50 Sewing Things I No Longer Buy!
Vložit
- čas přidán 5. 08. 2023
- In the vibe of deinfluencing, I am sharing with you 50 sewing things I no longer buy. I hope you enjoy the video.
Dumbest sewing purchases • 🤪DUMB SEWING PURCHASES...
The brutal truth about plus size sewing • The BRUTAL truth (and ...
Unboxing my lovely serger • Let’s unbox my new AFF...
How to make your own tailors ham • How to make a tailors ...
How to make your own bias binding • HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN B...
Subscribe, like, comment and share to support the channel.
If you would like to support financially I would love you foreverrrr. You can click the thanks button under my video or find me on www.ko-fi.com/penguinandpear
Thank you for watching. I appreciate each one of you!
My second channel @Lifebyclairevlogs - Jak na to + styl
Hello friends - a fun one for you today! I hope you enjoy! Let me know what you wont buy in the future?! xx
Glass head pins are what I use. The heads don’t scratch my iron if I need to iron something while pinned. I will admit I’m a scissor addict, but I actually use them because I do much more than sewing and quilting. I do embroidering, beading, etc. I’m a tool addict as well, but I do my research first. Most of mine are functional (rotary cutters, seam ripper, bodkin, snag repair, telescoping magnet wand). I don’t even know how to sew my own clothes yet. Subscribed hoping I’ll figure it out. I’m a size 30/32 US.
Hi just a small tip if it's any help about the tracing paper you use when I do my patterns I use rolls of lining wall paper it's just plain paper I find it's ideal for doing my patterns when I make them hope this helps.
Plastic sewing machines!! They may have features that are convenient, but they break down in a few short years. Give me those old cast iron singers, they can still get the job done!!!
@@historygradstu My best sewing machine was my old all-steel Brother. After 30-plus years, I decided I wanted an embroidery sewing machine, and I traded in the Brother, but all sewing machines are plastic now-a-days. Blah!!
@@jkonstott yes we have entered to age of " shoddy"! Manufactures are a pathetic spectical of their former selves. Singer and all the other former quality brands are in a completive race and promote " plastic- fantastic" at the detriment of a consumer who is dialed into a name that once represented quality....but dont realize its all manufactured at the same kung-fu factory.
I like glass-headed pins. They look like the plastic heads but don’t melt when touched by an iron. They are easier for me to grasp than the self-headed pins. Also, easier to see with my old eyes. 😊
That buttonhole spacer is brilliant for pleats as well
Finally someone who agrees with me about polyester. 😊 I dislike this fabric with a passion. I am all about sustainability and breathability. That is one of the reasons I choose to sew my own garments.
I wish I could give you ten hearts for this! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ there you go! Couldn’t agree more I HATE poly with a passion!
I'm a bit older than you guys, and I have despised 100% polyester since I was a kid. Back then, mostly little old ladies wore it and it came with a foam backing glued to it. Dreadful stuff.
However, the cotton and polyester blends 9f the 70's and 80's were fabulous! A thousand times better than today's cotton. A 65/35 blend was perfect. The cloth would still breathe, wrinkle much less, reduced shrinkage, and remain colorfast. A shirt would look great for at least 3 to 4 years with regular wear.
Today's fabrics are mostly manufactured to self destruct in the wash, mandating frequent replacing of clothing.
I LOVE polyester
I'm not about sustainability or breathability, but my body is repellent to petroleum, and garment labels no matter how soft they are. I'm glad some manufacturers decided to stamp the size of the garment instead. ❤
Agree…I have to breathe and so does my body!
I love that "why on earth I bought that---". Right there with you.
That button hole spacer can be used to mark pleats, gathers on curtain tops, where to sew lines on quilts, and for graduated ombre markings for cutting out quilts pieces too. You don't need to get one but if you already have one you might as well utilize it fully.
I no longer print out patterns - I got an inexpensive projector and attached it to my ceiling. LOVE using it!
The only use 4-way stretch polyester in my sewing room is the cover for my dress dummy. Otherwise I hate it!
I only use Swedish Tracing Paper for toile's or slopers that I know I'll use more than once - that makes it a good investment.
The magnetic seam guide works fantastic on my vintage Singers...not so much on my modern machines (don't think there's enough metal to keep it in place).
Duckbilled scissors really help with applique and trapunto quilting.
The plastic headed pins you showed aren't great and I don't like them - they melt horribly when ironing and it's hard to get that plastic off your iron. I went to the flower headed quilting pins which can withstand a little bit of pressing and they're easier to grip for someone with rheumatoid arthritis.
