Fabric Weights...Or Not
Have you ever needed fabric weights and just can't find any? Resorted to using a couple apples and a can of soup? Been there, and not every fabric store carries fabric weights. Some cities don't even have a decent fabric store to shop at. But most cities and even towns have a party store. So head down and check out the balloons. Every party store I've ever been in carries balloon weights. They're small and heavy, and can easily double as fabric weights. Great for holding patterns in place when you just don't want to pin them, or when pinning them isn't recommended for the fabric you're using.
Souvenir Shopping
Have you ever returned from a trip to find your suitcase overflowing with souvenirs? Most of us have. Souvenirs are fun. Right until we get home and realize we have 11 new knickknacks that we don't have any space for. But we all want a souvenir from our travels. So instead of more traditional souvenirs, pick up some local fabric or trim. You can then turn this fabric into something to remember your trip by. You'll save space in your suitcase and end up with something useful that you made yourself. Try making throw pillows, making a fabric collage, or even quilting.
Hate Clipping Curves?
I don' know about you, but I hate carefully clipping curves. Cut too far and you've ruined it. Don't cut far enough and you have to cut again. All to make curves look just right. Forget it. I don't clip, not anymore. Instead, I use my pinking shears. Trim the seam allowance close to the seam and you've both trimmed the seam allowance and clipped the curve at the same time. Two steps in one, and it saves you the aggravation of clipped the curve.
Easy Stitch Ripping
No matter now perfect we strive to be, we all make mistakes. Ripping out seams and stitches is a part of sewing. It can't really be avoided, but we can make it a little quicker. Instead of sitting on the couch, ripping stitches one by one, save yourself a little time. Use your sewing machine to hold the seam in place. Put the lower seam allowance under the pressure foot and lower the needle, being sure you're only catching the lower seam allowance. Use one hand to hold the upper seam allowance while you take a stitch ripper or sharp razor blade to the threads. With a little practice, you'll be ripping seams in no time.
Keep It Clean
I don't know about you, but I hate cleaning up all those little thread clippings. Even if you try to keep them in a pile, they end up everywhere. For a quick and easy clean up, make a loop out of a piece of masking tape, sticky side out. Stick this loop onto the side of the sewing machine. Make sure it's out of the way but still easily accessible. Place all thread clippings here as they come. This way all you have to do is toss the masking tape. Easy!
I have other tips, of course. But these are some of the most helpful. Give them a try.
