THE SMARTEST SEWING PURCHASES I MADE AS A BEGINNER
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- Опубліковано 15 лип 2024
- THE SMARTEST SEWING PURCHASES I MADE AS A BEGINNER///
Want to know the smartest sewing purchases you need to make on your sewing journey? Watch this video!
#sewing #penguinandpear #smartpurchases
In my previous video I talked about the DUMBEST sewing purchases I made as a beginner, and that resonated so much with so many of you. So in this video I am giving you an alternative - the SMARTEST sewing purchases I made as a beginner. Whether you are looking for inspiration or guidance, this video will help you on your way to know what are smart (and dumb) purchases to make.
Mentioned in this video:
Dumbest sewing purchases video • 🤪DUMB SEWING PURCHASES...
Productivity in chronic illness video • TOP TIPS for CREATIVE ...
Janome DKS100 Sewing Machine (UK AFF LINK) [amzn.to/31hHp9g](amzn.to/31hHp9g)
Brother Innovis NV1800Q Sewing Machine (do not buy on amazon, someone is selling for 3x the amount its worth!)
Fiskars Rotary blade (UK AFF LINK) [amzn.to/3lWJGhI](amzn.to/3lWJGhI) (US AFF LINK) [amzn.to/3lSxiiN](amzn.to/3lSxiiN)
A0 'self-healing' cutting mat (UK AFF LINK) [amzn.to/3lWszgm](amzn.to/3lWszgm) (US AFF LINK) [amzn.to/350j0Gc](amzn.to/350j0Gc)
Bias binding toolkit (UK AFF LINK) [amzn.to/2IGJk0J](amzn.to/2IGJk0J) (US AFF LINK) [amzn.to/3j3ztys](amzn.to/3j3ztys)
Timestamps
00:00 Intro
01:02 Janome 8002DX Serger Overlocker
03:28 Sewing Ham
04:38 Curve Rulers
06:33 Rotary Cutter and Self Healing Cutting Mat
09:42 Tracing paper for sewing
12:13 Sewing Shears and Scissors
14:13 Marking tools for sewing
15:40 Mini ironing board
16:47 Bias binding foot
18:26 My beloved Brother Innovis NCV1880Q
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Hope you enjoy this video. Let me know down below whether you agree with me or not? What is your smartest sewing purchase? Once you've seen this check out THE DUMBEST SEWING PURCHASES ua-cam.com/video/cqOxUwh68Yo/v-deo.html
I bought a small tool that is used specifically for resharpening rotary tool blades. It doesn't renew them completely but it sharpens them enough to get through the last few cuts of a project.
That sounds great!
I absolutely LOVE my Brother Innovis NV1800Q too! It really does make sewing easier somehow. I bought it after watching a You Tube clip, it might even have been one of yours? I also love my tailor's ham and my sleeve roll. I'm going to investigate a bias binding foot after watching this. Great video and liked the "dumb stuff I bought" video too. Xxxx
Nice video! I particularly agree with your assertion that you get what you pay for with sewing machines. My sewing machine is a 23 year old Bernina that I LOVE. It cost a lot for the time, but all these years later, I have no desire for a different one.
@@donitatoavs I have a Bernina that is also 23 years old that I still love! It still is an awesome machine!
Used to have a girlfriend with a serger. I got over her but ten years later, I still miss that serger!
😂😂😂
🤣
🤣🤣
No you’re not the only one who thought (thinks) self healing mats mend themselves 😯 Wondered why mine looks a bit furry in places at times 😬😳😂😂😂
Me too!
@@TheWizzylizzie and me🙄🤔
Me too! Begs the question; why ARE they called self healing???
Absolutely it’s so misleading 😮🤪x
if it has fuzzies, you can clean it with a eraser. Mats need maintenance. its really horrible with flannel and minky.
You had me laughing loudly about waiting and watching your self healing mat to heal itself!! I wondered at one time if it really heals. I really do love your videos. Thank you
I too thought that self healing mats, re-sealed after being cut. So why are they called self-healing if they don’t?
I have my mum's ham .... it's about 40+ years old ...mum was a professional.... I'm just an amatuer, even though mum's gone I kept it to remind me of the sewing we did together and the joy it brought us ....STAY SAFE
That is so lovely, thanks for sharing x
I too used to sew with my mom, an as soon as I started middle school I started to learn more through sewing class... from then on I made my own clothes since I was a bit busty mature clothing was all I could fit in. But sewing helped me feel more my age with the dresses I made for myself, now I’m 71 yrs. old and sill love to sew.
My smartest sewing purchase is till tape ( yes the cash register stuff on a roll)! I first heard of it in Barbara Decker class. Its ideal if like me you have to lengthen every pattern piece as it save the endless cutting of strips. Loved the video Claire, agree serger was worth every penny!
lol- u r not the only one.I thought that about healing mats at the start,was waiting for the cut edges to melt back together.
Love these videos! Also, it only occurred to me when you said it that the mats don’t actually self heal!!! 😂😂😂
Lol 😆 🤣 😂
I thought I was doing something wrong! I pressed more lightly, I was careful to keep my blade absolutely at a 90° angle: I still left marks (and I didn’t make it through the fabric quite often.) I finally decided I got a cheap one and “one of these days” I would invest in a better one. So, thanks for that!!
I agree with all of your smartest purchases and I'll add one more. Sewing machine feet that do what they are made to do. A well made foot is a must. Takes your sewing to the next level.
A doughnut-shaped earth magnet -- pulled apart a wire coat hanger and wrapped the magnet around one end --- now when I lose pins / needles I can just sweep the magnet over the area and find it. Also, the magnetic seam guide when I was learning.
