jcarilyn

I would be worried about this too.

tortoisethreads

1. I put painter's tape (blue) on my machine to mark 1/4 inch seam to really help me keep a perfect line!

2. For hand quilting I keep "finger cots" on my thumb and pointer to help guide and grip the needle. They are much cheaper than all the other finger gadgets at the fabric store and work the best!

ewhughe1

I save my old prescription bottles to put my quarters in. Why? That's what I buy "anything quilts" with. I've just bought a Ulmer Quilter. I think I am going to love it. I quilt by hand and I will be retiring in September.

Holice

be careful where you put the magnetic tape. some new computer sewing machines get messed up with this. it interfers with the mechanics of the machine.

LeeAnn

I used finger cots but was going thru them like crazy. I went to my local office supply store and purchased a finger cot you would use to sort papers. It's much thicker, I've been using the same one for 2 years. I have a 1/4 inch mark on my machine plate but it's hard to follow. I use the painter's tape also. It gives a more accurate seam.

oldhag

I keep a magnetic parts tray that I bought from an automative supply store on my sewing table. I can toss my feet, pins, needles and bobbins into it when I am working and it keeps them altogether.

Lynnejean

I use fishing lure boxes to hold thread. I have all my blue thread in one and another holds green etc...

oksewglad

I cut a flannel back vinyl tablecloth--the cheap kind-- into squares 14" and smaller. I place my cut block pieces on them. The fabric adheres to the flannel and the vinyl side does not stick to the next blcok when you stack them. Great for charm 9 patches. 14" squares for 12" blocks and the smaller ones for any minis one sews.

lclang

Flannel back tablecloths made excellent design walls. If you need an irregular shaped pattern for something the lining from a cereal box makes good pattern material and you can see through it. Measure twice, cut once!