Chalk wheel pens are HORRID! As you said, the chalk line disappears quickly and it leaves chalk dust everywhere.
Wha...? Can't live without my retractable tape measures. Glad you found something that works for you.
Subscription boxes are a big no-no at my house. I'd rather spend my money and know exactly what I'm getting.
I use beeswax all the time for my hand sewing - it does help with preventing tangles and making the thread easier to glide through fabric.
Hate that stupid loop turner with the latch! My loop turning sticks and tubes work so much better.
Gotta have my stash - I shop in it all the time. But if no stash works for you then go for it. :)
I'm still using beeswax that I inherited from my mom. There's plenty left for my kids. I'm 70. 🤣
I save shoulder pads that I've removed from thrifted items, but only the high quality ones. Before I throw away a worn out garment or bag, I remove the buttons, and sometimes the trims, zips, straps or hardware.
Such fun watching this!
When shoulder pads were the style, everything was askew on me because I have square shoulders, so I took out all the shoulder pads from clothes I bought then they would fit perfectly. I still have them in a box just in case. They make useful pin cushions! I still have a bunch of hooks and eyes and snap fasteners in various sizes because we used to actually use them. I've sewn many of them onto clothes in my time. I also save buttons etc from old clothes too, we always had a button box and it's still useful. I'm 78, and we grew up reusing and being frugal with everything.
I bought a Janome machine about 8 years ago and fell absolutely in love with it. After constantly fighting with machines and lusting over new machines online I finally found one that was the right machine for me. I came across a new one in box at a garage sale a year ago and snapped it up for 50 bucks just because I love my current machine so much I was happy to have a backup.
Wow! You are so brutally honest about what is worth it and what isn't! So refreshing, especially in this day and age when so many claim they "couldn't live without *insert product here*"!
I found myself nodding along to most of your points throughout the video. It's funny how easily we can manage without all of the stuff that's supposed to make sewing easier! 😂
A coverstitch machine does more than one stitch. Besides the 2-needle and 3-needle stitching, it also does a chain stitch. The chain stitch can be used to fit garments because it's very easy to sew up the seams temporarily and then remove the stitching when you find your final fit. If you sew lots of knits and activewear, a CS is a very useful machine to have at your fingertips.
I agree. I have a Babylock Evolution with the overlock function and the coverstitch function in one machine. I sew on knits a lot and use both functions all the time. I also love the narrow 3 thread overlock for finishing seams on woven fabrics.
I have a 5 thread overlock serger and it is a total pain in the butt to change between 4 thread overlock and cover stitch. It requires changing the throat plate and rethreading the machine. I did one project with knit and decided I needed a dedicated machine that I could leave on cover stitch because changing back and forth was too much work and wasted too much time. I went on Craigslist and had a new to me cover stitch machine a few days later.
As usual, I almost completely agree with you. Beeswax, though - I use it on the very end of the thread (in my machine or when hand-sewing) so it will go through the needle eye better. I use it all the time, but I actually will probably never buy it again, because one of those little circles will last an average sewist a lifetime.
You can buy vegan wax.
Love my bees wax. I do a lot of hand sewing, particularly when rehemming off the rack trousers (I'm 4'11", trousers are ALWAYS too long) because I like the professional finish.
Oh how I agree, it’s taken me 50 years to realise that I am not being mean but we really don’t need to be persuaded to spend money on gadgets that our Grandmothers never needed to sew clothing for a whole family. My pattern weights are beautiful stones collected from the beach- they need to have a flat side - perfect. New subscriber, Sue xx
ME TOO!!! My mom used it a lot. Mostly quilts, and even though the were on top, I couldn't stand the feel on my skin, like if I laid across my bed.
The same with quilting. Seldom do I purchase the latest ruler or doodad. It's all so unnecessary and look what our grannies did without it all!!
Great video! Thanks for the incentive to stop buying and "shop my own stash/declutter." Instead of labels, I mark the back of my garments with an embroidery stitch on my machine (it's a row of connecting hearts). I can only do this when there's a facing in the top or something like that. My friends like this personal touch. Appreciate you!
That sounds lovely. Usually I’ll joint the band in the channel so that tells me which is front and back ❤️
What a perfect idea!!
I bet that looks delightful. A very creative alternative to the label.
What a great idea! 😊
I chuckled when you mentioned labels. I've spent my life cutting labels out of everything I wear and it baffles me that anyone would sew a label into a handmade item on purpose.
