craftybear

Hi,

I am a beginner quilter and thought this would be a fun thread to have on the board so we can share quilting and sewing tips.

craftybear

I was hemming my hubby bib overalls. I used the rotary cutter and mat to cut them off by 3 inches was so much faster than using scissors.

Also while hemming them on machine I broke 2 needles. I was trying to figure out what I could use to store the broken needles until I got them to the trash.

I found this plastic needle case and works great to store in the sewing machine drawer.

Enjoy!

craftybear

Another cool thing to recycle to store your needles etc. in is a mentos chewing gum plastic case. Also can use it for a traveling sewing case to store your needles and thread that you use. This would be cute covered with fabric to make it more fashionable!

craftybear

Please other quilters reading this, please post your tips so we can all enjoy!

Karen

brushandthimble

I use an old piece of batting to layout my blocks pieces before sewing them together. Keeps the pieces from blowing away...:)

I have a friend who is a dental assistant, she brought me a small sharps container, (dr offices use them to put used needles in). it is in my cubboard and all my used rotary blades, needles and pins go in it. I think it may last my lifetime:)

craftybear

awesome tip, thanks for sharing

lisalovesquilting

I use a pill bottle for used needles. I have a small bulletin board above my sewing desk for the current pattern I'm using and business cards from shops I've been to, pictures, a color wheel, conversion charts, etc.

Suz

Regarding the breaking of needles while hemming jeans, etc. It is important to keep the pressure foot level. In my tools box, there is a item referred to as a "hump jumer". Each end has a different thickness. When approaching the seam and the toes of the pressure foot at leaning upward, slip ther jumper under the rear of the foot thus leveling the foot; carefully take a few stitches; then move the jumper to the front of the toes when they drop downward and carefully stitch past the seam. If you don't have a jumper, use a ruler.

Hope this helps to avoid those broken needles. Suzanne

craftybear

Hi,

Wow, thanks for the tip! I was getting so aggravated but better to sew with machine than by hand.

Karen

brushandthimble

another tip, I mentioned on another topic.

measure left over pieces of batting and pin a piece of paper with the size on the batting.