Unusual notions from web tutorials
Being self taught, I'm watching a lot of videos and reading tons of quilting blogs. I'm seeing so many things I've come here to buy and end up buying from Amazon. But I'm new to M* so I don't know if they're primarily selling fabric or if their notions are still growing. While I'm not keen on buying unnecessary items, any tool that makes quilting easier is on my shopping list.
Clover Iron Finger: got one, it's amazing and saves your fingers from burning when ironing small pieces, but it does so much more, wouldn't do without it now (hint: it's also excellent for beating away people trying to bother you when you're quilting!)
Hera marker: got one last week and haven't put it down yet! I've used it to crease bias tape instead of ironing, marked triangles for matching economy blocks, and heck it's all I can do to stop myself making patterns on my morning toast with it!
Aunt Becky: thimble I'm looking at for when I try hand quilting, the rhythm of stitching with it is intriguing
Tailors clapper: I'm not ready to buy, but I can barely find it for sale anywhere. Nancy Zieman used it in a video showing how it makes super flat show quality seams while pressing. Frankly I'd like a slightly smaller one that's more manageable for quilt blocks instead of pants and jackets with the M* duckling wood burned on the top (any woodworkers in Hamilton?)
Re: Unusual notions from web tutorials
I am not sure if one could have to many quilting tools. Seems like the mailman is always bringing me something that I just had have. :)
Re: Unusual notions from web tutorials
I love my Tailor's Clapper. It was one of those notions I had never heard about. I saw it used on You Tube and I was intrigued. I use it on some of my quilt squares and on hubby's collars. I have to admit that I don't normally iron his shirts but when I do, the clapper makes for a smooth, flat, really nice collar.
This is the one I use: TAILORS CLAPPER - Ironing - Supplies - Nancy's Notions
Here is a used on ebay: June Tailor Inc Tailor Clapper Hartland Wis | eBay
Re: Unusual notions from web tutorials
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Terry L
I am not sure if one could have to many quilting tools. Seems like the mailman is always bringing me something that I just had have. :)
My mailman just keeps bringing me fabric. Those tools just seem to be showing up as tag alongs each time.
Re: Unusual notions from web tutorials
Well shoot, I thought I put this in Squeaky Wheel as a suggestion to M*. Great, new here and already everyone will know I'm a nut, lol!
RiverMomm, glad to hear you get good results with the tailors clapper. I'm just starting so I don't need to have amazing seams yet, but it really looks like it would be useful instead of just eating my money and laughing at me from a box in the back of the closet.
Re: Unusual notions from web tutorials
Instead of a clapper how about a wooden iron? Wooden Iron - Right Handed - No Bar Code Quilt in a Day / Quilting Notions
or Alex Anderson's 4 in 1 tool: https://www.missouriquiltco.com/shop...l-sewing-tool-
I have a wooden iron tool and use it a lot. One end is pointed and I use it sometimes as a stiletto (to help keep seams flat when going under the presser foot) and to poke out corners after turning. The other end I use to press seams open. I can't find a picture of what mine looks like.
Re: Unusual notions from web tutorials
Wow, love those notions, esp the 4 in 1 tool. May have to request one from the family. Or hope a tool or two will attach themselves to my next fabric order. I don't mind hitch hikers.
Re: Unusual notions from web tutorials
I'll give you another use for those Silicone Clover fingers. Cooking English muffins on a griddle. If you can't grab with spatula, you can grab with fingers to check bottom of muffin. I'm using muffin rings.
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Wouldn't any piece of wood the right size work for the Taylor Clapper. I think I have one somewhere....I think I found it a Goodwill or similar place. Our quilt guild has a small hammer that is used to flatten seams...it has a plastic looking head on it.
Re: Unusual notions from web tutorials
Quote:
Originally Posted by
stitchwishes
Well shoot, I thought I put this in Squeaky Wheel as a suggestion to M*. Great, new here and already everyone will know I'm a nut, lol!
RiverMomm, glad to hear you get good results with the tailors clapper. I'm just starting so I don't need to have amazing seams yet, but it really looks like it would be useful instead of just eating my money and laughing at me from a box in the back of the closet.
We are all a little nuts about fabrics and notions, so you will fit right in here. And I use my clapper for those not so perfect seams that won't lay flat. The middle of a Hunter's Star comes to mind. I am working on a lot of Hunter's Star blocks and some like to puff in the middle. I pressed with the clapper and now they lay flat. Who knows what will happen when I wash the quilt tho. ;)
Re: Unusual notions from web tutorials
Quote:
Originally Posted by
RiverMomm
June Taylor Clapper @ $23.99??? For a block of wood? What makes this particular piece of wood so special? Just wondering.....
Re: Unusual notions from web tutorials
Quote:
Originally Posted by
sewelegant
June Taylor Clapper @ $23.99??? For a block of wood? What makes this particular piece of wood so special? Just wondering.....
It's the name! Maybe WalMart will come out with their version for $4.99!
About those Volcano intersections - I was told to press the seams open and it worked for me.
I think, if memory isn't too messed up, that I saw Eleanor Burns use a rubber mallet to pound down intersections. You know what that means? Another trip to Harbor Freight! They also have those magnetic holders for screws and nails that are way cheaper than the magnetic pin holders at the LQS or Joann's (even with a coupon!) I bought one for $2 one time. Oh, and those suction grips - about 1/4 the cost of the ones at the LQS - it won't be in pretty colors but it does the job.
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Re: Unusual notions from web tutorials
Quote:
Originally Posted by
sewelegant
June Taylor Clapper @ $23.99??? For a block of wood? What makes this particular piece of wood so special? Just wondering.....
Yep, it's a block of wood and those prices seem pretty darn high, which is why I also listed ebay auction. I got mine locally with a coupon.
The clapper is a very heavy wood (some sort of hardwood I suppose), and sanded smooth with the little grip indents on the side. Because of it's weight and density, it doesn't warp with all the heat and steam. I am sure it could be made much cheaper but the labor involved would be timely unless you have the correct tools.
I would buy one again if needed. I really like how it handles those puffy, centered seams. A couple of the blocks on this quilt were giving me a little trouble. Too many seams coming together. The Clapper settled it down and they are flat now.
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