(Diagnosed reasons for sensory issues, definitely explains a lot!).
Yep, me too. Can't stand those scratchy labels. Snip them too.
That's because most labels are gross plastic ones sewn on to make them itchy. I use cotton for mine and sew them on flat so that they are seamless with the lining.
@@nadias6435 I can see why cotton labels would work for many people, but even that is too much of an irritation to me. My clothes a label-free zone, as a result. 🙂
This made me smile. I wear my socks and pyjama tops inside out because the seams annoy me. 🤪
@@annenewton2950 you make a lot of sense to me. 😀🎉😀
For me, my double needle is important! I don’t have a cover stitch or serger, and I prefer to sew with stretch jersey knits. The double needle makes the best looking, stretch hem I can do, without warping anything. I just wind an additional bobbin to use for the second needle.
I’m watching this video thinking ‘yes’. I can relate to most of the notions. Time for a serious declutter. 😂💖
I live the duck bill scissors for cutting around appliques on my embroidery machine.
Adding buying patterns on sale. I have hundreds I haven’t sewn yet and wonder if I ever will, as trends change from year to year. I feel I’m only just starting to know and refine my aesthetic well, which has put the breaks on FOMO buying this year. Getting to know my fabric stash well, getting to know my pattern stash well, actually preparing pdf patterns instead of having them grow in my downloads, has helped put the breaks on further unnecessary purchases and saved me a lot of money. But also, too much choice in your collection can be overwhelming. Now I look at new patterns like “do I like this pattern better than these other patterns I haven’t sewn yet?” Or “can I hack this other pattern that I already have that is similar?”. I add the link to my growing wish list in my digital note taking app for that dopamine hit, and then forget about it😂 (although a few patterns recently have succeeded in a purchase recently, because they have met my very tough questions on aesthetic and need😅)
Oh my goodness- the patterns I bought at those 99 cent sales! I bought stuff that wasn’t my size or style thinking I’d adjust them. It’s so much better to just buy what you want when you want- and buy the fabric at the same time! Matching them up and storing them all is harder after the fact.
I know what you mean. I have accumulated a box full of commercial patterns, dozens of folders of PDF patterns, and I ended up turning off the emails from the pattern companies some weeks ago, as I really do not want any more patterns! I also have a bit of a fabric stash! I saw a comment a while ago where someone said they had more patterns and fabric than life expectancy, and I certainly feel a little that way!
Thank you for addressing your shaky hands. Medication left me with a new and frustrating intention tremor since last summer and I was afraid I would have to give up handwork. Thank you for being a great inspiration!
Sorry to hear this. It’s very debilitating isn’t it. I didn’t talk about it with anyone for so long because I was so ashamed of it (after a lifetime of being asked why do you shake) but it’s better for me if I address it head on. I hadn’t expected so many to connect with me over it so I’m glad my transparency has helped.
I sew a lot of knits, and my coverstitch machine is the best investment I made in my sewing room. When my serger broke, I bought a combo machine, and I’m in awe of how professional my garments look now. I use it for so much more than just hemming. (Because of all those specialty feet I got with it!) It’s definitely not something I would recommend for most sewists though.
I love this list and am so glad to have discovered your channel!
I just got one and I’m so excited!
Hi good to see you back, love the top you are wearing. I also have far too much stuff xx
Babylock cover stitch is the only one I could work with. the juki I had gave me issues
I had a combination CS /overlocker. It was so complicated to swap between the 2 functions that I sold it, bought 2 separate machines and still had change in my pocket. Much happier now
@@ginaburgess9759 you’re right! It can be so frustrating to switch everything to do cover stitch just to realize that you forgot to overlock a seam. Space is limited in my home, and I love using the safety stitch, so it works for me. (Honestly, if I had the space, I’d have all three. Combo, cover stitch and overlocker! But maybe that’s the kind of excess this video is warning me against. 😉)
I'm so glad you came back to CZcams. I so much enjoy your videos--such great practical advice with spectacular humor!!
Also, I love the idea of reselling the things you don't plan to use anymore. Someone else can (and will!) enjoy them and they stay out of the junk stream.
I really enjoyed this one! So glad you're getting back to doing sewing videos again! Sheri
Omg i have so much of these same items! 😂 i definitely was on a “buy all the things” collecting (as opposed to actual sewing) hobby! This was a good wake up! ❤
I use Wonder under tape to stabilize hems on knits before I stitch with a double needle. I agree with you about subscription boxes. For the same money I'd rather choose my own fabric. I just don't understand them. For pattern tracing, I bought a roll of doctor's examination table paper. It was super cheap and easy to see through to trace. The roll will last me a lifetime.
