chance

One - Keep small bits of leftover "warm and natural cotton batting" near you to stop the bleeding when you prick your fingers. I even make emergency home-made band-aids from them.

Two - I use a long artists T-square when I want to cut long strips of material. No matter how careful I fold, sometimes the strips come out wobbly. This solves the problem.

Hopes these ideas aren't too weird :)

mygirl66

Two more tips:
One: Never sew when you are tired

Two: Always keep some emergency chocolate in your sewing room (and purse, car, dresser drawer...) LOL or am I the only one? hehehe

dakotamaid

Great tips, both!! Especially regarding the chocolate! I'm asking for one of those T square rulers for Christmas. I asked for one last year but this year it is getting a star on it for priority!!

quiltinghere

One: Work on something "quilty" each day...you deserve the free time.

Two: Have a 'to go' project in your car. You'll never know when you have to sit and wait.

Good topic!

ranger

Where would you buy one of those artist's T-square? Are they the same as a carpenter's T-square?

pstoner

Yes details here, I have been looking at one in the artist section of hobby lobby, but was wondering if the one from the lumber store would be just as good?

dakotamaid

I actually used my BILs T ruler that he uses in dry wall installation, that is where I first thought of using it on fabric. You can buy plastic ones or metal ones. Haven't priced them.

raptureready

another tip: If it's on sale and you can afford it, buy it.
(that's my personal favorite)

My sister uses a role of toilet paper as a pin cushion. She doesn't use many pins and keeps them to the center of the roll. Then if she needs to wipe up a small spill, blow her nose, dab at some blood, it's right there to use.

When hand sewing I use a thimble on my middle finger and tips of rubber gloves (the dishwashing kind) on my thumb and forefinger for keeping a grip on my needle and pulling it through.

I also keep a pair of tweezers and some 1" squares of polar fleece with each machine for cleaning. The lint will cling to polar fleece and it makes cleaning my machines a breeze.

Nancy S.

I use warm and natual scraps for dusting works great!

sharon b

WOW some really great tips , THANKS :thumbup: