Basic Supplies

When pinning quilts, either to the leaders on my quilting rollers, or just for piecing, I hate little pin cushions or pins in a box, so I use a 12" - 16" throw pillow. I never loose it, and its easy to toss on top of the quilt or on my sewing table.  I never get poked by pins and there's plenty of room to get the pins easily, with my older fingers.

Weights are helpful in so many ways.  I find placing weights on my rotary ruler will hold it in place and I will not have any slippage resulting in inaccurate cutting.

Weights are a tool I learned about almost by accident.  They are not listed in most required tools.  As a beginner, they have certainly helped me produce more accurately cut pieces.

Since we live in a 14X70 trailer there's no room for a design wall, so I made a portable one. I took two pieces of wall paneling and cut them down to 3'X6'. Then I fastened them together with a piano hinge, layered flannel and batting, stapled them to the paneling, and VOILA, I have a "wall" which can be folded to slip under the bed when not in use. I lean it up against the TV (my sewing is done in the living room) to use. You could use any dimensions to fit your particular situation.

I have a small sewing room with not a lot of space to display my different color of threads.  I separated all spools into goups of similar shades of the same color of thread and placed each shades of the same colored spools into a zip lock bag. (All shades of green, red, etc).  Then, I placed all the ziplock bags of each colored spools in a vegetable bin.  Now, when I am looking for a certain color, to match the item that I am sewing, I just pull out the zip lock bag of the color that I need and am able to quickly pick the shade that matches the best.

My friend gave me a gift basket full of coffee mugs and coffee samples.  The basket was too beautiful to get rid of but, I hate too much clutter around my house, so I carried the basket into my sewing room and sat it on the cutting table until I could figure out what to do with the basket.  Well, a few days later I was cutting out a dress for my niece and I started throwing the small cotton scraps into the basket and it was perfect!  I throw all my cotton scraps into this basket and now when I need a small scrap, it's right by the cutting table.  I also grab these scraps to 'test' a stitch or as a starter piece when piecing quilt pieces.  A friend commented on how 'cute' it looked!  So, it's functinal and decorative!

Organize all supplies used during quilting around the main work area (sewing machine,cutting and ironing tables) based on how often you use them.  For instance, scissors, thread, rotary cutter, marking tools and rulers are at an arms reach. Within a few steps from the main work area other materials not as frequently used but needed just the same are kept like extra needles, books, and fabric. Items used only occassional (batting, quilting stencils, etc.) could be kept at the furthest point from the main work area.

 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.