Tools for Quilters

Tools can be a tremendous time saver if used correctly, but can easily damage your quilting project if used incorrectly.  Here are some tips about new tools and how to get the most out of them.

A clear ruler can be an excellent measuring tool, but it is easy to get off track on your guides and cut from the wrong mark. If you are cutting blocks of the same size, create some type of mark to notify you the correct measurement. A great marking device is as simple as a bottle of finger nail polish. Put a quick dab of polish on your desired mark so your cuts are perfect each time. When you're done, remove the polish with nail polish remover or acetone and the ruler is good as new.

It's pretty obvious the "Beanie" craze has passed, but no doubt everybody still has a few of their favorites around that they can't bear to part with (mine is Iggy the Iguana).  Give them a new lease on life as pincushions!  Stick a few pins in several of them and put one by your sewing machine, one by your cutting table, iron, etc.  They'll love being loved all over again!

I purchased a couple of closet rod brackets and hung a shelf across the top over one of my windows and added the closet rod  I then bought some shower curtain rings with  bull dog clips hung on them. They hang from the closet rod where I then hang stencils, my rulers, templates in zip lock bags, patterns, etc. on them.  If I need wider clips for larger stencils, I use skirt hangers that you can pick up from clothing depts.  I can hang alot more in this space than I can on a peg board.  Also a good use of space as it saves some room on the walls to hang quilts or a design wall.  The shelf on top serves for me, a way to store my batting.