sharon b

I am in a Christmas Exchange and we are suppose to buy "our" favorite small notion- under $5.00 I have no clue who will get the package/gift and don't know these ladies very well- any suggestions ?
Thanks

Wunder-Mar

Several years ago I bought a set of nesting pop-top tins from Keepsake Quilting (I think) - what I liked is that anyone with arthritis could easily pop the thing open and close it without having to grip it in any way. I cannot find it in any of the catalogues, but this is what it looks like: http://www.qualitylogoproducts.com/t...op-minttin.htm. If you can find this, terrific - if not ...

Our local JoAnns sells Design Trends brand LOCK-UPS, which are storage cups that seal tightly and stack; they come in various sizes. For my guild gift exchange, I got the one that's 1 1/2" deep and then topped it with a home-made pin cushion. The pins can travel neatly inside the container to class, and the twist closure ensures no spillage.

dunster

I couldn't get by without my seam ripper, so that must be my favorite.

AndiR

It's hard to find something under $5 anymore but a few ideas are a new seam ripper, a rotary cutter blade, pretty spool of thread, package of sewing machine needles, CHOCOLATE ;-), Sewing Edge, 120" tape measure, small bottle of Retayne or Synthrapol or Best Press, those cute little embroidery scissors.......hope that gives you some ideas.

Shelbie

I really like my "Purple Thang" which is great for poking out corners or threading elastic or ribbon.

sweet

A magnetic bowl for pins from an auto parts store is handy!

Connie M.

I also love my purple thang, and also a curve turner I got at JoAnns. It is a white plastic tool about 5 inches long that is pointed on one end and curved on the other. I use it all the time for "finger pressing" seams. and pushing seams into submission. I also use disposable scalpels that I got at a surgical supply store for seam rippers. They are super sharp and super pointed. When they get dull, just toss them as they are only about $1.50 each. Another repurposed tool I use is bamboo skewers to hold seams together in close to the presser foot. If you accidently hit it with the needle, the skewer breaks and you toss it rather than the needle. Sometimes you can find cool stuff for under $5. Good luck.

new2q

seam ripper, I too just got a magnetic parts holder (love it!), something else I just bought was a hobby tool set (under $5 at the Harbor Freight) 3 Small screwdrivers, magnifying glass and small pliers...This stays in the sewing

Tartan

Under $5 is a little tough but mine would be seam ripper, flower head pins or Purple Thang. Who couldn't use a new ripper, they do get dull fast for some of us that use them a lot. The pin cushion on a jelly jar with the flower head pins inside would be cute. Maybe a package of the easy thread needles?

Lori S

Pin magnets! I have my pins seperated by type , so each gets its own magnet. Dont forget pins, I like a very fine pin especially for batiks or any tight weave fabric ( no hole) . Varigated thread is always fun to play with.
I am a starch addict , and they have some really nicely scented starches . The linen , or lavender scent are my favorites.