 7 year old to use.
I did the same for my granddaughter
I like the clothespins/wonder clips instead of pins because they don’t leave holes in my fabric.
When sewing thick material at seams, instead of using a 'hump jumper' or 'bulking seam sewing accessory' I use a 'post-it' notepad, bingo, problem solved without having to pay for expensive tools!
What?? So clever. I’m gonna need to try this and share another video!!!
@@SookieSews it's cool, you take the thickness needed. Have a great day!!
I was just thinking of suggesting it.
Another tip I’ve seen is to use a scrap piece of the same fabric you’re sewing, and fold it into as many layers as you’re sewing. You get the exact thickness you need.
I just use a button 😅
I use small clear command hooks on my sewing machine to hold my small scissors that I use for snipping threads. I also use the small wide command hooks to hold my machine needle case so I know what needle I have in my machine at the time…I mount it on the right side of the machine near the switch and flywheel. That way it’s always available if the needle breaks it I need to replace it.
That’s a good idea! Those hooks solve many a problem.
A hair 'flat iron' is one of my favourite irons in my sewing room! It does hems, bias binding, ribbons, etc. Nit only do I ❤mine, but I've also shared this tip with my sewing friends & they now love them too! Easier with narrow hems than an iron. 😊
I also have hand problems, both weakness & tremors, so pegs are great 👍 for so many things, including using pins. I can grip them as they are bigger, so I need less strength in my hands ... and they are easier to hold onto with the tremors. 😊
I also use bright wool on the handle of my good fabric scissors so that no-one else can use them!!
I’ve heard of this but been afraid to use a flat iron in fear of melting the fabric. What temp do you put it on?? Might need to make another video!!
I’ve used mine which is a mini flat iron to iron seams closed with stitch witchery. I can get in there easier when I’m making rice heating packs.
@tracybingham7739 thanks for mentioning what you use it for, I think I might be making a fourth video on this topic and I love my flat iron for curling my hair but I’ve never used to do any pressing, I think I’m going to try
Putting washi tape on rulers is amazing. I do think it's better on the bottom rather than the top, because that way there's no slight refraction (because rulers are generally printed on the bottom). It also makes it easy to get it perfectly on the line, and it doesn't cover up the lines on the ruler.
Love the idea about on the bottom. Thank you
The facial jade roller for pressing seems open is absolutely brilliant! I must have 4 different rollers in my bedroom. Jade, rose quartz, amethyst... oh my goodness I think I even have onyx LOL.
It really is! Imagine how pretty your sewing machine will feel too ;) seriously though I use my jade roller every night on my neck and forehead, not sure if it's doing anything (like smoothing out wrinkles) but it feels good :)
A friend of mine bought me a set of 4 marble coasters that use for fabric weights (more than I use them as coasters). 😊
That’s a fantastic idea!! Low profile, stack nicely, and heavy enough! Thanks for the idea!!
Great ideas! I use clothespins to sort and hang my zippers. They can be sorted by size, color or use. I have a cord across my pegboard and clip the pin over the cord and hang my zippers. Much easier to find than having them in a drawer.
So clever!! Yeah for sure I’m gonna need to make a third video lol
All these clever hacks and tips have re-awakened my interest in sewing. THANKS!
That is the nicest thing to hear!! Welcome to the sewing Beehive!!
My favorite: I got a 6-pack of cheap paintbrushes in the toy section at Family Dollar, which I use when turning things. They are smooth and have a fairly blunt end, and the various sizes mean that I always have just the right size.
My other thing is empty facial tissue boxes to use as a mini-wastebasket right by my machine. Just toss it when it's full.
I do the tissue box trash can too. I might need to make a new video. Thanks for sharing!!
I take selvage strips from my fabric and wrap two large washers together and use them for my weights. They look pretty and are clean.
Very good idea, thank you for sharing
Love all your hacks. I use a dumbbell at the top of the ruler to prevent my long rulers from moving while cutting strips.
