Tools of the trade

 During the school year I teach a sewing class for homeschoolers -- both moms and kids!  It's a lot of fun, and exciting to think of what these children (and moms) can go on to do with their new skills!
I frequently get requests for help, both from those I've had in class, and others who can't make it but still want to learn to sew.  So, during the next few weeks I'm going to be sharing some of the same basics that I go over in my classes.  Hopefully this will be helpful information, whether you're just getting started, picking it back up after a long time away, or have done some sewing, but don't really feel like you know what you're doing!
(Sorry if this is all old news to you and boring, you might want to skip out on the next couple weeks!)

First thing we're going to talk about are the tools.

Good tools are essential to good sewing!  Make sure your tools are in good working order and SHARP.  Here's a list of the tools every crafter should have.  Along with a list of things that I just personally love!

Tool Basics:

Scissors.  Invest in a good pair that are devoted exclusively to fabric.  Cutting other things (paper, wire, flower stems, hair, your brand new pair of shoes that your mother just bought you, etc) will dull them quickly, and nothing is more frustrating than fighting with dull scissors.  Not to mention the fact that it's a good way to ruin a piece of fabric.

 Seam ripper.  Once again, keep it sharp!  Replace it when it becomes dull.  Which for me happens a LOT.  Sometimes I think I rip more stitches than I sew....  I get two new ones in my stocking at Christmas every year from my wonderful husband!

Pins.  Make sure they're sharp and clean.  (Noticing a theme?)  Dull or rough pins will snag and damage your fabric.  If one gets bent, throw it out!  I prefer glass head pins, since they're easier to see and can be ironed over without scratching the iron.  My favorites are "extra long dressmakers pins".

 Needle and thread.  You guessed it: make sure it's sharp!  These are irreplaceable for hundreds of little jobs and quick fixes.  Not to mention all the finishing touches on just about any thing you make.  There are many types, but "sharps" are a good basic "all-purpose" needle.

Tape measure.  Or maybe two or three, if you're sewing with children around!  They tend to be in high demand by little hands.  I like to keep a couple old ones around that I can hand off to the munchkins when they want to "help".  Mine pretty much never leaves it's place around my neck.  Sometimes  I completely forget about it and it's still there when I get my jammies on at night!

Marking pencil.  There are lots of different kinds here, and some work better on some fabrics than others.  I usually use one that is water soluble, since projects have a way of getting interuppted around here, but I also love my "vanishing ink" one!  It just disappears after about 30 minuntes.  Always test a pencil on a piece of scrap to be sure it will come off!
                                                      Hint:  chalk works really well on bulky knits and dark fabrics!
 

Sewing machine:  These come in hundreds of makes and models!  Try to find something that is suited to you:  if you do very little sewing or are just starting, you can do just about anything on a very basic machine.  If you really want to spend a little more on one, there are lots of options!  I personally have a Janome QC6260, which I love, but I'm also a big fan of the Viking machines.  See my "sewing machines" post for more on basic care and use.





Iron and ironing board:   If you want your finished product to look professional, an iron is a must!  Plus there are all kinds of fun things you can do with fusible tapes and heat transfer papers.  Steam is nice.  A spray bottle is really helpful too -- mine is built right in to my iron, but a separate one can be a little easier to use.










The little extras:

These are the things that really make sewing and crafting fun!  Some of them make life a little easier.  Some are just cute accessories.  All are things I use a lot!

Rotary cutter, mat, and ruler.  This is a HUGE help for any straight edge cutting.  Not only is it a lot faster, but it really makes an exact cut.  Which the perfectionist side of me greatly appreciates!  Plus the mat makes a great layout board for any project.

Dressmaker's wheel and carbon paper:  This is a must have for clothing making, and is used to trasfer markings from the pattern to the fabric.

Pin cushions:  They come in every size and shape imaginable!  Magnetic, armband, cloth,...  I have too many to count.  These are great to keep pins out and handy without them getting lost.  Plus they're so cute!
              But the fact is; pins get scattered.  No matter how hard you try, some day a baby will end up trying to put one in her mouth.  I credit the fact that none of my children have ever been in the emergency room for ingesting pins to prayer.  And I sweep a lot.
 




Pinking shears.  These give a zig-zaggy edge to whatever you cut with them.  Which is meant to keep fabric from fraying while you work with it, but can also be a fun way to dress up projects!  Very fun to have.







Dressmaker's Dummy.  Mine's name is Cordelia.  She's actually a "hand-me-down" from my grandmother, who is an amazing seamstress.  These are wonderful if you do any sewing for yourself because you can actually see what the back looks like!  Or mark hems, alter things, take photos...

Pin board.  Actually, I don't have one of these, but it's on my wish list.  It's basically a heavy piece of carboard with inch markings that you can use for laying out and cutting.  The advantage to this over the rotary cutting mat is that you can pin things TO it.  Which is so nice for so many things!  It would replace at least 2 sets of hands for me!


Hot glue gun.  The fast option for so many projects that you don't want to take time to sew.  Actually, I don't know how we would live without mine.  I fix everything with it -- shoes, furniture, books, vehicle interiors, even clothing, in a rush.  You can get high or low temp ones.  The low temp is probably the most versatile, and allows you work very closely without fear of burning yourself (although it still can if you try hard enough!) but there are times when you want a little more time to put something together before the glue dries, when it's nice to have a high temp one.  

  
Elastic bodkin.  This is a must have tool for threading elastic, ribbon, or anything else through casings.  So much nicer than the ol' safety pin.

Quick reference.  Very handy for ironing hems, marking seam allowances, or drafting patterns.








Note:  I am not being paid in any way for advertising!  All the brands you see in the photos are the just items I acutually use.