Top 10 Favorite Sewing Tools
The right sewing tools make sewing easier and so much more enjoyable. Often time I am asked about what tools someone needs to begin sewing. That can be a tricky question as it really depends on what types of things you are sewing. Garment sewing? Bags? Home decor? While all of these categories have some overlap, many require specialty notions. So as not to get overwhelmed, I suggest that you get what you need for the project you are working on and build from there.
To that end, there are some tools you may find helpful no matter what type of sewing you plan to do.
Hello friends! It’s a full week for many of us, with Christmas next Friday. I am certain that you are busy making plans and crossing off that gift list. For those like me, who maybe haven’t finished shopping yet, here is a list of some of my favorite sewing tools. Perhaps you know someone who would love to wake up Christmas morning with a stocking full of sewing fun!
The right sewing tools make sewing easier and so much more enjoyable. Often time I am asked about what tools someone needs to begin sewing. That can be a tricky question as it really depends on what types of things you are sewing. Garment sewing? Bags? Home decor? While all of these categories have some overlap, many require specialty notions. So as not to get overwhelmed, I suggest that you get what you need for the project you are working on and build from there.
To that end, there are some tools you may find helpful no matter what type of sewing you plan to do.
These needles come in an assortment of sizes that suit the lightest to more heavier weight thread- and the gold eye makes them that much easier to thread.
Lots of cutting can lead to tired hands. The spring in these scissors make cutting a breeze.
For a truly straight cut, there is noting like a rotary cutter.
This ruler has a bit of depth to it and works well as a guide for the rotary cutter. It also makes an ideal marker for making bag straps and bias cuts.
These chalk pencils are great for transferring small pattern details.
Idea for tracing seam lines and darts. The blunt edge is great for transferring markings onto paper or fabric; and it won’t damage the materials themselves.
Indispensable. Clover makes the sharpest and the best around. If you find a 3 pack- buy it. You will thank yourself later.
Among my collection of rulers, this small one seems to be used most often. It helps with pattern grading, tracing lines and darts and measuring hems.
Perfect for a quick sharp cut to thread a needle. Keep a pair right next to your sewing machine and one in your sewing box.
Essential for making yards of nice crisp bias tape.
What are your favorite sewing essentials? You can look forward to an upcoming post on some more specialized tools for pattern making, marking, pressing as well as tools for making bags. Perhaps it is time for a new bag pattern too?
XO, Hilarie
An Insider’s Look at International Quilt Market
I was so fortunate to be able to attend the Fall International Quilt Market. Why Quilt Market, you may ask? A reasonable question. It is a curious name, but don’t let that fool you. The International Quilt Market is the premiere trade show for the sewing industry. All manner of fabric, patterns, notions, sewing machines, tools, books and accessories are represented.
I was so fortunate to be able to attend the Fall International Quilt Market. Why Quilt Market, you may ask? A reasonable question. It is a curious name, but don’t let that fool you. The International Quilt Market is the premiere trade show for the sewing industry. All manner of fabric, patterns, notions, sewing machines, tools, books and accessories are represented.
It is held each year in the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, Texas.
The show, which is held twice each year, is a gathering place for store owners, buyers, representatives, authors, editors, magazines, designers and a few sewing studio owners too. It really encompasses the entire spectrum of industry insiders. My perspective as a first-time attendee was rather unique, as I was there with a badge as an author with a well-established and respected publishing company and as a small business owner. This outsider disguised with an “insider’s badge” gave me the ability to both stand out and fade into the background at once.
As an author, I was given some time at my publisher, C&T’s booth to have a book signing. Shop owners and representatives stopped by my table at the C&T booth to chat and have their book signed. This was such a fantastic opportunity to meet them and to hear about their work, their customers and what projects they are interested in making.
After the book signing wrapped up, I had a few minutes to change and refuel on coffee before filming a how-to tutorial. The tutorial, which will be coming soon, will be used as a promotional video for my book.
Once that was complete, I was free to explore the Quilt Market.
It truly was a fantastic experience for me to meet with representatives of magazines, sewing machines and fabric companies, distributors and suppliers. I learned a lot and made some valuable new contacts.
For example, while visiting the Kai Scissors booth, I mentioned that I personally love their scissors but don’t use them in my shop because I teach kids and the scissors are so sharp they could be a safety hazard. The representative informed me that they would be happy to blunt the tips of the scissors for me as a precautionary measure. Well, let’s just say that order was a no-brainer. Now the kids use beautiful and very sharp- but very safe scissors in class.
I spy my book on the shelf!
Testing new Eversewn sewing machines.
Each booth was an explosion of color, pattern and inspiration. The designers and team did an extraordinary job of not only designing the patterns for their fabric collections but in planning and designing their booths.
It did take a bit of restraint, but I managed not to go all fan-girl on some of the designers and authors I had the pleasure of meeting.
By closing, I was exhausted but exhilarated. Fortunately, my hotel was connected to the Convention Center, so it was just a short walk back. The hotel was gorgeous and lucky for me had some exceptional restaurants inside.
Check out the edible gold leaf. This dessert at Xochi was worth the price of the flight and hotel combined.
The fabric and supplies that I ordered just a few months ago are beginning to ship. Each time I pull a bolt off of the shelf, I will be reminded of my first time at Quilt Market.
XO, Hilarie