Completely agree with a lot of the items you mentioned. I believe I used your tutorial to make my tailor's ham a few years ago! Also made 2 seam sausages (different widths/lengths). Bought a $7 bag of hamster cage material and composted what I didn't use. Saved A TON of money making my own ironing accessories from cotton canvas I had already. So pleased with my matching set! Thank you!!!! I have several different types of loop turners that I'm happy I purchased. They save me a lot of time and frustration. I bought a pack of quilting remanent pieces (only once) that are coordinated prints, but I don't like the prints or colors. Going to use them to make bowl and plate cozies, pot holders, and pads to put under my plates/bowls/containers in the microwave to pull them out without burning my hands. If they get stained, no heartache dumping them in the trash. Boning: I use either zip ties or if I need wider plastic to go into a fabric bowl rim, I use plastic pipe strapping from the hardware store. Both of these are very inexpensive and very sturdy. Strips of plastic table place mats from a thrift store work well for this also. For pattern paper, I bought a roll (25 yds?) of medical table paper on Amazon. It's similar yet sturdier than the paper that comes in Big 4 pattern envelopes. If I need anything thicker, I bought a couple of rolls of banner paper at Dollar Tree (like a US $1- type of store). I have a fabric glue stick, but use washable school glue sticks instead that are really cheap right now (back-to-school sales) - you can get 2 large glue sticks for $1 right now. I gave away my spool & bobbin holders (hated them!), and use drinking straws that fit over my wall thread board pegs perfectly and keep my spools and bobbins together so I don't have to hunt for the matching bobbins in a tangled box of bobbins and thread. A box of 100 straws cost me $1 and I cut 2 lengths per straw. I'll probably die before using all of them. I have a few pairs of $1 scissors in my sewing room for cutting paper and plastic zips to size. I use $1 children's scissors in my sewing boxes for cutting hand-sewing thread - don't need anything more expensive for that task. LOVE your channel and thank you so much for really useful tips, tricks, tutorials and videos!!! 🥰 You are a rock star!
It's so good to see you talking about sewing again , I missed your videos very much. This was really enjoyable 😀
Before I decluttered, I could have won the "Most Underutilized Sewing Gadgets" award. I do have scissors, marking pens and chalk, tracing paper, a sewing machine, and a serger. Other than that I am down to the bare minimum. Whew! Feels good! Love your content, Claire. As usual, another excellent video. Fun AND funny! Winning combo. You are a gem, indeed.
I finally got all my notions and tools into two plastic shoeboxes. It feels good knowing I can find things quickly. Who knew if you only owned 2 seam rippers you can find them more quickly than if you own 50 of them? 😅
Ha!! Too funny and so true! Less really is more.
I wish I had this video years ago - what you share is so very true!!!!!!!!!!!! I have bought so many of these items
I love the sewing + minimalism videos! And slow sewing as well
Claire you have done yourself proud,I love your top,a very good choice of material and pattern,you look so happy and Happy,Well done.
I just found you and subscribed. I love how honest and practical you are. You already helped me not to bother getting weights. And I hate thimbles. You go girl!!!!
The metal accordion is a divider. I use it for figuring out spacing for pleates or placement/spacing for buttons. But it's a tool the draftsmen used back when everything was done by hand. Yes I have one too...somewhere...
You are such a wonderful tutor! Just beautiful! 😊
For hooks and eyes, if you ever need a line of small ones - which you probably won’t, since you don’t seem to be doing historical fashion - then I would highly recommend using the ones that are lined up on fabric tape. Those are brilliant, especially for your tremors. Same thing for snaps; they also come on tape. They usually come in white and black. If you need other colors, you can dye them. SOOOO much easier to sew them down all at once. You’d probably only need either for something like sewing sleeping bags, or curtains or something like, and it’s just so much easier to do them as a long line.
For me, I usually use snaps or sometimes hooks to keep shirts from gapping at the bust. But that’s about it. :)
Good list! You are right that we don’t need a lot of these things. I inherited most of my supplies, and to be honest, I still have a lot of what I inherited. And the old bias tapes are better anyway! 😂
I think you are smart to be working on a project by project basis. Keeps things much simpler!
