Basic Supplies

 A dental floss container is a great way to cut thread  when scissors are'nt allowed or safety is an issue.I discovered  that if you can find a container that will open, you can insert a bobbin full of thread and use it when working on applique. It is an great little gadget .

Being of the bi-focal generation, I've found an easy way to thread needles. Instead of wetting the end of the thread try wetting the eye of the needle. Works well!!  Also, if you are embroidering try dabbing a little hairspray on the ends of the floss to hold strands together while threading your needle.

For years I put up with tangled fabrics and lots of strings all knotted up when prewashing fabrics. I finally purchased a "wave" blade for my rotary cutter. I use it on the cut edges before I put the fabric into the washer. No more tangled strings! No more strings! I used to spend several minutes with the scissors before I could dry the fabric. No more of that for me! I tried the diagonal cut on the corner. It works somewhat, but this works very well.

My quilting/crafting room does double duty as a second bedroom, and with the room layout I don't have wall space for a permanent design wall.  So I replaced the bifold closet doors with a wider curtain rod and a "wall of curtains".  While it is not as convenient as having a proper design wall, I can pin current projects to the curtains to view the overall perspective of the design.  Replacing those cranky doors, which often came off the track was very helpful.  I saved space and have a viewing surface now that is not damaged with "nail holes" etc and can accept any size quilt.

I recently ordered "How To Start Your Own Machine Quilting Business" and after reading it through twice, I got started researching.  As a result I have now purchased my sewing machine and quilt frame, both expected to arrive by the end of the week.  The book covers everything very well.  I already have 2 leads for quilt groups who can use my service.  While I am learning as fast as I can how to machine quilt, I am getting all the business details done.  If you are wondering if you should start your own business, I advise you to get the book and consider all the aspects, and do your own research about it.  I suggest joining quilt groups online and talking to your friends.  My leads are coming from unexpected places just by mentioning what I'm doing. 

It just drives me nuts to have my cords flopping all over when I travel with my machines.  I purchased some "stick to itself" velcro strips (fuzzy on one side and loopy on the other).  I use about 4" per cord.  Wrap your cord up and secure with a piece of it.  While you are sewing, you can just loop it around the cord tight enough to stay on and it will wait right there until you are ready to travel home!  No more unruly cords!  Happy traveling!

Sewinggrannie in Illinois

I use plastic video and DVD cases to store fabric swatches, threads, embellishments for each project in these. I also store 1" to 3" squares in them until I have enough to start a project needing them. I also collect oddments like applique pieces ready to iron on for rainy day projects, oddments of laces & ribbons, etc. I find them good for holding small stencils, templates, paper pieces, etc. I also keep a supply of pencils, markers, unpickers, etc. In fact you can think of all sorts of reasons to use these handy storers. You can label them too, and see through most of them and they're cheap to buy. They also stack well in the shelf.

When free motioning get yourself a pair of gardening gloves at your hardware store, the ones that have little dot of rubber on. They give you great control moving your quilt around, and the only cost 1.99.

Happy quilting

Some times I get severl projects going at the same time. I have purchased Rubbermaid shoe boxes for $.99.  This way I can have one project per box and not have a huge expese put into the boxes.  They hold up better than cardboard and they keep the dust out too.  When your project is done you can always reuse the boxes.

I sometimes have trouble pulling my needle when hand quilting.  This especially happens when using short needles.  To help with that, I cut a finger from a latex "medical-type" glove and put it on my thumb.  Pulling the needle becomes so much easier that way.  This will also protect the thumb from too-enthusiastic needle pushing from the thimble finger.