And you know what? I do want a lot. I want all the time... and there are times when I wish I could really just stop it. Like the past two pay checks.
I end up with a yard or two of fabric coming home from work, or an expected delivery of a couple items I have ordered in the previous weeks...
Now normally, buckling under my avarice wouldn't be so bad, because if it wasn't for recent news of another potential move, the money is technically disposable-- all our bills and obligations are paid up. I am supposed to be saving up in case this move does indeed happen... but I am finding it particularly difficult, especially when it's sitting right in front of me and all I need to do is pull the proverbial trigger.
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| "I'm trying, Ringo. I'm trying really hard to be the Shepard..." |
And so I am stuck wishing, and listing those wishes instead.
1. SA Curve Rulers by SA Curve.
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| Image source: Style Solution. Buying Page: Amazon.com |
I try and keep myself apprised of any new sewing toy on the market, frequently spending a couple hours a day browsing all my venues such as Nancy's Notions, Ebay, and other such places. However, these managed to sneak underneath my radar just long enough that I am only recently finding out about the company. Unfortunately, the company's products are becoming a little scarce with very few places that actually carry their humble full range of neat and handy products.
These SA curves allow you to mark in your seam allowance with much ease-- each ruler is designed with common seam allowance widths, so that all you would need to do is line up the curve to the pattern and mark a full line in one swipe-- instead of the whole connect the dots dance one would with a gauge. They come in 3/8"ths, 5/8"ths, and 1/2".
2. EZ Templates by SA Curve
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| EZ Shirtmaker: Source |
These metal templates that at one point SA Curve sold are/were considerably larger than most templates in the mainstream market-- i.e. Clover or Dritz.
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| EZ Pocket: Source. |
I suspect these to be exponentially more useful and practical, not only for their intended purpose, but for many other purposes aside garment making because of their larger sizing. Again, though... a little scarce, and when you do manage to find a vendor, they're a little more price inflated than when the company sold their wares on Etsy (which no longer exists on there).
3. Measuring Wheel.
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| Source: Amazon.com |
Although SA Curve at one point produced these, they're even harder to nab than the previous two. Luckily, Kawaguchi, a company from Japan, has a very similar tool, sans the handle with a grid ruler and a clear body that doubled its usefulness. The primary use of this tool is to measure curves when accuracy is of utmost importance; for example, to measure an armhole to either add or remove ease from a sleeve to achieve a cleaner more tailored set in.
4. Clover Mini Iron II /w Adapter Set
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| Source: Amazon.com |
This is quite handy for a number of reasons, most notably that it's really great for the really fiddly small seams like those in collars, some handbags, and accessories. I do have a smaller iron that gets pretty dang hot, but it's like a travel iron more than a detail iron. I imagine using this while at my cutting table piecing together patterns quickly before I head to my machines, or adding a quick strip of stitch witchery. Some things that need to be ironed, are not worth firing up the larger iron for, but they still need to be ironed...
5. Pattern "Shape" Weights
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| Source: Nancy's Notions |
I prefer using my rotary blades and pattern weights when it comes to cutting out patterns. It's all about accuracy for me. However, one problem I find with run off the mill pattern weights, as well as handmade ones, is that they don't really give you the option of contouring to the curves in patterns, so nicks and cuts into my patterns is a fairly regular thing because the paper is not held down throughout the curve. I have an 18mm rotary cutter in order to alleviate some of the cut-ins, but it's still not quite enough. I bet with these my pattern pieces would last me a lot longer and my pieces more precise!
6. Darning Tools
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| Source: Amazon.com |
It's a little shocking that I don't have a darning egg or mushroom. It's never been at the highest priority for me, mostly because... well... I use burned out light bulbs when I do need to darn a hole. Darning is a method of repairing a hole in a knit article-- a pretty good skill to have, especially as a knitter with cats that like to chew holes in your knitted projects.
And here's where I'll stop for now.
I hope you discovered some new items to add your own lists!
The measuring wheel seems like a good investement, I could use that for finding out the length of trims for sleeves! I don't own a darning egg but use my pin cushion instead. It is filled with sand to keep the pins sharp and is hard enough to darn on...
ReplyDeletemmmmmmm I often want everything too, although most often clothes and jewellery!
ReplyDeleteThat picture reminded me of my mother's darning thingie - it looked just like that one! I wonder what the heck I did with it. I know I saved all her patterns from the 50's when I went through her sewing stuff and heaven only knows why - certainly wouldn't make and/or wear any of 'em! She did teach me how to darn, so that item I would actually use. I think there's still boxes of sewing stuff in the basement ... now there's a clue you have too much stuff if you haven't needed to unpack it in six months. ;)
ReplyDeleteRefrain from buying until after you find out whether you have to move again, Madame MM - except they're all small items so maybe you should just go ahead and get them. So much less hassle packing than for somebody who collects furniture as a hobby. ;)