I see a bunch of ladies using the "buttonhole" gadget to mark eyelet, loop, and hook-n-eye placements (corsets, dresses, blouses). I consider that a staple tool and will absolutely be getting one!
Interesting. I’ve been sewing 10 years and have never needed it. I’ve used it a few times but only because I had it.
LOVE your blouse/dress you finally used that awesome fabric. I could give a beginning sewing to a class of 12 and supply everything except the sewing machines. No one uses my machines but me!
Great video! I love the no stash philosophy too. It makes it way more exciting to start and finish new projects.
That’s a really good point!
I absolutely love ❤your channel even though I've been sewing for 40 plus years I've never heard of some of these unwanted items eg. the bobbin thingy!! I love ♥ your top too. I'm so pleased to find your channel and I'm slowly working my way through your videos keep up the good work x
OMG what a comprehensive list…just hearing all of this made feel so convicted because I have bought several of each of all the things you mentioned. I have been sewing for over 50 yrs (shocking to say that number!!!!) and have hoarded many of these things and then some. I have always donated many of the things I don’t use and will continue to do so. I am now facing of dealing with parents that have so much of everything that I get overwhelmed thinking - HOW THE HELL AM I GOING TO GET RID OF THIS STUFF (in my mind I was saying another word)!!!! My Mom has over 1,500 salt and pepper shakers from all over the world that she has collected 😮I don’t want that for my children and am on a mission of evolving in this area of life with my crafts and sewing. Great advice to declutter and use what you need…I would add: FINISH THE PROJECT!!! Thanks again for sharing💋💨
Another excellent video Claire. Thank you.
Thank you Pepprina
This was a great idea! I need to look through my stuff and see what I don't use. I always think I might use it in the future but I like the idea of getting rid of anything that only does one job and I can live without it. I'm moving soon so this has been a good motivator for me. Thanks
There are a handful of items on your list that I definitely use on the regular, but I mostly make bags and quilts. I watch your videos in hopes that I will get the courage to venture out with clothing soon. However, there are a lot of items in your video that I agree with you on - totally clutter. I recently decluttered my space (still a working progress, but greatly improved), and I love that your video gets you thinking about your items and the need (or lack of need) for them....100% on board with you about not buying for the STASH! It becomes where your stash owns you instead of you owning your stash ...I am so glad you have returned to sewing!
Love your top. I watched you make it and it looks lovely on you.
This was such a helpful video and some parts had me chuckling because I had purchased the same thing and, oh my gosh, rarely if ever used it. It was fun to realize I’m not the only one who bought “all the things.”😂😂
Haha. I’m the opposite. I learned to sew a zipper, and now I put them in everything (either in the front or side-I will never understand forcing people to contort themselves to zip up the back). I go out of my way to avoid sewing buttons and button holes.
I put my zips on the side seam. Much easier than the back seam
I appreciate you sharing this video. Thank you.
I always make my own bias binding as I was finding it was never as wide as stated, a 1cm tape was only 8mm, so I use pillow cases or same fabric as my project and it’s better value too. Thank you for your honesty in your video 👍
As much as I love buying gadgets for sewing and cooking, I agree with you about almost everything you mentioned. I have a ton of zippers that were my deceased MIL’s. She didn’t get through them and I won’t either.
Yes labels, sitting in a drawer in a box. Remnant packs, duck billed scissors and more. Definitely a fun and enjoyable video, thank you
Right! Why would I insert some scratchy thing I actually cut out of ready to wear?
I just came across your video and am I ever glad I did!
I am going to make myself a pot of tea and binge watch.
Thank you from Canada, God bless😊
Absolutely agree and said with such lovely humour!
I don't sew clothes but I do quilt. Some of the items you mentioned, many people try to get you to purchase the same thing for quilting. Thank you for this video. Great tips. God bless you.
I always enjoyed this video so happy that you are sewing again your place looks amazing 🌼
Your list and reasons were interesting to hear and I think we do get in a cycle of buying just to buy. The little white plastic needle threader is for holding a needle on one end to insert while tightening and the other brush looking end you lay the thread in and push through the eye of the needle to thread. Duck Bill scissors are really useful when trimming applique. Hope it helps and thanks for the chat!
I do love my appliqué ( duck bill ) scissors. I use them all the time, especially in places where you want to trim closely without risk of cutting fabric by mistake in the lower layer. I love them!
Love the video been there done that i now really think about patterns and fabric as like you my taste has changed thanks for the video
Hello! I am so happy to find your channel -- I love your honesty! I agree with your list, plus you had sooooo many items I didn’t even know they existed!! Anyway - I’m excited to now start viewing your other videos - I want to see what great ideas & tips I can learn from you. Thank you!! I’m happy to subscribe to your channel!!
