Thinking of Christmas list

[mellymell]

For once, I'm considering voluntarily giving my mother-in-law a list for Christmas, though, she must promise not to buy everything on the list this time. The reason being that I could really use some sewing and jewelry making tools, but would really rather leave my monthly sewing budget for mostly fabric and trims and fun stuff if possible. There are a few things I know off hand, like a rotary cutter and a gridded cutting surface so that I can attempt to draft things a little easier, and probably a couple of bias tape makers.

But I'd like to ask my skilled friends list here: What are some of the sewing notions you just couldn't live without? Any that aren't necessities but just make things a lot easier? Any you just really like to use and would suggest to someone who's collection of tools only consists of the bare necessities? Any I've already mentioned above that you can recommend brands or particular models of? Anything at all that makes your sewing a more pleasant experience?

Comments

[auroraceleste.livejournal.com]

My absolute fave has to be quality thread snips:

http://www.gingher.com/tools/t_4-12-inch-knife-edge.aspx

Those are the exact ones I own. Makes it much easier to trim threads, plus very good at ripping seams and clipping curves.

I have clover bias tape makers, I love how they're color coded.

If you don't have a dressmaker's ham and sleeve roll, they're very handy. Presses wonderful. Skip the ham holder, though, and get a cheap football tee instead. A tiltable is good, especially if you sew for long periods of time. Hem guages with the little sliding marker are cheap, but I use them all the time, so I have several.

[mellymel-cos.livejournal.com]

awesome suggestions! I was just thinking after my last marathon of sewing that I needed something to keep my neck and shoulders from aching so much. And the ham and sleeve roll would end my pressing woes I think. Thanks!

[padawansguide.livejournal.com]

A walking foot for velvet - but you probably have that already. A serger? I don't have one, but I hear good things. Of course, that's not a notion. I have a chalk marker I really like. Maybe a gift certificate to Thai Silks or something?

[mellymel-cos.livejournal.com]

yep, have the walking foot, would have cursed a LOT more at the Blood Red gown if I hadn't. That's the first time I've used it, but man did it save me. I forgot about it for a minute, but then about 6" into the first seam on velvet when I was just starting to get frustrated, I remembered it, put it on and totally fixed the problem. A serger would be much appreciated, especially if I plan to keep making garments for my mundane wardrobe. And since my sewing machine was a gift from her one year, it's not out of the scope of possibility. Heh, or even an ebay cert. then I could spend it with Bindu or Dinesh or anyone really! Dharma Trading would be another good place for a gift certificate for me.

[suededsilk.livejournal.com]

Sleeve board, if you don't already have one. It's good for pressing sleeves and small areas, but not only that, it can be used in lieu of an ironing board if you don't have much room. I use my sleeve board for pressing just about everything anymore. And hams - hams are wonderful!

If you're doing pattern drafting/altering, a 2x18" C-Thru ruler and an L-square (both available at art supply stores) are musts. Just a hint, you want the largest possible L-square or triangle you can find. :)

[mellymel-cos.livejournal.com]

the sleeve board and hams really would end a lot of my pressing woes, so I think they're going on the list for sure. And a C-Thru L-square would be awesome! I've been attempting to use the metal one we have for woodworking and it's just not the same. It's definitely a good size, but I can't see what I'm doing very well.