Brilliant idea!!!
Love the fork idea...pleats have been off when I do them, but tried the fork and now im on a roll with these pleats! Thank you so much, I wouldn't have ever thought.
It is an oldie but goodie trick :) sorta fun to do too!
I have used a post it sticky note (“ 3x5” ) as a seam guide. I trim off the unsticky portion. Easy removal and doesn’t leave a sticky residue.
Thank you for the tip :)
I have machines that take different size bobbins. I mark my bobbins with different color nail polish to keep them separate. Then I put nail polish on the bobbin cover of my machine. The red bobbins go in the machine with the read nail polish on the bobbin cover. A bonus benefit to marking the bobbin cover is that they are easier to find if I drop them. Mine are clear plastic, so the little dot of color makes it easier to see when it tries to hide away on me.
Oh yes, I can see how important that would be to mark. Thanks for sharing!!
If you are like me and use fusible interfacing, after you iron the fusible to the wrong side of your pattern piece, you often end up with a fine line of adhesive all around the edge of the piece. Eventually everything you iron leaves lint stuck to that adhesive and you end up with grungy looking lines stuck all over your ironing board cover. I bought a couple if those silicone cookie sheet liners (I got mine from the dollar store) and put that underneath whatever you are fusing your interfacing to. Nothing sticks to the silicone mat so your ironing board cover is safe from sticky gunk. This is really useful if you have a wool felt mat because you really don’t want to gum up the surface of that. I’ve been using the same two silicone mats for years and I no longer have sticky residue on my ironing board cover and every time I wash it it looks like it’s brand new.
So clever!! I know they sell "Applique" mats which I believe are silicon but they are $$. Thanks for sharing.
Loved this 2nd installment of Non-Sewing Notions, too! Guess, I'll head to a dollar store, as this seems like one of your great resources! Thanks!
Yeah, I guess we do shop there a lot and why not get something for less expensive that does pretty much the same thing. More money for fabric!
I tried the suggestion with medical tape and I love it!! It works perfectly and is so easy to tear off the amount you need.
Thank you for trying it out and letting us know :) I've got a bunch of these videos so be sure to check them all out for more ideas
I keep the balloon bouquet weights to use for fabric weights, especially for larger projects. If you want to cover them , you can easily use up scrap fabric (cut with pinking shears), and wrap and tie it like you're wrapping a gift basket.
Great idea with the pinking shears
Rats, I just threw away 2 ballon weights as I couldn’t think of a use for them.
I use washers as weights in the hems of curtains. I learned this from my mother in the 60's.
I remember seeing this as a tip in home decor srwing years ago. It’s a great idea.
I love the clothespin ideas! I use them to hang my patterns and other art work I’ve created but I’ve kept a bin underneath my sewing station and never used them in sewing before. I do use binder clips for some thicker projects
Great tip!
Great ideas can’t wait to see your other videos! Diann from @silverthreads uses painted rocks for paper weights! I love free! Also use parchment paper when using fusible. When sheet on the bottom protects your ironing mat one sheet on the top protects your iron and you can reuse them just stick them on your
bulletin board for later.
Awesome! Thank you! I am thinking of making a 4th video so might add the parchment paper onto that video. Thanks for taking the time and writing in.
I also use rocks
😅
For cutting Minky or faux fur. use Press N Seal wrap to cover the edges. No more fluff.
oooh, you must explain this in more detail please
@@SookieSewsWhen I first saw this tip demonstrated in a vlog, it changed my sewing/cutting life! No more avoiding minky because of the mess. 😊
I had been using the clear medical tape on my rulers (for non-slip), but even better is clear stair tread non-slip tape. Even though it is thicker, it doesn’t interfere with measuring and it *really* holds the ruler secure on fabric.
Ooo good point!
I have large washers that I use for pattern weights. Really love them! Got mine at Ace Hardware.
