Make do tools
07-28-2010, 05:36 AM
#31
Super Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Michigan
Posts: 3,601
Originally Posted by Joyce
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.
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.
07-28-2010, 05:50 AM
#33
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Keller, TX
Posts: 1,913
Go to Harbor Freight. I have found more "stuff" for my sewing room as my husband is browsing.....I found Magnetic tins, tool box, a large suction tool with handle-great for use as a handle for plastic rulers/templates, "surgical" clamps, painter's scrappers (metal with plastic handle)...it is great for pressing seams and the 4" one I use in paper piecing and marking..quick straight edge. Look at all the tools...then think what you can use them for in your sewing room...you will be amazed! Oh, almost forgot....painter's canvas drop cloths..cheaper than buying it at JoAnns...use it in making purses and floor cloths.
D in TX
D in TX
07-28-2010, 05:54 AM
#34
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Greendale Twp: Midland, MI
Posts: 216
Lady Diana,
What a really good tip. One I will definitely put to use.
I have round and oblong magnetic metal ones, but now I can have a really pretty one.
My dd does a lot of hand clay work. I will be putting in my order and it must have some painted on pansies.
Love pansies and johhny jump-ups.
What a really good tip. One I will definitely put to use.
I have round and oblong magnetic metal ones, but now I can have a really pretty one.
My dd does a lot of hand clay work. I will be putting in my order and it must have some painted on pansies.
Love pansies and johhny jump-ups.
07-28-2010, 06:36 AM
#38
Junior Member
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: near Dayton, OH
Posts: 179
I just love to browse at Harbor Freight! I use a tool box for beading supplies, set of different tweezers, small suction cups to use on rulers, wire bins for the pegboard. I'll never forget seeing, in a notions catalog, a short piece of half-round wood molding (for use under garment seams when pressing to prevent seam marks on the outside) for $11.99!!
07-28-2010, 06:49 AM
#40
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 543
Very good ideas!!!!!!! Quilters are very resourseful!!!! Would it not be wonderful to hear from our grandmothers the things they used to "get the job done" when there were no quilt stores, craft stores, etc. I have always thought that some quilter was using a pizza cutter and tried using it to cut fabric, then got her husband to sharpen that blade. Thus rotary cutters were born. LOL
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