cimarron

Speaking of gadgets, etc. - Can anyone advise me regarding Martelli ErgoCutter 2000? I've had "carpel tunnel" issues at times (not too much lately thankfully). Somewhere I read these rotary cutters were better for wrists, etc. Considering purchasing one, but I am wondering a couple things: First, do they have a safety guard (cannot tell in photos) and secondly, how did the transition go for folks who use this equipment. (oh, and 45mm or 60mm?) I would appreciate your advise folks. Thanks for any help.

diane Sneed

Keepsake Quilting carries the side by side 1/4 inch seam allowance gadget.

liondenise

Aboout the hemostats - there is a guy at our local flea market that sells small tools scissors hemostats etc and he is there every weekend- if there is a flea market near you it may be worth checking out - I'd even be glad to get them for anyone who wants them - just let me know - curved and/or straight edge -dh uses them too for small projects

Sewslow

That's what I thought until I got one. I wear it on a narrow ribbon around my neck so it's always handy, the flattened curved tip holds fabric down better than wood skewer I used to use, and slides seams smoothly under presser foot.

liondenise

I was having trouble with my rulers slipping and a friend told me about "invisa-grip" it is a clear clingy film that you can cut into narrow strips and stick it to your rulers and they don't slip - I put it on all my rulers including sy shape cutter and like I said it is clear - you could probably get some thin clingy film at walmart but not sure how that would work out

Marilyn Philips

I too love my new Clover needle threader. I also use the Thimblelady needles which are thinner and longer making it easier to hang onto with 80 year old fingers than a between; however, the needle eye is very very small which is very difficult for the 80 year old eyes to see and fingers that are not as steady as they used to be. For me this is a real stress saver.

Annaleehunter

I did some research on the 45mm Martelli Cutter and I am going to buy one for my MIL and myself for Christmas. They have a website. I also watched some videos. Just search for it and I bet you will have all the info you need to make a decision.

moonrise

Well, on my sewing table within immediate reach, are:

1) Rotary cutter
2) Large cutting mat
3) 6-1/2" EZ Square (used so much that the markings are coming off!)
4) Seam ripper
5) Cheap pair of scissors (used to trim paper when paper-piecing)
6) Gingher scissors (inherited from my Granny - for cutting fabric only)
7) 12-1/2" square template
8) 24" x 6" template
9) 12" x 6" template
10) Cone thread holder
11) Pincushion & pins (regular and flat head)
12) TV & DVD player! :lol:
13) Glass of flavored water

Those last two don't count, do they? :mrgreen:

I'd have a computer in my sewing room if the internet cable would reach! ;) Maybe I should add a wireless router to my list for Santa this year ...

Annya

I also love my sewing machine as it has the wider throat for quilting and the pencils that you use on fabric with it's rubber to remove mistakes and now my new pressing mat so the appliques do not stick to everything until I am ready to position them for sewing.

Anne T

Ladies, you are the top. You have covered all my favorites except one. I learned this in class on hand piecing- Spray Starch. Use this when ironing your square and the middle won't stay flat. Hope this helps someone.