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-   -   Household items turned quilting notions? (https://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1/household-items-turned-quilting-notions-t69905.html)

Cindy Shaw 10-14-2010 11:21 AM

I have an old typewriter table next to my sewing machine for ironing or whatever. I bought it for $10.00 on Craig's list.

Cindy Shaw 10-14-2010 11:23 AM


Originally Posted by tall2
My sister actually came up with this hint ,but I do use it alot. When making postcards "the embrodery kind" Or " Lables for your Quilts". I cut freezer paper the size of a sheet of paper (8 1/2 x 11), press some thin muslin to it wait for it to cool, then run it thru the printer.. My printer is a ink jet, I have not tried it on any other printer types yet. I use several programs that will type in diffrent styles, makes making them more fun. Also, the sheets usually only work on 2 rounds thru the printer, most of the wax on the paper is gone then.--recycle to make patterns. Oh, and if your printer works with EQ- you can make the design on several copies then sew together...
barbara

When I did this, the ink washed off.

neeng 10-14-2010 11:37 AM


Originally Posted by neonparrot
I love my tall 4-drawer metal file cabinet. Painted it to match my sewing room & so organized for patterns, books, class lessons, ideas, print-outs, etc. Labeled the drawers and I use hanging files, plus regular file folders.

Use deli-papers that I get at Sam's, papers that are used for sandwich wraps. They are thin & about 11x12 inches. Paper clip 5-6 of these sheets together well, with a magic marker pattern you want to use for quilting, underneath all of them. With no thread in your machine, follow the pattern and "sew" these sheets following the lines. Then you have your designs on lots of sheets, and you just place one sheet on top of your quilt and machine sew the quilting design on your fabric. Tear off & throw away. Works great.

I love my bobbin keepers because I thread loads of bobbins ahead of time, for quilting, machine embroidery, lace making, heirloom sewing & regular sewing. With about an 6" square of styrofoam, I have stuck short, thin wooden skewers in it, and slide on each skewer my filled bobbins, by color and design. With a magic marker I have drawn a line separating some of the skewers, so I know which section of bobbins is for regular sewing, embroidery thread, etc. I have a couple different ones for use with different machines. Holds lots of bobbins.

Fantastic idea for both the paper quilting patterns and the bobbin holders...will definitely be using these! Thank you (and everyone else on this thread, it is sew helpful).

neeng 10-14-2010 11:45 AM

Forgot one. I use canned air (find it at computer/electronics stores) to clean out my bobbin case and especially my serger. Blows out all the tiny stuff that the Q-tips and paintbrushes won't get.
The one I have is called Dust-off and comes with a long "straw" that lets you get into the tiniest places.

NanSew 10-14-2010 12:00 PM


Originally Posted by Quilting Nana
I use a long magnetic strip my DH got at HD. I think it is used for screw drivers but I use it for my all my sissers It works great.

Ikia has these.

BettyGee 10-14-2010 12:06 PM

I use large, 5" high, prescription medicine containers for pens, scissors, hooks and just about anything that is prone to rolling off a table.

Found a closet organizer at a yard sale for $10.00 that is six shelves high and it makes a perfect place to keep my fabrics. I can see exactly what I have on hand. Although there always seems to be that one fabric I just have to have. Bet many can relate to that.

Bamboo skewers are perfect for shaping corners.

The plastic containers that fruits come in are perfect for keeping pre-cut squares organized, the smaller ones are great for keeping small templates safe and together.

Love this topic, will be watching for more ideas.

BettyGee in Colorado

libertykm 10-14-2010 12:08 PM


Originally Posted by Kathy46
Hi! Don't know if this has been mentioned, but I use a grapefruit spoon to close and open safety pins when I am sandwiching a quilt to be quilted. Works like a charm and less stress on the fingers.

How exactly do you use the grapefruit spoon.

myothsec 10-14-2010 12:12 PM

I use a fabric magazine rack to store all my long tubes of paper like pantos, and rolls of fusible etc. Works great, and hides them all.
I sanded, and painted a hollow core door and placed it on top of two 36" high bookshelves to make a 36" x 80" cutting table which is exactly the right height to work at. I LOVE IT!
I purchased strong magnetic tool holders at the hardware store and use them to hold up quilts in progress or once they are finished. Magnets leave no holes!
I also purchased a 6ft. shade on sale and have attached flannel to it to make it a disappearing design wall.
I purchased heavy clear vinyl from my WalMart fabric dept, marked the grid on it myself and cut it to fit my Grace frame to align pantos on. $14.00 instead of $70 for pre-gridded vinyl you buy online.
I purchase my safety pins for basting online from a dry-cleaners wholesale shop - MUCH CHEAPER!
You can see my studio by going to my site at
www.belvidere.net/quilt - lots of ideas for you there!

DoxieMom 10-14-2010 12:23 PM

Great idea for using old needles. I hate having to make a large hole. I'm going to try this out!!!


Originally Posted by burnsk
I use my old machine needles to hang pictures. They are steel so they're strong and they make such a small hole in the wall.

I use the square kleenex boxes for a thread and scrap catcher. When it's full it's tossed.


quiltilicious 10-14-2010 12:28 PM


Originally Posted by tall2
My sister actually came up with this hint ,but I do use it alot. When making postcards "the embrodery kind" Or " Lables for your Quilts". I cut freezer paper the size of a sheet of paper (8 1/2 x 11), press some thin muslin to it wait for it to cool, then run it thru the printer.. My printer is a ink jet, I have not tried it on any other printer types yet. I use several programs that will type in diffrent styles, makes making them more fun. Also, the sheets usually only work on 2 rounds thru the printer, most of the wax on the paper is gone then.--recycle to make patterns. Oh, and if your printer works with EQ- you can make the design on several copies then sew together...
barbara

I've done this with regular fabric and my color laser printer. The laser printer supposedly heat-sets the ink into the fabric. I haven't tried washing any of it yet, but it works great! (I only use the freezer paper once through the printer, however)


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