Oh my gosh!!!! Your exactly right about everything!!!!
I just got a sewing room clean out donation and there were things I have never seen before. Did you know there is a small attachment you can put on your machine bobbin winder and you can make spools from one server spool. This way you only buy one serger spool nd you can distribute them to three sewing spools to use on your server. Who knew?
I,m so,so glad your back with sewing video,s. Your telling things that are so real. Some times, a lot more than some times. I have seen sewing video,s that if I try it, it doesn’t.t work. I thought it was something that a did wrong. Even it Made me stop Sewing. I,m from “Holland, The Netherlands” Here we say: Your video,s are made with your feet on the ground. It mains with out fideling. You don’t,t make it nicer than the things are!
Thank you for that.
Hi. I am so happy you are sewing again and posting on the channel. I am hoping you are posting and sewing for yourself with joy and not because you have to. During the pandemic my son showed my CZcams to learn to sew and how to comment (I am 60 and not good with electronics). You were one of the first channels I found. I love the channel and wish you and your husband the best. Have a nice day and thank you for all the videos.
Thank you ❤️
I really loved this ""rant", (for a better word) as I laughed a few times with either WHAT you were saying or HOW you said it. I can relate and agree with some items comments and disagree with others, because, as you said, our sewing journeys differ. Thank you so much for sharing your views.
The top you are wearing is so pretty. Thanks for all the great tips! 💕
Looking forward to the server video.
Your top looks beautiful BTW x
As new to sewing I struggle to know what to buy. So thanks for this. I won't be dressmaking as I like quilting. But these videos have helped me to understand it's technique not magic that gets you through. I do like needle threaders though, but as mine is broken, my eyesight is not good so I'm struggling to thread needles. The best thing i got as a hint was to put a piece of white card behind it. But I need mine fixing as it really helps. So personally, I would buy one of those again.
I appreciate your knowledge sharing.
Oh dear. Thank you for the friendly reminder to upgrade my parchment "tracing" paper to real tracing paper. I even purchased the biodegradable variety! LOL! The struggle is real and I have been doing this to myself for years. Taping pieces together and then pinning them because of the slip and slide. In my head it totally made sense to do this but now that I have heard the voice in my head (you explaining the process out loud), I see how utterly ridiculous I have been. It is no wonder that I procrastinate tracing anything out! LOL! This is why I love your videos. Thank you for keeping it real! :)
Hello, I hope you're safe over there? I hope this year brings happiness, prosperity, love 💚 , and peace all over the world 🌏. I would love us to be good friends in honesty and in trust so as time goes on it will bring something great for us in the future, hope you don't mind? I'm Gabriel Wood from Brooklyn New York, where are you from if I may ask?❤
Love your vlog. Feel like I know you, and we could sit down and talk sewing over a cuppa anytime.
Agree with some of your don't purchase, but not all.
I love to add glue to hold things-specifically for applique or embroidery, knit neck or sleeve bands, hens, etc. I have top of the line Bernina machine, never had a problem. I do change or clean needle after using "school glue" which washes out. I do not purchase glue specifically for sewing.
Love my cover stitch machine-use it to hem ready to wear jeans, and for finishing necks, sleeve, hems on knit garments.
Machine Needle Inserter-easy to make yourself. I accidently found out by running over "that purple thang" with my machine. The needle punctured it in the perfect spot. So glad it wasn't my figer.
I love sewing machine feet, if you understand how to use them. We have sewing expeditions in the states, where there are classes and merchants. The merchants try to sell their wares by demoing their products. I paid close attention to how feet were used years ago, and haven't been able to live with out some since. Some of the expensive applications you can hack, like circle sewing.
I do appreciate a guide for seam allowance, but I like the screw in ones.
Duck bill scissors help me to not cut where I shouldn't, grading seams, cutting interfacing to seam, applique.
The only snips for me are the merchantandmills.com/us/teflon-thread-clips, less expensive options on Amazon.
Dressmakers dummy (dress form)-how can you get garments to fit with out one? Try the Bootstrap Dress Form DIY goes together quick and easy, and it's wonderful. Make certain your measurements are accurate.
Clear elastic is necessary in all your knit shoulders-how else do you keep the shape and not stretch out Elastic is an oxy-moran for the name of the product. It's more of a in-seam stabilizer.
