Favorite Tools

Similar to my kitchen stocking philosophy, I’m not one to
pick-up every tool known to man.  I don’t
like to clutter my space with tools that have just one purpose.  But over the years, I’ve come to realize that
when it comes to sewing and quilting tools they really do make the
difference. 

Here are some of my current favourites:

   

Rulers – now this is an area I am trying to show restraint
in.  It is so easy to pick-up a new ruler
every time I start a new project…well quilting project in any case!  I have now accumulated quite a few rulers,
but my main go-to is a long straight edge ruler and a 12.5” square ruler which
works wonders for squaring blocks.  I am
loving these new Omnigrip Non-Slip Quilter’s rulers. 
They adhere to the fabric a little better making it easier to cut
perfectly without the ruler slipping all over the place. 

Rotary Cutter & Cutting Mat – I highly recommend not scrimping
in this area.  When I first started out I
picked up a basic rotary cutter and cutting mat.  Skip ahead several years and my mat is flaking and
has serious gouges in the mat from my overzealous cutting habits.  I’m currently on the hunt for a new cutting mat and will let you know what I decide on.  My cutting hand and arm went through a period
of aches and pains – partly due to working with a non-ergonomic cutter.  After testing several models, I’m currently
loving the Olfa Splash 45mm Rotary Cutter.  Just remember to
close the safety – those suckers are sharp!

Frixion Markers – ok whoever invented these was a genius!  Having just wrapped up two projects involving
templates and half square triangles, this pen really came in handy.  Plus it’s just fun to see the ink disappear
once you’ve passed the iron over it! 
Clearly it’s the small things in life that captivate my attention 😉

Flexible Thimble – I have the smallest hands.  Finding gloves to fit is usually an
ordeal.  So you can imagine the pain I go
through to find a thimble that fits properly. 
Clover to the rescue.  I noticed a
fellow member from the Modern Quilt Guild wearing one of these puppies and I was
first intrigued by the colour (how could I not be!  They come in vibrant orange, pink and
yellow!).  But the squishiness of the
materials used is what really peaked my curiosity.  Typically made of metal, this uses rubber for
a flexible and snug fit.  I gave it a go while
attaching my first quilt binding and it worked wonders.