Tools of the Trade
Today’s post is about the sewing tools that I use on a daily basis. I truly believe that the right tools make the job easier and faster!
This is my daily sewing machine. It’s a Janome 1600P and it’s basically a portable industrial machine. It only does a straight stitch but considering that is all I use in my business that is just fine. It sews a lightening fast 1600 stitches per minute, can sew through 6 layers of denim like they were nothing, has a knee lift, up/down setting and a separate motor for winding bobbins. This machine has easily cut my sewing time in half!
The best iron of all time! This is the Black and Decker Classic and I love that it looks straight out of the fifties (and it’s only about $30). But I love the way it functions even more! It has all metal construction so it won’t crack and leak water when you inevitably drop it. It gets hotter than the more expensive irons and its heavier (all that metal) so you don’t have to press as hard. Finally, it does not have the pesky auto shut off feature so it will be hot when you get up from the sewing machine. But you do need to be careful to turn it off when you are not using it.
The thing on the left is a loop turner and it basically a glorified latch hook that is invaluable for turning tubes of fabric for purse handles and spaghetti straps. The gizmo on the right is a bodkin and it works like reverse tweezers. the ring slides to create a tight grip and it’s very handy for threading elastic and drawstrings.
This last tool is called a point turner and I use it to push out the corners on pockets. Much safer than using your scissors!!!
What are your favorite tools of your trade?
July 27th, 2009 at 7:32 pm
Is there a trick to the loop turner? Because I’ve tried it several times with 0 success. Thanks
July 27th, 2009 at 8:01 pm
There is a bit of a learning curve on the loop turner but once you master it, it is the fastest technique I have seen. I find that the key is to trim your seam allowance to about a 1/4″ and then pull down the center of the tube. Then DON’T PULL. Instead roll the tube over the turner. I’ll see if I can post of a video tutorial.
July 29th, 2009 at 6:20 am
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July 30th, 2009 at 10:14 am
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August 6th, 2009 at 5:49 am
Hi, good post. I have been woondering about this issue,so thanks for posting. I’ll definitely be coming back to your site.
September 10th, 2009 at 6:38 pm
thanks !! very helpful post!