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Originally Posted by dhanke
I don't have a light box for tracing patterns etc., but I do have a plexiglass extension table on legs that came with my machine. I flip my ott-lite on it's back and slide it under the extension table, works perfectly.
My second tip is about rotary cutting multiple strips from a single piece of fabric. For example, if I need six strips 2" wide, I first cut a 12" strip with my square ruler, then I slide it over to the 10" mark, cut again, slide it to 8", cut again and so on until I have all 6 strips. It's alot faster and more accurate. If I'm working with a strip width that's not so easy to mentally calculate, such as 1 3/4 inches, I use a calculator to determine the maximum width I can use for the first cut, in the case of a 12 inch ruler it would 10.5 inches. Then I use the calulator to subtract 1 3/4 inches for the second cut and move the ruler to the 8 3/4 inch mark. I continue to use the calculator for each cut because I don't trust myself to figure it correctly in my pea brain! Probably sounds complicated, but it really saves time when cutting lots of strips. |
Originally Posted by sewTinker
It's not my idea (simply quilt guest, from 10 - 12 years ago); BUT,
rubberband two sharpened pencils together and use for tracing applique or other patterns. You will be drawing the cutting line, And the 1/4" seam allowance. Pretty cool... Marysewfun |
I use the empty CD or DVD containers (the large ones with the spindle) to put balls of tape,binding,lace etc onto. The lid keeps everything clean and stackable. Sometimes I cut a hole in the lid - on the side or top- to thread the 'string' through.
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I taped the lid to my seam ripper (upside down) onto the front of my sewing machine. This way my seam ripper is always handy (since I'm always using it!) You just have to be sure to put it back.lol
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Originally Posted by 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.
Marysewfun. :lol: |
I bought the ring for my rulers but hated it because I had to ake off the ones in front to get to the one that I wanted. So I found the binder clips, I put them thru the hole in the ruler and put it on the ring. Now all I half to do is open the binder ring.
Also Harbor Freight is a wonderful source not only for blades but I have bought clips, and plan to buy a table that will be perfect for a ironing table. They also have the gloves with the rubber fingers, and everything is much cheaper than items with quilt in the name. |
Originally Posted by Carron
I glued a narrow magnetic strip across the top front of my sewing machine. Then when I am sewing something that has the straight pins and as they approach the needle, I pull them out and stick them onto the magnetic strip. Nothing falling onto the floor or worse into the lap.
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I was experimenting with glue stick and applique....making a total mess as I normally do needle turn. Anyway, I found if I ironed a big piece of freezer paper onto my ironing board I could change the paper as it got sticky instead of ruining my ironing board cover.
Also, I try to sew together 2 small squares between sewing -- they eventually turn into 4- or 9-patches, etc. Thanks for all of the great tips. |
Originally Posted by Carron
I glued a narrow magnetic strip across the top front of my sewing machine. Then when I am sewing something that has the straight pins and as they approach the needle, I pull them out and stick them onto the magnetic strip. Nothing falling onto the floor or worse into the lap.
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[quote=galvestonangel]Also Harbor Freight is a wonderful source not only for blades but I have bought clips, and plan to buy a table that will be perfect for a ironing table. quote]
Hmmm - is it rectangle or how is it shaped? Thanks. Marysewfun |
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