Go Back  Quiltingboard Forums > Main
Make do tools >

Make do tools

Make do tools

Old 07-27-2010, 05:53 AM
  #1  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Greendale Twp: Midland, MI
Posts: 216
Default

Reading some of the posts got me to thinking about my workroom.
I use a carpenter's T-sq, a regular sg, 4' long rulers, quick clamps, hand clamps. Heavy equipment nuts/washers make good weights.
A rounded off wooden dowel makes a good point turner. I sharpen the dowel in a pencil sharpener, then use sandpaper to soften the point. I like mine about 18", but you can make several sizes if you like.
You can find wood, hard rubber, hard nylon mallets, take your choice.
An empty builders snap-line tool with your choice of marking powder also works great. So go exploring in the tool dep't.
Joyce is offline  
Old 07-27-2010, 05:58 AM
  #2  
Super Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: DFW / Texas
Posts: 1,254
Default

Great suggestios! Besides I would imagine that that MIGHT be some cheaper than being labeled 'QUILT" tools.:)

THANKS for sharing.
LaQuita
LAQUITA is offline  
Old 07-27-2010, 05:59 AM
  #3  
Super Member
 
katier825's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: FL
Posts: 7,084
Default

Great ideas! Probably less expensive too! I shop for plastic organizers in the fishing aisle. Cheaper than the craft ones and almost identical by the same manufacturer.
katier825 is offline  
Old 07-27-2010, 06:02 AM
  #4  
Super Member
 
NikkiLu's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: So. Central MO
Posts: 2,759
Default

Fons and Porter had a show on PBS that showed them going to a hardware store to buy "tools" for their quilting projects. I cannot remember what all they bought - except they bought an aluminum oven liner to cut and make templates out of for applique - it is thin and can be cut with old sissors.
NikkiLu is offline  
Old 07-27-2010, 06:04 AM
  #5  
Super Member
 
rwquilts's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: In the west that I love!
Posts: 3,679
Default

I have my own set of tools that DH isn't allowed to use without permission...whatever makes my job easier as a quilter is a good thing!
rwquilts is offline  
Old 07-27-2010, 06:08 AM
  #6  
Super Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Missouri
Posts: 3,430
Default

Another suggestion is to check out the cosmetic section for plactic containers. I use a soap dish for my pins. The top closes securely and has saved me from picking pins up off the floor many times.
Bobbielinks is offline  
Old 07-27-2010, 06:12 AM
  #7  
Super Member
 
raptureready's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Illinois
Posts: 5,142
Default

I peruse garage sales, thrift shops, estate sales, etc. for useful "things". Two of my favorite finds were ruler holders. I bought one of the old metal record 'worms' for my big rulers (remember the things we used to put our lp's in?) and a smaller envelope holder one for my small rulers. My envelope one just looks like a spring with feet but some of them were made to look like wiener dogs. They're very handy and I have a total of 75 cents invested in them.
raptureready is offline  
Old 07-27-2010, 06:24 AM
  #8  
Super Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Tennessee
Posts: 1,214
Default

I find alot of plastic crayon and pencil boxes at yard sales, also pick up any good size baskets for projects.
Granna of 5 is offline  
Old 07-27-2010, 06:30 AM
  #9  
Power Poster
 
cjomomma's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Murray, Ky. Looking for a nice cushy pillow to rest my head on!
Posts: 14,022
Default

I stay out of my Dad's tool room because I want to snatch some of it and take it home for my quilting. He is always losing things he wouldn't know, would he?
cjomomma is offline  
Old 07-27-2010, 06:34 AM
  #10  
Super Member
 
Grama Lehr's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Rancho Cucamonga, CA
Posts: 4,783
Default

I got some clamps from the automotive section that are GREAT for holding bindings!! A whole lop cheaper than clips, they hold good and don't stick your fingers. Look like a cross between clothes pins and binder clips.
Grama Lehr is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
grocifer
Main
10
05-17-2017 05:18 AM
Feathers
Main
16
09-06-2007 03:51 AM
rama
Main
33
01-16-2007 04:24 PM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


FREE Quilting Newsletter