Hook and Eyes, snaps, I'm a busty, slight shoulder gal, I am self conscious of gaps around the "girls", so I use them hooks and snaps on ready to wear in that area. Or at the top of zippers on garments I have made.
Shoulder pads I use to offset my bust. I also use in my dress form if I need a little extra fluff if I've gained weight.
Retractable tape measure lives in my hand bag.
Love my curved rulers for alterations to patterns.
I use non-woven interfacing, in the states, we get different weights of non-woven interfacing to suit different weights of fabric. I use woven interfacing for tailoring.
Wonder tape is used for 1/4" seam in hand quilting or it's a double sided adhesive that washes out. I have both. I'm a notions horder.
For tracing patterns consider a projector. Depending on your pattern maker, you can easily manipulate the lines, and save them. You will never print a pattern, you will save it to your computer. You can use the projector to stream movies, etc.. We have outdoor movies in the summer.
Keep up the good work. Really enjoy you and what you add to the sewing community.
Thank you!
Alpental Gal
Amazing ideas thanks for sharing
So many good points you made. Many of the tools you mentioned are ones that I thought…what the heck did I even buy this for. The worst one has to be subscription boxes. What a waste of money those are. To date, if I see a you tuber “open a subscription box” I immediately tune them out. As far as I am concerned these boxes are loaded with items that the stores can’t sell. It amazes me the junk they contain, and even more so people that go gaga over them. Ridiculous. I remember getting my one and only box and I was so disappointed with the contents. I had been contemplating purchasing a body dummy, but after hearing your input it just doesn’t make my sense. Thank you for all this great information.
I purchased a high quality seam ripper with a replaceable blade and OMG the best purchase I have ever made. So sharp. So good.
I love the labels its a wee message on clothes i make for my family
Claire I love the top you have on this is a great video x
Definitely got a few things myself on that list, but I agree I hate having too much stuff, often find myself decluttering,always a great feeling to be clear of the clutter.
Feels so much better!
One thing I do use a lot is the beeswax. It’s great for threading your needles and if I sew on beads it makes it a lot easier for myself to do. I agree with buying material that I never ended up using. I just found your channel and I will definitely be looking at your other videos too. 😊
Thank you for this video. Sound advice. Hi from Kingston, Jamaica
Agree about the stash. One of the biggest game changers was getting rid of my stash. I donated most of it and picked out about 6 cuts of fabric that i used. I also kept lining fabrics and used up those. I buy for each project now and I donate or compost scraps, I dont keep anything except cuts of interfacing I can use for smaller things like collars and facings. If I line pockets or want bias binding, I either use my white muslin fabric fabric or I buy a fat quarter off Etsy for a few bucks. I buy prefolded satin bias binding for armholes and necklines of sheath dresses.
I remember sewing in the 80s, those big shoulder pads made from preshaped foam. As I cycled thru outfits I would save the shoulder pads and throw them in a bag. A few years ago I found a small bag of those things in the dark recesses of my sewing room, they'd been packed and moved to three different homes by then. Looking at them with a modern eye it was shocking to see how huge and stiff and dense they were. They were like shoulder saddles! What were we thinking, lol!
I buy glass head pins. I like the big colored head because they are easier to find when I drop them on the floor.
I wish I'd been able to see this before I bought several on your list...... seam guide anyone amongst a dozen other useless buys? Have only just discovered you, but love your no-nonsense approach, thank you!
Great tips, thank you! 😊👍 I have several so-called needle threaders and the only one I can figure out to use is the good old silver metal thing with the wire loop.
I have lots of bobbins and love attaching them to the matching spool.
Hello, I hope you're safe over there? I hope this year brings happiness, prosperity, love 💚 , and peace all over the world . I would love us to be good friends in honesty and in trust so as time goes on it will bring something great for us in the future, hope you don't mind? I'm Gabriel Wood from Brooklyn New York, where are you from if I may ask?❤
Went on holiday couple years back and instead of buying dresses/fabric, U decided to use the 'fabric i liked at the time, but didnt need, but they look good' stash. I ended up making 6 dresses for my holiday, i didnt even buy thread. Saved a lot of money on buying outfits as some of the fabric was only £1 a yard cotton. Kerching. A lot of the things you mentioned I agree with. Have to admit I do have a sewing journal, its not fancy, just a notebook i wrote in which is very useful to me. I have a Brother sewing machine I bought about 5 years ago. But I also still have my first all singing and dancing Toyota machine which I bought around 1992 it still work (albeit temperamental), but its my back up machine and I will never part with it. Anoth we great videos from you 👌🏿
Such a good video - thank you! Marie
Hi, thank you for your videos, I’m trying to go through them.
