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Tape MeasureIt is important to have an accurate tape measure. Tape measures stretch out of shape and become distorted with wear. Lay your tape measure on a ruler to check for accuracy. Replace it as needed. Avoid rolling up your tape measure, this will stretch and twist it out of shape. Clear BoxesClear stackable boxes are great for storing sewing supplies. Clear shoe boxes are great for notions. Larger boxes are great for projects; keeping fabric, pattern, and notions stored together. Covered boxes are great because you can stack them up to save space and they keep the dust out. SunlightSunlight is the most natural and best light available. However, direct sunlight can produce glare and fatigue. Adjust the direction of the sunlight and the amount you get with placement of equipment in relation to windows and use of window coverings. Thread ColorWhen choosing the color of thread, the general rule is to choose one shade darker than your fabric, if you cannot get a perfect match. For top-stitching and decorative stitching, you can choose a matching or contrasting color. Scissor StorageScissors need to be accessible, but in a safe place. A purchased scissor block (similar to a kitchen knife block) from a sewing specialty store works well. Other storage solutions are drawer or hanging on a hook. Mark your scissors “for fabric only”. Peg BoardPeg boards are great for storing sewing tools. Sewing tools such as scissors, rotary cutters, tape measures, point turners, and lint rollers can be hung up. The more things that can be hung on the wall, the less you have taking up your work surfaces. Rub Out Scorch MarksIf you scorch wool fabric by using an iron that is too hot, rub a nickel on the scorch mark. The scorch mark will disappear. Be careful to use a clean nickel on light colored fabrics. Seam ImprintsTo avoid seam imprints on the right side of the fabric, place a strip of brown paper bag between the seam allowance and the garment before pressing. Needle ThreaderKeep a package of needle threaders handy. Even if you are good at threading needles, there is always that difficult or thicker thread that is impossible to get through the eye of the needle. A needle threader can also be used to pull snags through to the wrong side of the fabric. MagnetsThere is controversy over whether magnets placed near computerized machines can cause problems. It appears that some computerized machines are affected and others are not. Before you use magnetic seam guides, magnetic pin cushions, or other magnetic accessories near your machine, check with your dealer or sewing machine manufacturer. Cutting Table HeightThe ideal height for your cutting table will depend on your height. The height is generally between 34 and 40 inches high. It is better for your back if you can work without bending over. If your table is not high enough, consider putting it up on blocks. Indirect LightingOverhead lighting and floor lamps will provide indirect light to the room. Well placed and sufficient indirect lighting will reduce shadows. Fluorescent lights provide good indirect light and are energy efficient. Book CasesMake simple curtains to cover the front of wooden book cases. Use the long thin spring curtain rods attached to the inside of the top edge of the book case for hanging the curtains. You now have enclosed cupboards for storage. Replace NeedlesHand sewing needles need to be sharp for sewing ease and smooth hand stitching. Not only are dull needles difficult to work with, they cause thread to fray and material to snag. Check hand sewing needles for burrs and replace them often. Ironing vs. PressingIroning is done by using a back and forth motion. Pressing is done by using an up and down motion. Ironing can stretch the fabric out of shape and cause wrinkling and puckering on finished garments. Always press. Removing GumPlace fabric with gum in the freezer for several hours, making the gum hard and brittle. Gently tap on the gum with a hammer. Be careful not to damage the fabric fiber. Dry cleaning solvent may dissolve any remaining pieces. Test solvent in a small area for discoloration first. BodkinA bodkin is a small tool that looks like a miniature set of tongs that lock into place. This is an indispensable gadget for threading elastic, cording, or ribbon through a casing. Fabric GlueFabric glue is a time saving method to replace pinning and basting. A regular glue stick can also be used for this purpose. Fabric glue can be used as a permanent “stitching” method of leather, vinyl, felt, and some trims. Press As You GoWhen sewing, never sew over an unpressed seam. Always press the seams as you go. This will make sewing easier and will improve the quality and hang of your finished garment. Keep it CleanYou will sew more productively when things are organized and clean. Stay on top of it! Clean up your sewing area before starting a new project. Vacuum and wipe off work surfaces to pick up lint, thread clippings and fibers from the last project. Seam GaugeA seam gauge is a six inch ruler with a sliding marker to keep track of the exact measurement you are using. This small gauge is a quick and accurate measuring device. Most seam gauges are made out of a thin metal so they are easy to bend out of shape. Beginning SewersBuy an inexpensive basic machine or a used machine to start out with. After you have gained some experience, you will know what features are important to you and will be able to make better choices when investing in a more expensive machine. You can often trade-in your old machine or keep it for a back-up when the other is being serviced. Silhouette KeyMost commercial patterns have a row of symbols (triangle, circle, rectangle, hour glass) located on the back of the pattern envelope. These symbols are an indication of the body type that this pattern is recommended for. PosturePracticing good posture will protect your neck and back. Proper height of seating and work surfaces will protect you posture. If you are doing a repetitive task, take breaks and stretch often. Sew Before You BuyTake fabric samples with you to use when trying out machines. Dealers will usually demonstrate using fabrics that are easy to handle, giving the best results. In addition to watching a demonstration, you should test sew using the types of fabrics and techniques that you plan to use. Cool ItTo keep freshly pressed fabrics and garments from getting wrinkled, allow them to rest and cool down on the ironing board for a couple of minutes before moving them. If you are in a hurry or just impatient, use a fan directed at the ironing board to cool down the fabric and set the press. Storing PatternsPatterns can be stored in a filing cabinet or boxes. Cardboard file boxes work great for patterns. If your pattern collection is large, sort the patterns by style (dresses, separates, children, etc.) or by size. Be sure to clearly label the outside of the boxes. Seam RipperA good seam ripper has a sharp smooth point and a razor sharp cutting edge in the curve. Seam rippers with flat handles are less likely to roll onto the floor and save you from needless frustration. Replace your seam ripper when it gets dull. Yardage and NotionsThe pattern envelope will list the yardage of fabric required. It will also list notions that are required for each garment design. Keep this in mind when you are selecting a pattern, especially if you already have your fabric or if you are on a budget. Tracing WheelsTracing wheels come with smooth, serrated or stiletto edges. Serrated and stiletto edges are better for transferring markings. Use a smooth wheel when the fabric is extremely delicate. YardstickIt is important to have a yardstick or longer ruler. This measuring tool is necessary for longer measuring tasks, such as measuring from the floor to the hemline and extending a grain line.
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