Do you cover yours with fabric? I’m thinking of doing that :)
Cigarette lighter for melting stuff. when I shorten a zipper I always melt the cut end so it doesn't unravel. A hammer for pounding the seams of jeans at the hem line. sort of meat tenderizing them before you sew. anyway, those are my favorite non sewing sewing tools
Oh very good!! Maybe I’ll need to make a third video!!! Thanks for the ideas
Oh awesome idea about the jade roller! i have so many of them as gifts i never use on my face and this is a perfect alternative!
Glad it helped. It’s worth a try :)
By the way, love your profile pic :) we love Totaro
Love your channel. When I watch I think to myself "why didn't I think of that?" Thanks so much
Thank you 💛💛 I’m simply the one sharing so many wonderful ideas from fellow viewers. Hope you keep watching!!
I will for sure. @@SookieSews
That roller technique is great for non-organic materials (not cotton, not linen, etc.).
I’ll be using it for vinyl, “leather”, cork, etc., etc., etc.
Thanks!
Yes! And I imagine the cool Jade will react differently than rubber too. I wonder if the rubber one would work best on vinyl? Gonna have to try.
Me too, I've used folded cardboard as well like you use to level a table, etc. Works great!
I use paper binder clips to hold materials together since I don't have Wonder Clips. They worked great when I was making a lot of Covid masks.
Very good 👍🏻!! I bet! Thanks for sharing
Me too! 😊
I use metal hair clips to hold my hims up, and my binding down, until I can get the blind stitching by hand finished. They stay in place well; and they don't poke and cut me. Plus, they are easy to find if you should drop any.
Metal hair clips are a great idea, plus they are easy to put on and take off. Thanks so much
I do so many arts & crafts and sewing projects. Once I visited Harbor Freight I never looked back (for supplies that is) and have saved tons of $$$$. One item I can't do without is their 36" long Telescoping (3" diameter base) magnetic wand (lifts 25lbs). The have pocket sized ones with a 1/2" head that lifts 10lbs also. Anything I drop that's metal it quickly gets it for me without getting out the broom. Also all their tool bags are very good quality for my many vintage sewing machines I collect, each machine gets it's own labeled zippered canvas bag for parts/maintenance gear/manual/tools/lubes/oils. Glad you're doing these programs to share knowledge. :)
I've had (for some time), a very sturdy dual ended wooden roller 4" / 2" for seams. I think its from the cooking section of the dollar store. The name engraved on the wooden handle is "Norpro". I also use washi/painter tape, and sometimes a lego piece to mark my sewing guide on my sewing machine. Scoring it at the drawer is a better idea than just replacing it. Thanks, Sookie
Ooo I looked after I saw your comment and can’t find it but I’m gonna keep my eyes open. Thanks for the tip
Love using a dryer sheet (can even be a used one) to clean off fusible BUT the sheets seem to have a coating and left a grease-like spot on my ironing board. Now I fold up an old terry hand towel, lay white paper towel over that, then the dryer sheet. Run the iron over dryer sheet, then remove that and paper towel and then rub iron over terry cloth. I definitely would not put dryer sheet directly
on an expensive wool mat!
Good to know, maybe I got luck! Towel would be a better solution, thanks for the tip!
Classic tip: put a brown paper grocety bag on your ironing board. Put salt on that. Iron over the salt to clean your iron.
@lynnm.johnson5755 ok ok never heard this and I’m going to the grocery store to get a bag now!!!
A slicker brush for dogs can be a substitute for an expensive needle board used to press velvet. Burt’s Bees makes a wooden palm slicker that I keep with my ironing tools.
Obviously a true needle board works better but the difference in price of $10 vs $135 can make the slicker a good option for someone who only uses velvet occasionally
Wow, what a brilliant idea and yeah, for sure a huge price saver.
One more use for the lint roller - when having to use a seam ripper to take stitches/seams out - use the lint roller (after using seam ripper on every 2 -3 stitches on one side of your se) to pick up all the tiny pieces of thread.
Great idea !!
Thank you so much for those ideas. I am trying to collect enough things like this to share with my quilting group. And I will give you credit. Thank you very much.
Wonderful! Please let them know to join the Beehive @sookiesews :)
I use a magnetic knife holder mounted to the shelf above my machine to hold seam ripper, thread snips, extra bobbins, feet I use regularly, screw driver for machine and anything else that is metal and sticks and is hard to find when I need it..
I love this idea! That wouldn’t work in my room but I might add to a future video to help others. Thanks
I glued down a ikea paper ruler (the one they give away at the entry of the store) at the edges of my table insert for my sewing machine. Easy to quick measure when sewing
Now that is a clever idea! Next time I go to ikea I’ll grab one of those.
@@SookieSews You can also tape down a fabric measuring tape or metal ones ( broken/damaged) on the edge of a table in your sewing area.
I use the nail polish to identify the type of needle eg stretch because after you remove it and place with other needles in your pin cushion their is nothing to help you distinguish one from the other.. like the bonus tip was going to get those non slip dots but will definitely do this instead. Great video
That’s a great idea, I buy the SCHMETZneedles and they are colour-coded, but I suppose some of the needles that I have in my stash or not so thank you for sharing
@earthangel….
Instead of nail polish I would use sharpie permanent marker on the needles to color code them.
Dinkie hair clips are better than pegs… and cheap 🤗
I also use 3M hooks…. One in the middle of rulers for a handy grip, especially on small 4”/5” square rulers which can be hard to pick up but also holds them down with your fingers away safely while rotary cutting around.
I also put 3 on each of my sewing machine, one for scissors/snips and I put 2 horizontally in a row so I can rest my seamripper/awl on and have them both handy on all my machines 🤗 The little chrome/metal hooks are best for this and look quite pretty! (Plus easy to remove if needed and don’t do damage)
Oh yes, good ideas and pretty is always nice. Love the idea of the 3M hook on the middle of the ruler for handy grip!! Gonna add that to the next video if there are more ideas :) Thanks for sharing
Another tip is that I use the cricut pressing mat for a portable ironing surface. Much less expensive than the wool ones and the heat is more easily distributed when ironing.
Neat, I don't have one of those...very nice
@@SookieSewsI made my own using a flat wood scrap and part of a wool ironing mat and fabric over it all staples to the back. To make it look neat I then covered the back with felt. It’s perfect size for next to my sewing machine and for my mini iron.
@tracybingham7739 sweet!!
RE: clothes pins - I don't use them with sewing since I don't do much of that. However, I do use them with my crochet as a weight to keep the beginning material from curling back into the work area.
So smart!! I am a terrible crocheter. My daughter is much better than me.
What great ideas, especially for an amateur like me. I don’t know if there are toxic fumes when drier sheets are heated, but it might be wise to check before using this way.
Oh I'm glad you gained some stuff from the video, but I don't know about the drier sheets putting off toxic fumes, but they go into the dryer so I would think if the iron were on a lower setting it couldn't be any worse than in the dryer. MMM good thought though.
I save all of the dryer sheets when I take clothes out of the dryer, and use them to clean the bottom of my iron.
I kept a pointed Awl next to my machine t guide fabric under the presser foots edge. Also I have a metal ruler called a square. It makes perfect square. rectangle and odd shapes that have straight edges. Happy sewing all
Interesting, I have sewing awls but are you talking about one from the hardware store?
Try putting clear polish before the colored polish on the plastic feet this should help keep it from discoloring
Now that is a great idea!!!
I use nail polish to identify the bobbins that have wash-away thread, so I don't accidentally use it for anything but basting/fitting - especially when making bras!
brilliant idea
what is "wash-away" thread - never heard of it.
@vmichalczyk5141 oh it’s neat. The thread is made from a synthetic product that will stitch strong and theme washes away later. Most brands have a version. Just do a quick google search.
Getting older slash arthritis has made finger pressing painful. Sometimes the spring-loaded clothespins fail and they're hard to fix. I discovered one half is a great substitute for at-the-machine finger pressing.
I forgot to mention the other day that if you take several, (I think I used about four) large washers like you have in the video and I put hot glue on parchment paper (a silicon surface would work too!)so it will peel off when your done, set a washer on it, then put more hot glue on top of that and put another washer on it and then just stack them up like that all the way up till I had enough washers to get a good weight behind it and I use them as fabric weights on the cutting table or pattern weights, they don’t slip and slide because of the hot glue. I made them years ago and still use them!
Oh that is an excellent idea. Thanks for sharing. I might need to go back to home depot!!
I also use the wallpaper roller to secure fabric onto sticky stabilizer when I embroider
Yes!! I've made many other of these videos sharing various ideas. I believe I used your idea in a newer video. Thanks for sharing.
Suction cup hooks work great on the sewing rulers as a handle! 21:21
I use 1/4” painters tape for the uses you use suggested for Washi tape and more. Available at auto parts stores and paint departments. Also called “pin stripe type”.
Pin Stripe tape!! I’m gonna look for this. Thanks for the tip!
Salt can also clean a dirty iron plate. Just sprinkle some on a clean towel or rag and push iron back and forth to clean residue off.
ooo wow, cool to know, gonna have to try that out.
2 tips from me .. I use hair straightener for ironing and I use tictac hair clips for keeping the fabric in place
What do you mean “tictac hair clips”?
Oh neat!
I absolutely love love love your videos!!❤
aww thank you
Thanks for your notions. I have used some of them time and time again especially the mini clothes pins. The clips are expensive. I have been using blue cutex dots as far back as 2000 to identify my stuff while going to catering school.
Glad you like them and yes, it's amazing how we identify our belongings.
I separate the clothes pin and use it a a seam hump two sizes … also as a seam pusher 😊like a purple thing.
Love the purple thang, was one of my first videos I made.
Great tips, very helpful, thank you very much. The tips from your viewers are pretty good as well.. love this! Thanks.
I love the ideas I get from you all. We have a wonderful sewing community
I’ve used stickers to mark my tools. Dogs, cats, flowers etc. they usually are sold 10 to 20ish for a buck.
Love it! I do love marking my tools.
A separated clothes pin makes two great wooden pressing sticks. I have some of my mothers' old ones that are worn smooth. So, the older the better.
Ooo never tried that. Will have to. Thanks
Hi Sookie Beautiful ideas on your second shelf, you have a little black sewing machine from singer. I have the same little sewing machine and I love it.
Just seeing this comment, sorry for the delay. I found this machine and the lady didn't know treasure she had, was glad to grab for $150
I have different types of bobbins for my different machines and I use a dot of a certain color nail polish to identify the different sizes! They use to label the bobbins but unfortunately the newer ones don’t have a number or letter on them!
A soldering iron for cutting lace and satin fabrics and appliques
Ooh ... I'm going to get some of those hooks for all my washi tape rolls!
my mom used to teach cake decorating and we used nail polish to identify our metal piping tips.
I have command strip hooks all over my sewing/craft room. I hang any tool that can be hung i.e. anything with a hole in it. I have some command strips that look like short fat clothes pins. I hang my tape measures with them, so my measuring tapes are fairly flat and not all curly at the end. Then I have some command clips that I use to hold some small flat notions and my expandable magnet stick. I don't know what to call it, that was what I could come up with.
Oh what great ideas! Need to dig through my drawers for some command strips.
hi. im looking for some advice. first im a leftie. what do you know would be a great pair of true left handed scissors that are not all metal as it seems to wear my hand out quickly? 2ndly i am disabled and have to sit to cut my fabric. what rotary cutter would you reccomend other than the Martelli that might make this so i do not have to put too much pressure for each cut?
