Clever Tools to Keep You Crafty
Posted: Sunday, August 22, 2010
by Pauline Rogers
Quilters World
Many quilters look forward to retirement so that they'll have plenty of time to devote to their hobby. Unfortunately as we age we may find ourselves with physical limitations, such as arthritis, poor vision and back problems. To make sure you continue to enjoy patchwork and quilting there are some tools that will assist you in completing tasks. These tools can save time and effort for everyone, regardless of their age.
Both these tools eliminate the nuisance of threading needles. The Clover Desk Top Threader is a marvellous device that actually does what it's made for - which is threading needles! You can quickly thread almost any size needle with the push of a button. Simply place your needle in, lay your thread in the slot, press the lever and voila, your needle is threaded. Sometimes called 'cheater' needles, the Clover Self Threading Needles are threaded simply by placing the thread above the eye of the needle and pulling down. Maybe these needles should be nicknamed 'smarter' needles because there's no need to strain your eyes trying to focus on that tiny hole.
Bendable Bright Light
Many quilters complain that the light in their sewing machine just isn't bright enough. Inadequate light can cause eye strain along with a sore back and neck from hunching to see your work. You can overcome this problem by attaching a Bendable Bright Light to your machine. It provides a brilliant white light that can be directed to just where you need it. No more sewing in the dark.
Creative Grid Rulers
Do you find yourself squinting at the lines on your rulers? With both white and black easy to see markings the Creative Grid rulers can help prevent eye strain. There are even more benefits to these top quality rulers. Every increment on the ruler is accurate, ensuring better results when measuring and cutting. The embedded opaque dots help prevent slipping and sliding. If you're not convinced of the value of these rulers consider this - squinting causes wrinkles!
Git-A-Grip Ruler Gripper
This little gadget makes handling your acrylic rulers and templates much easier. The suction cup attaches to the ruler so you can easily reposition the ruler (or the gripper) when needed. It allows you to hold the ruler in place without using a great deal of pressure. It also ensures that your hand is kept well away from the rotary cutter.
Hobb's Heirloom Fusible Wadding
A wonderful product, that has made it possible to temporary attach top and bottom fabric to the batting just by ironing, which eliminates the need for basting. With fusible wadding you don't have to waste time tacking with thread or pinning your quilt sandwich together. Your hands and back will thank you. And this wadding quilts like a dream.
Quilt Halo
Free-motion quilting can be a challenge but the Quilt Halo helps make it less painful. This tool is a 7 inch diameter stainless steel ring coated with PVC. The weight of the ring combines with the slightly tacky coating to provide a good grip on the fabric. This allows the quilter to easily manoeuvre the quilt in any direction using minimal pressure. To look at it you wouldn't think that this simple design could minimise discomfort, but since no gripping, twisting or pressure on the hands or wrists is required it's of great benefit for those that suffer from arthritis, carpal tunnel or neck and shoulder problems.
These are just a few helpful tools. There are many products in the marketplace designed to make sewing and crafting easier.
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