1/16" Round Hole Punch

We have been selling this tool since 1984. We ran it in our first display ad in Quilter's Newsletter Magazine. At that time, we thought it was extravagantly expensive at $16.95, but, we were all making our own templates, drawing around them, cutting them out and "marking the intersections" so we could hand piece. We loved to get it just right and this tool allowed us to punch a hole in the intersection of template plastic, the exact size we needed it. Every year the tool goes up in price, a little and now, in 2010, it is $39.95. When you consider that cars and houses are 10 times more expensive than they were then, I guess it isn't too bad.

Sally Collins, of miniature quilt fame, still recommends this notion and Debra Wagner recommended it too. The truth is, even now it is one of those tools that is always there when I need it. Recently, I had finished 8 wedges that had to be sewn together in a 360 degree circle and it came in very handy. I made a template of my triangle with the 1/4" seam allowance added then punched the intersections. I laid it on my wedges, marked the intersections, then drew sewing lines to connect the dots. I then was able to sew them together with confidence. I used a method I learned from Marsha McClosky years ago, when we first started piecing on the machine which she called, Precision Machine Piecing. I just sewed from dot to dot, leaving the 1/4" free at the ends, so they could be ironed any direction. It was her pinning method along the drawn lines and those dots that made it go together so easily.

To go to the 1/16" Round Hole Punch in our Online Catalog, Click here.

We carry a very extensive collection of notions and supplies. All of our favorites and the new ones as they prove themselves as useful.

Microfiber Microbrushes

The microfiber world has come to our sewing machines. As we all know, anytime we are sewing, having good quality thread and needle and keeping our machines clean is a high priority. We clean our sewing machines, everytime we change the bobbin or every 3 hours of sewing, whichever comes first.

Rencently, at a Diane Gaudynski machine quilting class, we were introduced to these wonderful microfiber microbrushes for cleaning the little hard to reach areas. These will replace the Q-Tip we have used in the past. And now, we are more confident we are attracting the debris to the brush rather than pushing it deeper. When co-worker Patty Henry used hers for the first time, she could not believe all the dust and threads she removed. Then, after sewing for a while, she tried it again and once again, removed a lot of dust. (We wish she had saved it so we could show you a photo.) If you go to Diane Gaudyski's Blog, she has some wonderful close-ups of the brush.

The Cotton Club has added the brushes to our inventory. They are 25 for $3.99. That is right! You actually receive 25 of these little jewels for $3.99. To go there,Click here.

More soon,
Cheryl

Marking Fabric - Sewline vs. Bohin Mechanical Chalk

We recently received the following question from a customer: "I was wondering which fabric marker is better, the Bohin Mechanical Chalk or the Sewline?" It is hard to answer as to best. We think it depends on what you are doing and how much money you are willing to invest.

The chalk in the Bohin pencil is softer and flows without much pressure, but it does have to be sharpened. If a consistent width of line is important, it won't be as consistent. Jami, as a long-arm quilter loves it as she is using it after the quilt is sandwiched. As a hand-quilter (who rarely hand-quilts anymore) I would also love it for marking after the quilt was sandwiched and in the frame. I don't think the Sewline would work well for either of these uses, but I would prefer the Sewline if I was marking the quilt before it was sandwiched, as I could do so on a hard surface.

Because the Sewline pencil advances with a click and is always the same width, it gives a consistent line. With 5 colors, one always works. There is an additional investment. Although some people are happy to have one pencil and change the lead, after I was sold on it, I bought all 5 colors and I have to admit, it is nice to be able to reach for the one you need when you need it.

I found, I LOVED the Sewline when I was putting my Ruth McDowell style Jar quilt together with curves. It is a freezer paper method. In order to sew the curves freezer paper has to be removed. So, each piece must be traced around before removing, leaving a sewing line and hatch marks. Although I have all sorts of markers, it wasn't until I took a white Sewline home for the dark pieces that I really started having fun putting that piece together. The next day I came down and bought all the colors. They have a top on them the color of the lead and I love knowing exactly which one to grab.

Bottomline: If I could afford the Bohin and all the colors of the Sewline, that would be my first choice. Having the Bohin and one color of the Sewline could work too. If only one Sewline, buy the color you use in fabric the least. For instance, if you never use pink, buy a pink one and it will show on anything else. As far as the Bohin is concerned, at the price of $12.09, everyone should have the vesatility it allows.

If you want to see to the Bohin,
Click Here.

For more information on the Sewlines,
Click Here.

Extendable Magnetic LED LIght or Lighted Pin Picker Upper

What a surprise! We bought these tools for ourselves/quilters and our husbands loved them! Usually our tools are not quite good enough for them. They are always trying to re-engineer them. But not this one. Their eyes light up like they can hardly wait to have something in some hard to get place. We love them too. And my elderly mother who is not as steady as she once was has found it useful to pick things up. Terrific invention!

This 8" long Extendable Magnetic LED Light also known as a Lighted Pin Picker Upper will extend to 28" and the magnet will pick up 8 pounds.` The battery is replaceable. Does life get any better! If you want to know more, Click Here. Enjoy! Cheryl

Organ Sewing Machine Needles - PD (Perfect Durability)

(Last 4 times longer!) These needles were introduced to us by one of customers with a strong recommendation. We did more investigation and this is what we found out: The Organ Needle Company has managed to combine the functionality of sewing machine needles with the latest technology of ceramic coatings. The PD (Perfect Durability) needles have titanium nitride layered on their surfaces to EXTEND THEIR PRODUCTIVE LIFE BY AS MUCH AS FIVE TIMES THAT OF CONVENTIONAL NEEDLES.

Organ's process for PD needles also strengthens the point of the needle, increasing wear-ability and durability while maintaining a perfect shape. Using PD needles means better quality stitches, higher productivity and in the long run lower cost. We now offer 10 Needles in either size 14/80 PD or 10/70 PD - Gold in color - thus titanium coated.

Organ Needles is also developing a reputation for a higher quality control standards resulting in fewer "bad" needles. If you have ever put a brand new needle in your machine and had problems, putting in another new needle may solve it and is always worth a try.

To learn more, Click Here.

We also carry Schmetz machine needles,
Click Here.

Bendable Bright Light

We think the Bendable Bright Light is one of the best new products on the market for sewers. It directs the bright white light EXACTLY where it is needed. Once you take the time to figure out where to mount it on the sewing machine and get the job done, you will be in sewing heaven for 100,000 hours. That is sewing 12 hours a day for 20 years!! It may seem like a big investment, but the truth is, we have already invested 5 times that much it lighting that didn't make the difference this one little light did. Being able to see well makes sewing much more enjoyable! To read more about this fine light Click Here.