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-   -   Above & beyond---tools we never knew we 'needed' :) (https://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1/above-beyond-tools-we-never-knew-we-needed-t131371.html)

olmphoto2 06-18-2011 04:52 AM

What are the tools or gadgets, actually anything related to making your quilting projects that you never suspected would be so important to you?

List your favs here if you would. Explain why they work so well for you if you'd like to do so, maybe how you use something in a innovative way if that's the case.

I can name a good number of things for this thread that make my list but I think I'll start by saying...don't ever try to take my June Tailor Shape Cut rulers away from me! :D I love being able to so accurately cut strips, diamonds and other shapes---and so many at once with little or no repositioning of the ruler necessary. It has made my cutting sessions SO much less stressful and with ACCURATE results.

Share away on specialty items. You might also mention brands of basic supplies that have made your mental list of "I'd have to think long and hard before ever buying this from another manufacturer!"

Have fun!

cjomomma 06-18-2011 04:59 AM

That would be my rotary cutter and templates. Instead of taking 2 weeks to cut out a quilt top it only takes an afternoon. Try to take any of them and I will use the rotary cutter on you. LOL!!

DogHouseMom 06-18-2011 05:02 AM

Easy. My glue stick.

I use an Avery brand glue stick for piecing.

Discovered it when reading "Landscape quilting" by Zieman/Sewel for placing raw edge pieces onto a background. Decided to try it for piecing and LOVE IT.

The benefits of the glue stick over liquid glue: 1) I don't have to iron it first to "set" it and 2) If I lay the piece down wrong I can pick it up and move it easily (as long as it hasn't sat for so long that it dried).

Does not gunk up the needle or the machine. Dries completely flat.

And yes, I did first test to make sure it would wash out cause sometimes when I'm laying down a line of glue along the seam I might go outside the 1/4". I also use my old iron so I don't gunk up my new iron (not sure that it will but not willing to find out!).

There are still times when I need pins. If I'm trying to match two particularly seams that need a little easing in the glue stick isn't enough.

Leota 06-18-2011 05:03 AM


Originally Posted by cjomomma
That would be my rotary cutter and templates. Instead of taking 2 weeks to cut out a quilt top it only takes an afternoon. Try to take any of them and I will use the rotary cutter on you. LOL!!

LOL... CJ you are so violent :D....
I don't think I could go without at least one of my sq. rulers... They are so essential to squaring up my blocks. And now that I'm not terrified of my rotary cutter, I use it instead of my scissors :D

amma 06-18-2011 05:08 AM

My 1/4" presser foot :D I can't sew 1/4" seams without it LOL
Elmer's Glue is another, a walking foot, and last but not least the Quilting Board :D:D:D

Hen3rietta 06-18-2011 05:10 AM

Where to start...
Rotary cutters for one, squared rules for another.
Like DogHouseMom, I use glue sticks a lot, but in my case, the repositional ones for makeing tearable quilting templates.
The neat little clover needle threaders that sit on the table and actually work without having to squint at invisible needle eyes.
Those are the ones that come to mind immediately, but I know going to a sit and sew day requires an extra carryall for the necessaries.LOL

jeanequilts 06-18-2011 06:04 AM

I love my light!
http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/10128734

hobo2000 06-18-2011 06:06 AM

I have lots of templates & rulers that seem to grow. I found these wonderful stickup hooks the base is plastic but the hook is metal. I have them lined up on my wall with all of my templates and rulers hanging. Easy to find and easy to get to and best of all the hooks remove easily and can be reused over and over and don' t leave holes or sticky.. Love it!

yolanda 06-18-2011 06:08 AM

my 1/4 inch foot - i can piece so much faster with it

clem55 06-18-2011 06:08 AM

My seam ripper(s)!!LOL


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