Holiday gift-giving time is right around the corner! Sewers, quilters, and embroiderers always enjoy finding notions, tools, or machines under the tree. We have some suggestions that would make your stitcher happy.
A new sewing machine might be at the top of your sewer’s wish list. If you are thinking of purchasing one as a gift, we have a few things for you to consider. Will a mechanical machine fit the needs of your stitcher? These are basic machines and stitches are selected by turning a knob or lever. Mechanical machines are generally under $500. These machines are great for beginning sewers or someone who does mainly straight stitching or small sewing projects. Electronic and computerized machines will have more stitch selections including a variety of buttonholes. These machines can range in price from a few hundred dollars to many thousands. If someone wants to do machine embroidery, will a stand-alone machine work or does the sewer want a combination sewing/embroidery model? Someone who quilts by machine may be looking for a larger opening between the needle and side of the machine. Opening sizes can range from 8” to 14”, depending on machine model and price range.
Notions also make wonderful gifts. Thread is always welcome for the sewer. For the machine embroiderer, thread sets are a good way to provide some variety to their thread selection. Do check and see what brand of thread the embroiderer uses as some machines work better with certain brands of thread. Bobbin thread is also a welcome addition for the machine embroiderer. For the quilter, adding spools of all cotton thread in neutrals (white, cream, gray) would be welcome. Be sure you are purchasing either machine thread, if the quilter works by machine, OR hand-quilting thread, if the recipient pieces and quilts by hand.
Scissors and snips are tools that sewers can use in multiples. When purchasing scissor/shears, determine if they can be re-sharpened. These will be more expensive but are better quality. These scissors should also be used ONLY for sewing tasks; cutting cardboard, paper, etc. will cause them to dull quickly. Snips are handy to have by the machine to clip thread or help remove “design errors.”
Needles are a great stocking stuffer. Our Chrome Schmetz needles come in a wide range of sizes and designs for specialty sewing. The quilter would use sizes 11 or 14 machine quilting needles while the machine embroiderer would like machine embroidery needles in sizes 11 or 14. The garment sewer could use a stash of all-purpose needles in sizes 11, 14, or 16 for various projects. The Chrome needles are a superior strength needle and should last longer than regular needles.
Rulers are also good gifts. For the quilter in the family, we carry rulers by Creative Grid which will assist in making a variety of quilt blocks including the Log Cabin, Flying Geese, and Pineapple. The Quilter’s Select rulers by Alex Anderson grip the fabric and won’t slide while cutting, a definite plus! These rulers are available in many sizes including the popular 6-1/2”x6-1/2”, 6”x12”, and 6-1/2”x24”.
Another good gift for the sewer/crafter is the Brother ScanNCut. It will scan a design up to 12”x24” (no need for an additional scanner!) and then cut it out in your preferred medium of paper, vinyl, or fabric. The SDX225F has 1,303 built-in designs including 140 quilt patterns. This can also convert most PES embroidery designs to cut data. You can also transfer additional designs to the machine with a USB drive or via WiFi from your computer. If your crafter has a ScanNCut, consider giving accessories such as extra cutting mats, cutting blades, or vinyl.
Still not sure about picking out a gift? A gift certificate also works well and would be appreciated by any sewer. If you are not sure what the sewer needs, this is the “safest” type of gift to give! Stop by and see us for help with your holiday gift needs for the stitcher.
-submitted by The Sewing and Vacuum Center
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