Saturday, February 16, 2008

Saturday Sewing Tip


I actually have two tips today. One is to keep a magnet near your sewing machine to pick up pins. This happens to be an official "Singer" one, but I've also use fridge magnets and even the paws of stuffed animals that are made to stick to the fridge. My friend Judy (aka Jude) gave me a little lobster who lives on my fridge, and he likes to help me pick up pins, LOL!
Of course, I wouldn't keep a magnet too close to a computerized machine, although these magnets aren't all that strong.
Another good idea is to use one of those picker-upper things. Grab the magnet with the claw end and then sweep it around the floor--you won't even have to bend down to get the pins!
Here is the second tip: prewash your fabric. For some, that might be a 'duh' idea. But I swear to you, I've been sewing for over 30 years and only recently got into the habit. You'd think I would have figured it out after having numerous tops shrink on me. A good idea to save time is to throw the fabric in with 'like' items of clothing. For example, I wash flannel with pajamas or knits with t-shirts. Now I know that when I make a garment, shrinkage will be minimal!

Do you have any awesome sewing tips? Please don't be shy--even the most simple tip is a 'wow' moment of learning for someone!

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

Great tips!! I have a little round magnet that I use.... it's too little. lol I want one of those magnetic dishes I saw at Walmart for my pins... just keep forgetting to buy one when I'm there.

I got your message and paypal for the ornament. Thank you!

I'll get this packaged up and sent out on Monday or Tuesday.

Mom2fur said...

Thanks, Laura!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for visiting my WW!. I'm not a big sewer (yet), but my tip would be to get the sewing maching out of the closet! I think if I have it set up in the guest room, ready to use, I'm much more likely to use it!

Anonymous said...

Don't really sew. Have a new machine in a box. oh no

Anonymous said...

That magnet tip is a really good one. I'll use it the next time I sew anything.

I bought some cotton muslin to make pillowcases and when I washed it it came out all shrunken and out of shape. I am so glad I didn't use it before washing!

Kate

Anonymous said...

Will have to try that one day. I worry more about threading it and all lol.

Amy said...

I have just started sewing so I can't offer any advice on this. My mother-in-law did get me a magnetic thingamabob for my pins though so I am halfway with you :) I love reading tips like this- thanks!

Susan @ Blackberry Creek said...

Glad you added the note about keeping the magnet away from the computerized sewing machine. I know someone who messed her machine up that way. Good tips.

MamaGeek @ Works For Us said...

Wow, that's a great tip. I haven't any. I can't even do the hook a rug kits, I'm so inept! :)

Debbie J said...

Is this going to be a regular Saturday post? I missed it, but I have two magnetic pin holders. Its much better than sticking them into pin cushions. Easier to get to and put back. I just kind of throw a handful on there! I keep one at the machine and one at the ironing board or where ever I'm cutting out fabric.

(I did get a computer virus last Friday, but my virus protection got rid of it! So don't click on any comment that says "click here"!)