One of the first very important lessons I learned from my Dad is simple, "Suz, you've just got to have the right tools for the job." That sank in deep and stuck there. Everything is simpler and MUCH more enjoyable when you have the proper tools for the task. Here are, in my opinion, the top 5 things you've just got to have at the ready when you're stitching.
2. If you can possibly manage to chain piece, do it! You will be amazed at how much this can speed up the process. It's kind of like assembly line sewing, and it's a real game changer. When doing this, you need one of these to rip your chains apart. It's so much easier and safer than fussing with a scissors or rotary cutter to try to separate your pieces. Here is the 45mm blade model, and here is the 60mm one. Plus, they come in several fun colors to suit your mood or decor.
3. This one gets reached for more that you may think. Once you own one, you will wonder how you ever survived before. It's great for manipulating and achieving those perfect corners on your quilt bindings, feeding small pieces right up to your needle, and quick pressing of seams when you're too tired or comfy to go to the iron. Get yours now.
4. If you know me at all, you know that I don't like to pin...EVER. I do, however find myself grabbing for these quite frequently when I need something temporarily held in place. They are quicker for me and easier to maneuver than traditional pins. They get used the most when I'm adding borders to make sure they don't stretch while I am adding them to the quilt top. Get a pack.
5. I have to have 2 of these babies! One right next to my machine with my mini iron, and one at my LauraStar ironing station. They have quite literally changed my life. The mat absorbs heat, so when pressing your quilt block shapes or sewing project, it’s like pressing on both sides of the fabric at the same time. If you haven't yet experienced pressing with a wool mat for yourself, take the leap and give it a try. You won't regret it. You deserve a wool pressing mat.
Just my two cents. Dad is a pretty wise fellow...just ask him. :) This is some advice he gave me decades ago that I continue to follow, and it truly does make any job simpler, safer, and MUCH more enjoyable and successful. Try it for yourself!
Piece out,
Suzie
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