Hello, love your presentations , you are so funny and engaging, and real. Keep it up.
I agree on most of the stuff you honestly listed. The chalk marking gadget I use only when I do Sashiko which use dark navy blue fabrics which my heat erasable pen is not helpful ( and the white erasable pens never work properly 99.9 % of the time). The chalk is very useful for me and it does not seem to disappear easily.
Thank you for doing a well thought of vídeo! New subscriber.
Love this video....I agree about polyester....
I love my duckbill scissors, I don't use them a heap but for applique work they're great and also for trimming bits off the carpet when the cat has got too enthusiastic with her claws. The shaping of them makes it easier to use than standard scissors.
Very good video, thanks for sharing. From across the pond.
The button holer my Mom used it to help notch fabric for her hand drawn patterns. She used it to put measured notches in. Then use it to check if her notches would mirror each other on the fabric.
great tips Thanks
LIKE YR VIDEO. I love my cheap dress form. Has helped me make tailored garments.
I've been sewing off and on for over 60 years -- and I have accumulated some really strange objects! My only recent, really good purchase was Fiskar spring-loaded scissors to relieve strain on badly arthritic hands. I do have too many presser feet! Thank you for the video -- you did a fine job!
Only one thing I actually disagree with...the thimble. I cannot hand sew without a thimble...way, WAY too many fingertip pokes for me!
I’m the opposite. I’ve never been able to sew with a thimble. They just seem awkward.
The image in the video was a rubber thimble that is actually used for turning paper pages in books and binders and such, not a sewing thimble. I was a librarian and used the rubber thimble all the time, as well as when I was a records clerk for a year before changing my career, entering figures into huge binders full of people's National Insurance info. I sew a lot by hand and have a bunch of metal thimbles and they are essential to save holes in your fingers and to get needles through tough materials like leather or denim. I'm 78 and still have several of my Mam's thimbles as well as those that came with other purchases or I bought myself. Cheap and forever useful I think for most who sew. Buttons always needing sewing back on. 😉
@Beruthiel45 interesting. I bought it for sewing (I don’t do book binding) but I never reached for it. Even so, it’s just a representation of a thimble so my point remains
I think it’s what you’re used to using. My grandmother said she couldn’t even sew on a button without her thimble. She started me sewing when I was about three years old. One day Grandpa went to town to get some supplies, and he came home with the smallest thimble he could find for me. It was way too big for my little finger, so Grandma wrapped fabric around my finger to fill out the thimble. But it was just too big and bulky for me, and I couldn’t use it. To this day I can’t sew with a thimble….
Lol I’m the opposite I just cannot sew with one .. I have tried
I think that one-way use products can be VERY useful if the solve a specific problem that you have :) I absolutely LOVE my buttonholer! I'm 5' and always have to rearrange the button positions because the original ones are in the wrong places after shortening the pieces a lot. It was SO much time and effort before I got the gadget! I also make my own patterns a lot and can use it for them, too. But of course it does not make sense for someone who can use the original button positions or never makes their own patterns.
With a tailor's dummy, the problem is that it's only really useful for people who have the exact proportions of the dummy (it is only adjustable in certain ways and though you might cushion it up, you can't cut something away). And those are usually people that already don't have to do much fitting anyway ... But mine (I think it's more a display dummy, it's not adjustable) turned out to be quite useful for sewing shoulder pads into jackets or sewing in sleeves! Because for those things, it's helpful to have the jacket hanging in a 3-dimensional way instead of laying around flat.
Wondertape is quite nice to fix zippers, braids, appliques or other small/narrow things on the fabric! I love it because those things tend to slip away when I try to fix them by hand, but if they are "glued" in place I can easily sew them :)
I love double needles! To be fair I love pintucks and double needles make these so much simpler. I will have to disagree about having a stash though. I live in a pretty rural area and getting fabric involves either a 2 hr drive or a 2 to 3 week wait for fabric to come in the mail.
Lots of these I’ve had from the dark ages! But just about agree with about everything you say ! So much money wasted LOL … I make mainly quilts now! Fabric is getting so expensive to make clothes out of, but I did when my kids were younger !
What an interesting video, thank you so much for the tips. Yes please do a video on Interfacing. Remain blessed xxx
Oh, yes, I'd love to see an in depth video on interfacing!