50: gadgets and gizmos

I'm not an overly high tech sewer.  I have a really nice machine, but other than that I mostly just use the basics.  I'm quite used to "making do", since for a very long time all I had was a basic hand-me-down machine, scissors and an iron.

But, now I do use a few gadgets that help me out.  Since I just got a new one, I thought I'd share a few with you...maybe they can help?

First up, I just got a hem roller attachment for my machine.  I had visions of how easy this was going to make my life.  I just made 18 napkins for Thanksgiving, that each had 4 sides to be hemmed.  It really did help and was worth it, but it did take some getting used to.  It's not like you just start feeding the fabric through and it works like magic.  You have to take a little time to get it set up on each side, but then it works well.  It's something I can totally do myself just by "eyeballing" it, but it did save me from having to stop every 8-9" to re-roll the hem.  I can imagine it will be VERY useful on a much longer edge.

Now for some of my favs:

I love my silletto.  A lovely little pointy thing that I use to stick under my sewing machine needle so I don't have to endanger my fingers.  It's great for when you need to be very precise.

I don't know how I ever lived without pattern weights.  There are store-bought ones and even homemade ones I made out of washers.  They save you so much pinning time and you can cut so fast with a rotary cutter.

 

And last, one of those non-stick ironing sheets.  These really rock for when you're using any kinds of fusible web.  You don't need to trim the edges you can just iron it right to the sheet and then peel it off.  And then trim it all at once.  Plus no messes on your ironing board!

 

 

I'm sure there are more I'm so used to using that I've forgotten about them, but that's a good start for now.

JT

P.S. Yes, this is post #50 for me, but it's going by without any fanfare.  Maybe I'll have another giveaway when I hit six months.  But thanx guys, for making this so much fun!

Comments

[Julie]

I've never seen the non stick ironing paper. Is it reusable? Is it widely available? I'm always gumming up my ironing board with fusible webbing -- this seems just perfect!

[holly*]

i NEED one of those hem roller guys!

happy 50th!

[Amber]

Congrats on 50 - those gadgets are so cool! I love the pattern weights - I have to get me some of those!

[karen thauer]

Jess, I've just spent a half an hour looking at your web site and fully enjoying all your very excellent creations and the pics. of the kids. I'm very proud of you. Aurora and Theo look so sweet and each is a great combo of you and John. Hope you are all doing well. We are here. I love all the time I get to be with all my little people. We are expecting a new one any minute, might even be tonight.
I'm going to pass this sight on to my girls. They are all pretty creative themselves and I know they will enjoy seeing this. Take care and love to you and John.
Aunt Karen

[Amy @ parkcitygirl]

Love your gadgets! The little things really do make a difference :)

[Mattie]

I have just been a basic sewer my whole life, so it is very interesting to see the different gadgets out that could revolutionize my turn of the century technique! Thanks.

[Sarah]

I miss my weights, they got lost somewhere along the way.
I use a different pointy thing and have a different foot but that one looks much easier to handle, I'm intrigued by it!

[Jules]

i have a double hem attachment for my machine and i do NOT get it....i tried a couple of times and gave up on it...i've resigned myself to burning my fingers because i put them too close to the iron when i'm folding hems...the sacrifices one makes

[Andrea]

I need that hemroller thingy! Awesome!

[Dana]

I'd really love to know where you got your hem roller or what kind it is. I went to my specialty sewing store to get one, but they gave me two presser foot attachments that are nothing like yours. I shoud have brought a photo. Is yours a special attachment to your machine??