The Sewing Place
Tools of the Trade => The Haberdashery => Topic started by: toileandtrouble on July 16, 2018, 21:07:22 PM
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Just looking in to say I found a use for empty cotton reels (not me, on the Internet). Wind on those left over lengths of ribbon/ binding etc and fasten down with a pin. Naturally I had just binned a lot, but, there will be more, oh yes.
I still use my mini sharps box (emptu tictac box) for broken or dud needles/pins.
A small paperclip is perfect to fasten down the end of a reel of 'leather' trim that I didn't want to pin.
Any other useful oddments that you can recommend?
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I use an expired debit card for turning up hems. I can line up the fabric edge with various bits (long number/ magnetic strip/ expiry date/ logo etc) depending on the depth I want, I can press fabric over it without it melting (so far) and it’s small and bendy enough for most jobs. “Your flexible friend” in fact, for those who remember that old advert.
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Great ideas, both! I never thought of any of those, but they are brilliant. Thank you xx
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I use coaster and table mats as pattern weights when cutting out on the dining table.
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I collect old cotton reels...they’re getting quite pricey now.
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I use a couple of thin cardboard pieces from inside blister packs to slide down under lycra dance wear on my dress form so I can pin or tack without catching the looped fabric of the dress form. It bends around the shape quite smoothly and I simply slide it around as I go. The cardboard usually has a smooth glossy surface so the pin/needle tends to slide rather nicely along before resurfacing rather than the point getting stuck in it.
The tictac container is ideal being transparent but I found that the lid just got too loose with use so now I use an empty mints tin (the sugar-free Compliments from Aldi). I got quite a few from my daughter and have them lined up with a label on the lid for 'found rhinestones' (usually off the floor) awaiting return to their fellows, wonder clips, small brass safety pins (I use them for all my fittings), paper clips and - oh yes, mints. :D
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So, what do you do with all the needles that you have carefully put in plastic tubs. I use the plastic tubs that my calcium tablets come in.
So do I throw them in the general rubbish? The metal in degradable and recyclable, the plastic may be recyclable. Put the two together in a plastic bag and bury it in the ground and it will probably be there for the next 1000 years.
I am inclined to worry a lot about such things. -<
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I've been using mine for getting on a year and it's far from full so I'll wait until it is before I put it in the recycling bin. Use a metal tin like the one I use and it'll get picked up by the magnet at the recycling centre and go off with its metal needles.
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Use a metal tin like the one I use and it'll get picked up by the magnet at the recycling centre and go off with its metal needles.
Doh, why didn't I think of that. I can sleep now. :D
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Washers into pattern weights..just waiting for DH to cut a square of oak and stick a dowel in it to store them on. Price....£2 for the washers
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You can use various size plates to draw the waist radius of a no pattern circle skirt.
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@Efemera , deets please. Glue and what size are they. I've only found 3/4" so far. I used big old round washers before. 8)
ETA: found larger ones but lordy they were pricey and not local. I could buy real pattern weights for less, but then I'd miss out on all the fun of customization.
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I used double sided tape to stick two together and to stick the paper on. A small round needle file took out the center hole. I don’t know if you have the same kind of DIY store in the US but these are the same as I used.
https://www.screwfix.com/p/sabrefix-m10-square-plate-washers-galvanised-50mm-x-50mm-50-pack/9891H?tc=BT8&ds_kid=92700034758233694&ds_rl=1245250&ds_rl=1249481&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIo8qMwK6Z3QIV77DtCh3ZxQL7EAQYAiABEgIeqfD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds&dclid=CI2q5sOumd0CFaEX0wod9P4JMw
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You can use various size plates to draw the waist radius of a no pattern circle skirt.
@UttaRetch I'm not sure they make plates big enough for me :( :'(
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0_0 0_0 0_0 Sorry to laugh @Efemera.
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Me?....are pattern weights funny? :S
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Doh, my comment was meant for Ellabella.
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I use green painters' "Frog Tape" to work with paper for drafting. It works just like drafting tape and is much easier to come by.
I also use the center roll from toilet tissue to wind lengths of thread that have been waxed and pressed for hand sewing. I secure the ends with frog tape. Makes it easier to store than a pin on the wall and the diameter prevents the thread from wanting to curl.
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@Efemera I loved the first review of the plate washers on your link :D 0_0 :D 0_0
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@Esme866 your comment reminded me that I use the centre roll of the kitchen towel roll to store interfacings in. I slit the roll so it's easier to put around the interfacing, and write on the outside just what sort of interfacing it is-light/knit/iron-on etc etc. (I did steal the idea from someone else but can't remember who/where).
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@Efemera I loved the first review of the plate washers on your link :D 0_0 :D 0_0
Ha! I hadn't read the reviews. Amusing indeed. Did you see his name? Or his other reviews? A couple were very tongue in cheek and one about some multi-purpose wood screws was full of innuendo of a delicate nature, cough cough.
Glad you pointed this out- I needed the laugh today.
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Empty cotton reels get strung together on garden twine, with spaces between and big knots to keep them in place. They are then used on't allotment to scare cats/pigeons of my veg.