Hi thanks for stopping by. Ok since you asked
1. True left handed scissors: try Famore Cutlery a the owner of the company is a lefty so they have a nice full line for lefties here www.famcut.com/search?q=Left&ref=124
2. Rotary cutter. You might check out my video on the SewTites cutting system. It’s the ruler and mat. Watch the video and you’ll see how I have bad arthritis and am so happy with this. Plus you can sit or stand. But be warned, it’s kinda $$ but worth educating yourself on the latest technology. Watch the video here ruclips.net/video/LfUvhlp6aXY/видео.htmlsi=bgC4vxzM_S9t_A4T
Love the clothes pin idea.
Thank you! 😊 some I’ve used for years and others came from viewers and I had to share
If you use precuts, use the “rolly Polly” along pinked edges to pick up all the pinking fuzz, before it gets all over your cutting map and you.
That’s a smart idea bc you’re right those linked edges still make a mess
Love your yellow items! That’s my favorite color!
Thank you!! 😊 Me too!!
I’ve really enjoyed both your videos. Also, I’ve had your stabilizer pocket guide for awhile now and I find it very helpful. So thx!
I’m so glad to hear this!!
I think you’re supposed to use a “used” dryer sheet. After using in the dryer, the gunky chemicals are gone and it’s just a rough microfiber.
Interesting, well it seem to do the trick but a used one would be more economical :)
I use plastic food wrap to wrap fabric and thread to keep from dust and hold together since it is clear you can easily see color and fabric
Ok Carol, that is a FANTASTIC idea. I will have to make a 4th one of these videos.
I used Press n seal on my spools but after a while it starts leaving a residue on the thread and I stopped using it
@denises7388 oh interesting. It sounds like a good idea but that makes sense
Use one side of a wooden clothes pin to guide fabric just ahead of the presser foot like you would use a stiletto, and can also be used as a hump jumper. We used to keep a wax paper square at the ironing board. If the bottom of the iron got sticky, we would rub the hot iron over the waxed paper, followed by rubbing it on an old wash cloth. The iron came out smooth as silk
Thanks for your swing ideas.and notions.
My pleasure. Thanks for leaving a comment :)
I have small command strip hooks on each machine to hold my scissors/snips. Larger command strips are inside my cabinet to hold my electric cords in place.
Oh that is a good idea. Thanks for sharing - kind of like "cord management"
For those sewists who are like I am, allergic to chemical smells, wax paper is a much better choice over the Bounce. Clothespins I have numbered to use for laying out quilt blocks.
These are great ideas..I must sscribe😊
Thanks so much, sure hope you enjoy the other videos on the same topic, I think there are 4 and I'm about to do another two since there are such great ideas left by the other RUclips viewers. Thanks for the sub :)
Use the wooden pegs for quilting.. I write on the wood.. abcde etc and 123etc. To lable cut block peices..
Love it
I use the clothespins when I have multiple cuts for a pattern and need to keep them in order
great idea!
Ive used nail polish to mark the shafts of used sewing machine needles that are still useable i.e. nowhere near the 8hrs use.
GREAT INFO❣❣🙀 Thank you🥰
Aww 🥰 Thank you for leaving a sweet comment. Glad you found value :)
I use nail polish to identify different size bobbins. The size 15 and 66 are very close in size but different.
Smart
Great use for the jade roller ! I have one that I don’t use
Perfect! Time to pull it out and give it a try
Thanks for another great list of ideas.
You’re very welcome! There were even more great tips so I might be back with a third video
I use clothes pins to hang mini quilts on a string tied between 2 hooks
Great idea, functional and cute too!
Clothes pins are good for organizing units for quilt blocks. You can write on the pins identifying what unit you have clipped together.
Smart idea about writing on them :) Thanks for sharing.
I use old fashioned shower rings to organize my zippers by color.
Great idea! I might need to do a fourth
Fantastic ideas. Thanks😊
Glad you like them!
Yarn or washi tape around nuts and washers works as well
Those would be nice too. Thanks
Masking tape also works to pick up scraps and lint
Thanks👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