The New Year is a great time to clear out and clean up the sewing room. I also like to review my notions and accessories for what has worked and what hasn’t worked so well over the past year. This is my list of what I consider necessary for my “sewing survival” for 2020!
Needless to say, at the very top of my list of favorite things is my sewing machine. I upgraded my machine a couple of years ago to one that gives me lots of lighting and throat space for quilting and other sewing projects. I also treat my machine well by having it professionally serviced at least once a year and removing visible lint in the bobbin case area between services.
Location, location, location is all important to my stitching success! My machine is on a table/cabinet that gives me plenty of space to the left and back of the machine. I also have additional lighting overhead and an adjustable clamp-on lamp to give me more lighting if needed. My space isn’t large but it is well arranged to make the best of what I do have.
Another favorite of mine in the sewing room is my chair. I did invest in an adjustable armless office chair that gives me great back support while sewing. I spend a lot of time sitting at the machine, and my body deserves the most comfortable support that I can provide!
Many of my sewing tools can be divided into two groups: essentials and nice to have. My essentials are the ones I use over and over. Some of the first tools I reach for are my cutting tools. My favorites are the rotary cutter, dressmaker shears, and a pair of small snips. I make sure that each of these has a “spot” to rest in between uses. The shears are periodically sharpened (this is the pair that my Mom gave me in high school – still going strong!) and never used for cutting anything except fabric. My rotary cutter is also reserved for fabric use only.
Measuring tools are also important in my sewing area. Since I use the rotary cutter for the majority of my cutting, rulers designed for use with it are also important. There are three rulers that I use consistently: 6”x 24” for long cuts across fabrics, 6” x 12” which I use for lots of subcutting and trimming, and the 6-1/2” square. Two other measuring tools I find helpful include a 6” seam gauge and 120” tape measure (also known as a Quilter’s Tape Measure).
There are also sewing machine feet that I find necessary to have for my sewing projects. Some of these feet may come with your machine or you may purchase separately. I consider the 1/4” piecing foot, open toe appliqué foot, even-feed foot, and free motion foot essential to my stitching.
Pinning is crucial to success in stitching projects. There are many types of pins available but my favorites include the 1-3/4” quilting straight pins, flat head pins, and glass head pins. I also find myself using “WonderClips” a lot more. These look similar to clothes pins and work beautifully to hold fabric layers together. You also avoid those accidental pin-pricks by using these clips!
Thread and needles for your machine are also needed for success. My most-used needles include size 11 and 14 Machine Quilting needles and/or universal needles. I use 100% cotton 50 weight thread for my quilting projects and a good, 100% all-purpose polyester thread for other types of sewing.
Lastly, an essential of mine in the sewing room is an iron. For good pressing, choose an iron that has some weight to it and produces good steam.
We have a great selection of essential sewing tools as well as the nice-to-have tools. Come by and see us when you are ready to upgrade your machine and tools to make your 2020 sewing experience a great one!
-submitted by The Sewing & Vacuum Center
