TIPS/TOOLS Archives - Page 2 of 6

Make a Light Box

July 9, 2015 by Nanny 16 Comments

I have always used a window to do my tracing, but with my back the way it is, I thought it time to come up with something more suitable. I know I could ask Poppy to make a light box for me – you see many variations around, but I really didn’t want another piece to fit in to my overstuffed craftroom so decided to make a light box from things that are used around the house already. Let me show you how to make a Light Box!

What you need:

A plastic storage crate (I store my fabrics in these)

A glass cutting board (found in the kitchen)

and an LED torch (from its charger) You could use some of the little round ones from the cheap shop too if you wanted to spread the light more.

What to do:

1. Place your plastic tub on your desk.

2. Turn on the torch and place it in the tub.

3. Place the glass cutting board on top.

4. Place your pattern on the cutting board. (You could tape it if you are worried about slipping)

5. Cover with the fabric pieces and trace away!! (It was hard to photograph but all of the pattern is visible – you could slide the cutting board if you needed to)

How easy was that!!

It sits at a perfect height for tracing. No more stretching up at the window for me AND when I’m finished it all goes away somewhere else in the house! Just perfect for my Candlewicking Adventure!

Do you use a Light Box? Let me know if you try this out and make a Light Box – I don’t know why I didn’t think of it before!

Until next time

Nanny xx

Linking to : Threading My Way, Let’s Bee Social Flamingotoes

Wotza Wednesday – What’s a Cheater Needle?

April 22, 2015 by Nanny 11 Comments

Today I have a question from Gail:

“Nanny what’s a Cheater needle? Can you explain please?”

Thanks Gail – a great question!

A Cheater Needle is just another name for a Self Threading Needle. These are used widely by hand stitchers and are especially handy for those with impaired vision. They are available at any of the supply stores.

The needle has a slit at the top of the eye

You simply place the thread across the top and tug lightly and the threads move down into the eye!

I have just been using one of these to finish off a quilt I am working on. They make hiding threads a breeze! (and not only in quilting)

I began these rows at the seam by drawing the bobbin thread out before starting sewing. (This avoids knotting up a mess on the back and gives a much neater finish than backstitching )

I knotted the two threads ( top and bobbin) together

Put the needle down into the quilt and ‘threaded’ the needle

Pulled the needle through, and gently tugged the knot into the quilt – I love the way you hear/feel it pop!

Then I simply trimmed the threads.

Here it is all finished:

Thanks for the question Gail. As you can see, the cheater needle or self threading needle is a very handy item to have in your sewing kit!

Don’t forget, if you have a Wotza question for me just send a message and I’ll do my best to answer.

Until next time

Nanny xx

Fix Your Foot Control

April 10, 2015 by Nanny 22 Comments

Hi!

What sort of floor covering do you have in your sewing area? Do you have timber floors or nice slippery tiles or vinyl? Does your sewing machine foot control slip away from you all the time?

Well I am going to show you how to fix your foot control!

Have you seen this before? You can find it in the cheap shops and it is so useful! It is non-slip matting that I have used it in the motorhome but today I am going to use it in my sewing room.

The bottom of my foot control is flat and has two patches of rubbery stuff that has lost its gripping ability.

So cut a piece from the matting to fit the base of the foot controller.

Apply glue to bottom of your foot control and add the non-slip matting.

Taa daa! Now that baby won’t be going anywhere it’s not supposed to.

I hope this helps you fix your foot control wanderings!

Until next time

Nanny xx

Store Your Quilting Rulers

April 6, 2015 by Nanny 10 Comments

Hi!

One of the ongoing battles for any type of crafter is STORAGE and as a quilter, I have been searching for ideas on ‘How to store your quilting rulers’.

I want them to be easily accessible, on hand and ‘safe’ from breakage and/or chipping.

I do have a special Ruler Holder, made by a good friend, from Australian Red Cedar. While it is beautiful, my collection has quickly outgrown the two grooves provided.

rulers

My craft room is also quite small. It doesn’t have a door or much wall space to hang the rulers, and I don’t want to have to attach a clip or hanger each time, so my options are limited.

Some time ago now, I showed you the outcome of one of my Op-shop visits, where I acquired some interesting pieces.

One that really took my attention was this Letter Holder!

It didn’t take me long at all to find a ‘new’ purpose for this find …..

Perfect!

I love how it is often the simplest thing that provides the answer! (and there is lots of space for more rulers!!!) I hope this has given you an idea to successfully store your quilting rulers.

Do you enjoy Op-shopping? What is your ‘best’ find? I would love for you to share your ideas!

Until next time

Nanny xx

Clean Your Machine for 2015

December 31, 2014 by Nanny 3 Comments

It is important to keep your machine workings clean of lint and dust that just seems to accumulate…..

So Let’s Clean!

What you need:

In your machine tools you should be able to find these: a brush and a screw driver