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Kay wrote: My favorite tool is a small pair of scissors that you don't have to put your fingers in to make it work. The tips are curved for easy snipping and you can easily pick them up and lay them back down.
Kitty wrote: Mine is my Bracelet Buddy ... it's nothing more than an alligator clamp attached to the end of a fancy handle, meant to be an extra hand when you try to clasp your bracelet. I never found it especially useful in that aspect, but it's perfect for holding my needle during the removal and replacement process. My fingers just seem to get in the way when I'm changing a needle, but the Bracelet Buddy can get in there where I can't easily. The clamp is covered with a rubber-like material, so my needles stay put while I screw in the little set-screw.
Arlene wrote: One of my favorite tools for machine embroidery is a soda straw. I put it over the rod that holds the thread spool on my thread holder and then place my metallic thread on it. It lets the thread come off the spool without getting kinks in it. Thus I have no problem adding sparkle to my designs.
Shane wrote: This is not a tool, but thought I'd send it anyway. You were talking about marking earlier this week, and I picked this tip up when I used to teach at a Quilt Shop. I'm not and never will be a quilter; I taught heirloom sewing. Still, tips are tips and this one was new to me. A great marking tool for darker fabrics is a soap sliver. It has to be a soap with no additives - I use Ivory soap in my shower. When the bar is nice and "skinny" and just about to break in half - SAVE IT! Let it dry out thoroughly. Now it has a nice
thin edge and is perfect for making placement line along a ruler's edge on darker fabrics. It makes a nice sharp mark and disappears with just a spritz of water. I have a baggie full of these and even passed them on to students and friends. They last forever, but there is a never ending resource of them in my house.
Wow!
I received so many emails that there will be more tomorrow, and more
next weekend. As long as you keep sending them in, I will publish them
here. If you have questions about a particular tool, email me and I will
forward your question to the original author. Thanks to everyone for
sharing!
Next issue: more
favorite tools
from Mary Jane Allen
of Perfect Little Stitches
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