Thread: Pass On The Best Idea You've Had While Quilting

I would be very careful about this. I was told when I bought my machine that anything magnetic can screw up your machine. Just like the computer you are using now, there are computer parts in the new machines. Even the pin holders you can buy to have you pins out in you should keep a distance from your machine. You may want to check with your dealer before you attach the magnetic strip to your machine. JMHO

Originally Posted by Carron

I glued a narrow magnetic strip across the top front of my sewing machine. Then when I am sewing something that has the straight pins and as they approach the needle, I pull them out and stick them onto the magnetic strip. Nothing falling onto the floor or worse into the lap.

A lady in a quilting class kept a row of wound bobbins on a pipe cleaner and twisted the ends together. She had another pipe cleaner to string the empties on. She kept both in a zip lock bag.

Originally Posted by pineneedles4

I keep a small hand thrown ceramic put (approx. 3" wide by 3" tall or maybe a little bigger) by my machine to throw scrap threads into....it saves on cleanup!

Vanessa in Oklahoma

I've been putting an inch or so of masking tape (save from another use) next to the machine the thread sticks to it and you can throw it all away.

Originally Posted by CompulsiveQuilter

The best tip I've learned is to cut scraps AS I GO, anticipating a flying geese queen. I cut 3x5 bricks. The "sky" squares are pre-cut also. Before I start a seam on the current project, I stitch about 10 geese seams. Keeps me from being bored and the goose quilt should be half-done by the time I finish the current project, BTW, does anybody want scraps that are smaller than 3 x 5? Many good strings. Free; just pay shipping.

I love this idea- I have started cutting my strips up into squares, which I think are more useful- you have taken it one step further...

I always wind 10 bobbins when starting a new project. When I use all the bobbins, it's time to clean the machine and get a new needle put in it. Keeps me from having to remember the last time I did it! When paper piecing, I wind 5 bobbins instead as my needles dull a bit faster.
I have 3 machines and keep bobbins wound for each machine seperate so I don't get confused.
Also, I use empty TicTac cases for the used needles, when full just toss in trash can. No pokes or holes in trash bags.

I have a very large heavy glass beer stein for that purpose. My quilt friends come over and use it too.

Originally Posted by Annaquilts

I have a very large heavy glass beer stein for that purpose. My quilt friends come over and use it too.

So...you are a sociable quilter? And here I am using empty mason jars.

LoL@grammy17!!

I would think either one would be good enough for "social" quilting. ^_^

Originally Posted by Jan in VA

I use a full 1" x 1.5" Post-it-Note pad flush up against the presser foot, held down with a fat rubber band or a strip of tape, to keep my 1/4" seams exact. I can sew two strips together in about 10 seconds using this! All my seams are straight, equal, and easy.

Jan in VA

I just took a marker and marked right on my machine.

I'm like Granny 17 I use a empty mason jar.
I like the idea of changing the needle every 10 bobins.
Thanks