unconventional sewing room tools
 

What tools do you use, that are probably considered unconventional but that you find really handy or indispensable?

Lint brush - no one ever mentions these, but I don't know what I'd do without one. It picks up all the little threads and dog fur (my dog is extremely generous with the fur!) that are on the fabric.

Telescopic magnet - http://www.amazon.com/2593-Telescopi.../dp/B0002SQYDC these are sold in hardware stores and are generally used to pick up screws that fall or some such. I love it for dropped pins or needles. I just have to wave it in the general area and it'll find it.

L square ruler. (I just grabbed a cheap one from the dollar store, but really handy also)

Binder clips. I got the tiny ones and use them in place of wonder clips. (they are definitely less expensive).

I love to hang my normal quilting tools on pegboard especially the huge quantity of quilting stencils.

I also use the lint roller to pick up the thread from my design board!

I've heard of people using a toilet brush (new!) for cleaning the threads off of the design wall. I use a wooden spatula to smooth the higher blocks onto the design wall because I'm too short to reach up there.

Chopstick for pushing the fabric out to make the points. 1/2 size index cards, post-it flags, 3 sizes of binder clips, masking tape. Pot scrubber to clean cutting mat. Round magnetic metal bowl from the auto supply shop. It has a great rubber base so it stays put. It holds a tiny flashlight, tweezers, snips, tiny screwdriver and a pencil. It cost less than $10 and I love it.

I have all the above and keep most of the items in a toolbox. Anddifferent size clamps.

I like a short handled tablespoon measuring spoon to use on the bottom side of the quilt as I'm hand quilting..I use it like an"Aunt Becky".

I like this!!!

Straight Edge rulers. I have one 4ft and one 6ft. They are coated metal and very inexpensive. $12 for the longest one at Lowes. They are 2 1/2 inches wide. Perfect for straight edges on the quilt and marking grid lines for quilting. I also use a laser line level that shines a perfect 90 degree angle. I darken the room, lay out my quilt to be aligned with one beam and can see exactly where the quilt isn't square if not aligned with the other beam.

I use a round belt hanger to hold my hand quilting stecils on a decorative coat rack on the back of the door to my sewing room...among other non sewing things hung there!