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Use
the white pages of an old telephone book as foundation paper for
string pieced blocks.......submitted by Karen |
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I
like to reuse the plastic tube from miniature M&M's as a travel
bobbin holder......submitted by Carrie |
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To
keep your different sized sewing machine needles organized and
at easy reach, try labeling a tomato pin cushion using a fabric
marker, keeping each needle in the marked section of the cushion
.........submitted by Amber
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A
good substitute stabilizer for machine applique or embroidery,
in a pinch, are round paper coffee filters........submitted
by Tina |
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Before
I embroider a design for the first time, I sew it on a scrap of
fabric so if it doesn't work well I haven't ruined the garment.
These test squares I use to make pillows, a lap quilt, a pot holder
or hot pad for casseroles for church sales or other charity events.......submitted
by Sandy |
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I
put a piece of sticky back velcro on the bottom of my machine
foot pedal, sticks on the carpet so I'm not chasing it all over.......submitted
by Carmen |
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When
I do paper piecing I only print one copy of the pattern. I then
take pattern to sewing machine and a stack of paper (8 to 10)
and sew the lines without thread (using an old needle and regular
stitch length). This gives me copies with double the holes to
tear off, making it easier.......submitted by Dolly |
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I
have a great tip for paper piecing. Pre folding all of the lines
before sewing a block makes it very quick to line up your pieces
and you use less fabric. It also tears off easier when removing
it later.......submitted by Carol |
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To help
you sew sew a straight line get some tape from the hardware store
that is about 1/16" thick. Cut 3 or 4 pieces about 4"
long and put them on top of each other. Place on your sewing machine
at the ¼" mark and glide your fabric
against it as you sew.......submitted by Joyce |
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I
find that pipe cleaners are the absolute best for fishing dust
bunnies out of my sewing machine. They seem to be magnetic and
the best part is they go around corners!.......submitted by
Penny |
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When
chain sewing anything, especially half square triangles, take
an old plastic thread spool and put a small seam ripper into the
middle hole with the point facing up. This allows you to use both
hands to quickly seperate the pieces. Works great and is nice
to finally put that old seam ripper that came with your sewing
machine to good use!......submitted by Stephanie |
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Masking
tape helps when "unsewing". Tape a piece over the seam
that needs removing, and has been clipped every few threads. Lift
carefully off and all the little thread pieces come with it......submitted
by Gail |
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I
prefer to use a wooden skewer than a metal stiletto. This way
I won't break a needle or knock my machine out of time if I hit
it.........submitted by Pat |
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Use
half of a wooden clothespin for finger pressing your seams. You
can decorate them and gift them to quilting friends..........submitted
by Francis |
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Old
phone books work well as the base for string quilts. They remove
from the finished block much easier than old flyers or mailers.........submitted
by Diane |
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To
keep the sewing machine foot peddle from slipping, place it on
a mouse pad ....... submitted by Jeanine |
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For
a clearer view of your stitching, try using the small rubber door
stops under the back of your machine while sewing. They
tilt the machine just the right amount, and cost far less than
the expensive "tilt boards" that you can buy.
Plus, the rubber helps keep your machine from slipping around.
.....Submitted by Bonnie |
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If
your machine is not set up to handle the large cones of thread,
simply drop it into a largemouth canning jar and thread it to
your machine. Works great!....Submitted by Melissa |
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Here's
a way to make a similar quilt to your String Pieced Charity Quilt.
Use flannel or cotton batting as the foundation. Cut out the backing
a bit bigger than the size of block. Attach the fabric in the
same way you describe ( foundation piecing), then attach the blocks
together to form a quilt top. A backing is applied, and instead
of binding the quilt, sew the front and back together (each facing
the other) on 3 sides, flip it right-side out, then whipstitch
shut.
I've also heard them called "strippy quilts" and "popcorn
quilts" ('cuz you can't make just one!)...Submitted by Tanya
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If
you are paper piecing a block that is larger than letter size
paper, use a large sheet of tissue or wrapping paper...Submitted
by Marie |
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To
stop the foot pedal of your sewing machine from slipping, cut
a square of rubber shelf liner the size of the foot pedal and
place it under. |
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