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One of my favourite tools ever

11/28/2018

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For making temporary marks on wears fabric this is my favourite pen EVER! (Superior to chalk, or any light coloured transfer paper in my opinion).
This white ‘Clover’ brand pen contains a milky looking waxy substance. When marking, a light pressure must be used for the white ‘ink’ to flow easily.  About 20 seconds after marking a thin white line appears.  To “erase” the mark heat needs to be applied. One quick touch with an iron and poof, no mark.  
The pen should NOT be stored in an area that has the tendency to bake in the sun, or be heated overly.   I’ve found to my chagrin that the ‘ink’ of the pen seperates into a transparent liquid with a solid mass of white if left in a super hot car...
 The only time I’ve seen the wax leave any sort of mark after being ironed away,  my fabric was a stark black batik that showed a slightly darker line when the marks were ironed off.  This has only happened once to me, and the mark was easily removed with a light soapy scrub with a damp cloth.  
I’ve owned dozens of these pens throughout the years and recommended them to my students in several of my classes.  
The pens are particularly useful when drawing needle turn appliqué patterns on fabric.  Something about the waxy stuff makes needle turn appliqué easier, as the wax tends to cause the fabric to naturally bend one the drawn line.  Win win.
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Happy Thanksgiving

11/22/2018

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Okay, this is not a product review, but I thought it fun.

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You just never know what you will find when in an antique shop.  Many times I've found sewing machines in cabinets, in cases, in various stages of repair.  This was the first time I've found an alternate use for retired antique machine. 
It's an adorable use of a machine that has had a long and happy career. 

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So this is another needle threader to consider...

11/14/2018

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This 'Needle Beetle' threader has a couple of interesting components.  The actual business part of the threader is a traditional thin wire but as wire threaders go? This one sports some serious improvements!
For starters the wire is retractable so less likely to get damaged.  When the little  button on the back of the ladybird is depressed and shoved upward, the wire emerges and low and behold a tiny LED light also turns on, making the task of viewing needle eyes and threads much easier.
There is also a handy thread cutter built in.  For needles whose eyes are too small for my hummer threader, (See previous blog) this is a great option.  If I had to choose a 'wire' based threader, this is my favourite version so far. 
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Review of :The Gypsy Gripper

11/7/2018

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This tool seems to be in use in every shop I go into now!  The suction handle makes the use of large rulers much more comfortable.  It applies pressure over a wider space than the human hand can spread, and helps prevent slippage.
In my Tricks of the Trae classes one of the things I teach is how to inch your hand up the ruler for an even distribution of pressure and a consistent cut.  This tool renders that advise un-necessary!
Easy release tabs are on each end making attaching an dis-attaching a breeze.
 Over time the soft silicon suction cups may accumulate bits of lint or fibers making it lose 'grip'. A quick wash and they adhere as good as new.  For smaller square rulers etc, one end may be used to good effect.
If you cut much fabric with rulers more than 4" wide, this could be a very useful tool for you. I find mine a great help for stability and comfort and can highly recommend this tool. 


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