ranger

Thanks for all the info.
There is no Joanns here but I will check out Amazon, Canada and allbrands to see how prices compare.
Allbrands ships from the U.S. and that adds to my Canadian price.
I am tempted to get that Supreme Slider. My machine opens in the front and the piece that comes out, isn't flush with the rest of the machine bed. As I sew, the fabric sometimes hooks the edge where it isn't flush...jerks the fabric and needle a bit to one side. Do you think the Slider would help with that?

ranger

Prism, all that info is good to know.
I would appreciate the link to the Youtube videos about making the styrofoam tables.
Thanks.

weegrannie

I enjoy the Debbie Tucker rulers. All instruction can be seen on her web site under video tutorials.

Bree123

Supreme Slider is good. More work than I imagined to keep it clean ... it's time to go buy more Baby Wipes already. ugh!
If you're going to get that, you should also own a pair of Machinger's (or at least some kind of grip-y gloves). If not, I would get the gloves first. I love my Machinger's. They make a huge difference in the consistency of my FMQ stitches. The Supreme Slider is nice ... especially for reducing muscle fatigue, but I can still FMQ okay without it.
Also, make sure you tape it down so you don't ruin it because it can slip & slide and I know some people in my quilting guild said they chewed theirs up within days of getting it (and then never bought another one because they are kinda pricey).

Gramie bj

To be honest for me the fewer gadgets the better, I have tried a lot of them over the years and wasted a lot of money I have found easy, cheep fixes, ideas from other quilters. I do have some gadgets I love and use regularly. I have never used the Supreme Slider but have not found anyone who used it more than a couple of times. I personally use a good furniture wax (must use as directed) on my sewing table, have no problem moving fabric around on it. Freezer Paper is cheaper and does the same thing, some people think it is better, The sewing table I have never seen, my DH built my table for me. Thangles are again not worth the money, it is a one time use item, check out U Tub for ways to make HST. I have a ruler by Creative Grids that I like and can use it over and over makes multi sizes. I have older machines and my eyes are not what they used to be, I use a goose neck lamp that I can bend and twist until it hits just right. Not sure the brand name but I can easily move it from by my machine to by my chair in the other room, or even take it to retreats.

peaceandjoy

Gosh, I'm going to be able to save you a lot of money... I'm an addict junkie. :/
Supreme Slider did nothing for me. After a few tries, I gave up - not worth getting out and in position as I saw no difference.

Polly Paper is freezer paper - but comes in flat sheets rather than on a roll. True, when it comes off the roll it does have a little curl - so tear some off and weight it down for a bit; it'll be nice and flat and less expensive.

Thangles - Once I started using Triangulations, I got rid of my Thangles. Triangulations is software that allows you to print any size hst you need, as well as flying geese. I buy doodle pads @ the dollar store, cut to size if needed (I stack several sheets and use an old rotary cutter). The paper tears much easier than the triangulations, I can make whatever size I need in whatever quantity desired w/out having lots of partial packages hanging around

An LED light is nice, but you can probably find something that will work for you in many local shops - hardware/home improvement or crafts. One additional caution: If you do attach to your machine, consider placement of the stick on pieces. I didn't, and when I tried to pack my machine, the case didn't fit!

My sewing table is made from two inexpensive cabinets (under $40 each) with a board over them. Cut a hole in the board to fit my machine, made a shelf that fits under that and is attached to the cabinet back on each side. I have the large surface and storage in the cabinets. They say a picture is worth 1,000 words...

Prism99

Here are the Youtube videos for building your own quilting table (parts 1-3 in order, and update):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g14govA4pIM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yAS25v3ZTk0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A0lk7UBQgZY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hwrA...F28BF9&index=6

ranger

Thanks so much. I appreciate it. Will watch them tomorrow.

QuiltnLady1

I use garden gloves with sticky fingers for FMQ (in the spring Costco has a 6 - pack for sale that DD and I split, but sometimes the dollar store gets them -- the stickier the better). I LOVE the Karen K. Buckley scissors -- they are my go to scissors in every size. I got a sew-steady type table free when I bought my machine and I use it all the time for piecing and quilting. I have been doing a lot of my shopping on Amazon or Ebay for gadgets.

Bree123

Wow! I like peaceandjoy's sewing table. Looks a little high (which is good since I'm 5'11") -- might do a similar set-up for a cutting table with taller cabinets.
I found a simple sewing table tutorial that I plan to do for Christmas -- with a little help -- using a cheap Ikea table & a couple basic tools. It is the most beautiful DIY sewing table I've found yet.
http://frommartawithlove.com/diy-ike...able-tutorial/