catrancher

This is no longer true now that we are no longer using floppy discs. The only magnetic thing in today's computers is the hard disc and those are magnetically shielded. My husband is a masters level electronics engineer. I trust him to know.

jumpin' judy

1. While wandering around in Harbor Freight I found these large plastic bins. They are $2.99 and hold about 20 yards of fabric. My shelves are too deep to use the mini bolts, so these bins work better for me.
2. I got a teflon oven liner and cut a small hole in it and use it on the bed of my machine while FMQing to help the fabric glide easier. I used my 20% off coupon at Bed Bath and Beyond so it was around $16.

sandpat

I buy those plastic report covers and use them in place of "template plastic"

I use the large black clips to hold my quilt to the table for basting the sandwich.

I use old prescription bottles to collect bent pins, broken pins, etc....just throw the thing away when full.

I use a narrow paint brush with the really long, soft, flexible bristles to clean the lint from my machine.

I use parchment paper instead of "applique sheets"

I use used dryer sheets to clean the gunk off my iron.

Thanks for the tips, I love them!

sandpat

Oh judy....care to share some of that gorgeous stash???? I'm jealous!

dsb38327

I can not take credit for this tip because I learned it from a post on the Quiltingboard. I have started saving my plastic (see through) food containers. They serve many purposes in my sewing room. I like them more than my $$$ purchashed Steralite containers because I can see through them better.
I cover my 'work bed' with plastic, when guest come the bedding is still clean and lint free.
I have enjoyed this post. Thank you for all the tips and tricks.

mhansen6

This idea I tell everyone because it works so well. Go to Harbor Freight and buy a glass pane suction cup handle. Less than $6. Put it on your ruler as a handle. Your ruler will not slip around because you have a better grip on it and it keeps your fingers away from the edge of the ruler so they won't get sliced. Yes I learned that lesson from experience.

Scrap Happy

I keep a jar next to my sewing machine and on the cutting table to toss thread and fabric that is too small to use. An old wicker basket is on the cutting table for small usable strips and another wicker basket for odd shaped usable pieces of fabric. The unusable strips go into a small basket and will go to the birds for their nests in the spring as some quilters here have recommended - love this idea!

This is a great post with so many wonderful suggestions! I have to finish reading what everyone has posted.

Baloonatic

Wow what a find, and sew perfect for your needs! I looked all over for a toolbox and finally found a fishing tackle box with a top compartment plus 3 drawers beneath for all my paraphenalia.

I've used thread bunnies for 30 years, but if I can get a plan together I SO want to use the idea of "beginners and enders" and get two quilts sewn at the same time!

I tuck a small piece of foam in the top loop of my cone holder to keep the thread from raveling, especially monofilament. It is just enough to control the thread, but not add to the tension.

Last spring I found my 3' silk wreath on my front porch was being decimated by birds looking for nesting material. Sew I draped narrow strips of fabric scraps (14" or so) on the wreath and the birds helped themselves. I now save the narrowest little strips separate from larger scraps and will be putting them out on the porch again this spring!
The larger fabric scraps and leftover batting pieces are saved and chopped up for stuffing pillows for pet beds which my guild donates to the local animal shelter. We made 185 pet beds last year on our annual sew-a-thon ...that's a lot of scraps!

Baloonatic

Wow I LOVE this idea! Thanks!

Oh, oooh! I have another one... I use empty TicTac containers to hold beads for embellishing

puck116

Never thought of this. I like this lots.