I use clear fingernail polish the same way. I can't use a thimble but this keeps my fingers from getting so sore.

sorry-double post.

For a quick and easy ironing station...buy a wooden TV tray...wrap the top with batting and staple gun it on the under-side..Then choose a piece of muslin or other cotton and staple it on top of the batting...This is perfect to keep by your sewing machine so you don't have to get up so often to press your seams..The trays are around $10.00....

I used all the things already mentioned, plus used fabric softner sheets for some applique but mostly for Crazy Quilting or Strip sewing, I use it as a backing fabric. I also use the CD's as a base for pincushions or other crafts.

You might check with your public health department for disposal of needles and rotary blades. Ours will give us a 'sharps' container (like docs/hospitals put needles in), we take it back to them and they dispose of it .... no more sharpies in the landfill :->>

For those using extending magnets for picking up pins, or considering it, go to the hardware store (our 2nd favorite place to shop!) - I found a flash light with an extending magnet. Now I can see those pins glinting in the light, and pick them up. Happy, happy, happy!

I glued that rubberized waffle type shelf liner on my sewing machine pedal. It keeps it from sliding on the hardwood floor.

I also use a piece of clothespin as a "flat iron", I covered a large oatmeal box with cw fabric, put it beside my chair in the evenings, when I have snips of thread or small pieces of fabric, viola! pitch, when it gets full, dump it out..I also use freezer paper for applique, I have a piece of non slip cupboard liner under my sewing machine foot so it does not "dance" away when I am sewing...lotsa good ideas here!

You can use a spool for this but I have a Pen holder that sits on a desk and holds your Pen at an angle . I put my seam ripper in it and it makes it so easy to separate my chain sewing pieces. Its weighted so it doesn't move around like the spool does

I have used pan lids,pizza pans,plates etc.. for marking concentric circles on a quilt. I use a silverware tray in the drawer of my Horn sewing cabinet. I use round chop stick as a spool pin for my Singer 237(it came with no spool pin).
I use a large ceramic mug to hold my pencils,
pens,skinny rulers and rotary cutter, I found it at a thrift shop. Pill bottles are great for taking full bobbins to quilt
classes, they don't unwind on the way to class.
:-D
I use a large ceramic mug to hold my pencils,
pens,skinny rulers and rotary cutter, I found it at a thrift shop.
Its has lots of sentimental value for me,
we had them at home when I was a child.
Both my parents have passed on and it reminds me of them.