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catrancher 02-27-2011 04:19 PM


Originally Posted by Quilted Dogs

Originally Posted by madamekelly
1. I used to use sticky Velcro to keep a needle threader attached to my sewing machine since I could not see the hole in the needle. My new hero is the charming lady I bought my new machine from. I did not know you could buy machines now, that thread themselves! (If it ever breaks, the depression may kill me!) LOL!

2. FMQ is very hard for me, but a wonderful member here, posted a link where they were using a 'walking foot'. I had never seen that either. Now, I can quilt my own quilts.

3. My quilting board family will help with nearly any problem with sewing. You are all amazing. How did I ever sew without you?

I would love to c that link on the walking foot, want to try and do FMQ on just my machine

Me too. I looked for it but couldn't find it.

Eileen 02-27-2011 05:52 PM

I have an empty pill bottle that I put all my used machines needles in when I change them. Keeps me from getting stabbed when I take out the sewing garbage.

Rettie V. Grama 02-27-2011 06:06 PM

Excellent Idea Sashing Sarah.I have a Kenmore machine which has an indentation for the spool of thread. The spool of thread sits on its side. I also use cone thread. Tried one on my machine. Works beautifully, not if they would just come up with an automatic bobbin winder which refills automatically when the bobbin empties, I would be very happy.

Tennessee Suzi 02-27-2011 06:14 PM


Originally Posted by Quilted Dogs

Originally Posted by k9dancer

Originally Posted by gellybean402
I always seem to rip a pattern after one use so I trace the pattern onto a piece of interfacing (including all the markings) and cut it out. Now I have a pattern that won't tear and is very durable and will last forever!

Very smart!

This is not my tip but read it the other day on a blog somewhere. Take your old dryer sheets, use them as backing for applique work. Do u know the money u can save on that one?!

When I worked for HGTV, I had to iron fusible interfacing to all the pattern pieces because the sound of the patters rustling messed up the acoustics. Not a bad idea after all!

Tennessee Suzi 02-27-2011 06:14 PM

that would be patterns!!!!!

madamekelly 02-27-2011 06:34 PM


Originally Posted by meemersmom
I cut "rings" out of an old knee high w/ a run in it and loosely wrap them around spools of monofilament. I have no troubles keeping the tension, and the thread doesn't come off the spool before the machine pulls it, eliminating snarls and tangles on the spool pin.

And, not really quilting, but when making ruffles (curtains, pillows, bags, etc.), I use dental tape instead of a ruffler foot. It never breaks when gathering (and has the bonus of being able to undo when you need to wash a curtain).

Could you elaborate on dental tape and ruffles?

Rettie V. Grama 02-27-2011 06:39 PM

Excellent Idea Sashing Sarah.I have a Kenmore machine which has an indentation for the spool of thread. The spool of thread sits on its side. I also use cone thread. Tried one on my machine. Works beautifully, not if they would just come up with an automatic bobbin winder which refills automatically when the bobbin empties, I would be very happy.

dljennings 02-27-2011 06:48 PM


Originally Posted by ShirlinAZ
I check my color values (light, medium, dark) by taking a digital picture and converting it to black and white on my computer. By taking the color out I can really see if the quilt will be too monotone or have variety and movement.

you can do the same thing on a copier ...works great

madamekelly 02-27-2011 06:49 PM


Originally Posted by aggie
Use the large AM & PM pill storage boxes purchased at Dollar Tree. Scrub off the days of the week and use it for my "feet" and label them. Nice because you can just throw it around and not have to search for the right foot.

I did the opposite, I bought the plastic case for crafts that had 14 sections and latches. I lightly sanded the lids, and wrote the days and AM/PM on them for my meds. Now when I travel, I don't have to tape it shut like I did the pill containers. the latch also makes it 'kid proof' and that is never a bad thing.

dljennings 02-27-2011 06:49 PM


Originally Posted by mommafank

Originally Posted by catrancher

Originally Posted by Cottage Dee

Originally Posted by lisalisa
Another good one I picked up was: keeping band aids next to your sewing machine so when you cut or prick yourself you can bandage it up and be on your way without a hiccup.

From experience, and tips, I have found the only way to really remove blood from anything, is to use your own saliva....it has the same enzymes as your blood. Sure works for me.

What about someone else's blood? Twice I've gone to my stash in the past month, only to find small bloodstains on my fabric. I don't think it would be wise to try to clean someone else's blood with my own saliva, but I'll remember this for my own blood.

Hydrogen Peroxide

friend of mine owes a drycleaners.. that's what they use & have for years... works great


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