Great video Claire, 😂😂😂 "why isn't this mat healing itself" I'm so with you on that. My Ikea table was a life saver as well, my back was killing me trying to cut on the floor or lower tables (besides my joint and knee pain).
If you have limited space (who doesn’t) Husky makes a table that is height adjustable manually, 2 full length drawers, a tough surface and on casters. It comes in varying lengths from 48” to 62”. I found it in tool section of Home Depot and I have two butted into corner. They are 24” deep and I wish they were deeper but by adding a third table to form a “U” it’s fine. They come black or white and will last forever I think. You might want to check them out. Happy sewing.
I have a 50 year old Sears Kenmore free-arm machine with straight-stretch stitch. I just spent $140 US to clean and adjust it as it was slipping. It was the first time I had it serviced so that averages out to less than $3 per year. I decided to fix it vs. a new machine because I don't need more features. I'm happy. So, I guess I agree with you... don't buy more than what you need.
I have an equally old Kenmore, never been serviced because we can't get it out of the sewing table, but it does what I need and at my age, 75, it's rather pointless to spend a lot on a new one that I'd have to learn. I do wish I'd had a serger all these years though. Saved a lot of French seams on fabrics that fray. 😊 I have a cheap portable Brother too but never liked it.
@@Beruthiel45 mine is mounted on the table with two screws with wing nuts. I just took the nuts off and lifted it out, then unscrewed the screws from the machine. I'm 70 and it wasn't difficult. I don't want to learn how to use modern (computerized) machine either!
@@kathy32850 I left it to my husband who isn't very practical. I ought to have a look myself, since I'm the handy one. 😂
@@Beruthiel45 Lol, you reminded me of my fave moment from Curb Your Enthusiasm! Husband: "where are the leftover canapes?" Wife: "In the fridge". Husband: "I looked". Wife: (sighing and rising from armchair) "I know how you look". Well, the caterer had stolen the leftovers, so the husband was unjustly ribbed perhaps, but I could SO relate!
@@ecoquilting7077 😂🤣😂🤣 hubby is the same.
Thank you for doing this video. It's really helpful for beginners like me. My smartest purchase so far is lots of bobbins and a case to organise all of them in 😆😂
Oh yes! I didnt even think about bobbins. Good shout!
I'm still waiting for my healing mats to heal lol. My smartest purchase was my overlocker, having been sewing on and off for over 50+ yrs since I was about 8 I only purchased an overlocker 2 yrs ago and wow its just amazing. It is absolutely a game changer I love it and like you with your serger I use it more than my sewing machine. Great video very informative.
The trick to tying your serger threads off and them not coming undone is to hold both the old and new threads together and tie an overhand knot. I learned this trick 30 years ago and I only have to thread my loopers completely when I break a thread. I sewed for a living for a while and sew nearly daily now on the same old serger.
Thanks for the tip!
yep! I bought my serger secondhand, but I took a wonderful old lady from my church with me to make sure it worked properly, as I had never used one before. She taught me that - overhand knot - and it works perfectly. I very rarely ever have to completely rethread.
@@Penguinandpear m
Ok now to look up an overhand knot....thanks!
@@nevaolaughlin6866 and does she mean hold together in one hand or how? I thought you held both threads already, one in each hand ad tied overhand knot?
Hi! I’m from northern Ontario Canada and I love your videos! You’ve been an inspiration to me to get up and get back into sewing . I also have a chronic illness I have emphysema and spent most of my time in bed but I am now up and about, thanks to you
Oh my, this is fantastic!! So pleased to hear this! I visited Northern Ontario (North Bay) in 1991. Its a beautiful place.
I love the power of sewing. Pick it up on good days, it will forgive you when you don’t 😘
I have learned to change my rotary cutting blades more often so I don't have to press so hard. Thanks for the videos !
Yes! Its a great tip!
Well you made me laugh out loud with the self~healing mat😂. Then I had to stop because I'm still waiting for mine to heal ✋. Seriously. Now I know it's not going to but at least you've saved me spending on a new one 😂😂😂.
how you heal them is fine sandpaper! I was cracking up!
My best purchase is my sewing table. Actually my husband bought it. I did not even know I needed it. I too have a small work space and this table allows me to push my sewing machine below stored away and table top covers the machine. It allows me to use the entire table while I cut and craft then when I am ready to sew a quick push and my sewing machine is right back up top side ready to sew.
That sounds great !
Sounds good. Post a pic if you can
Picture would be great indeed ☺️, and a brandname too ☺️
Hands down, my serger was the thing that changed my sewing! I've had three in 35 years, I'm currently driving a baby lock evolution. It was in the shop for maintenance recently, it felt as though I was missing my hand!
I remember feeling like that when my sewing machine went in for repair a few years ago.
❤️ my Imagine. The jet threading is incredible.
Laughing out Loud Together! I thought the mats self heal too 😂😂😂😂😂😂
My best purchase was my sewing machine. I bought it years ago. And have used it slot. It is my baby . It's has seen everything from baby day goes to wedding dresses, to leather, to tent repair to jeans. It still is smooth running and I don't know what I would do without it. Next is my ginger dress maker shears. Love them, the way they cut and the feel is wonderful. My iron. It's not fancy ,it has steam setting and a dry setting. It is an older classic design. It does everything I ask. Those are my top three. Thanks for sharing
This is just convincing me that I need an overlocker 🙈 I don't sew knits but having easy neat seams is so tempting 😂 Also I've found Crayola washable markers are a good alternative to those pens that can come back in the cold! I do a test mark on my fabric before I prewash it and so far it's been great :D
Good call on the crayolas! You don't need an overlocker but they do make a more pleasurable sewing experience!
In stitches about the healing mat 🤣😂
Lol
Is it not self healing 😂 I still thought that they are 😂😂
I was gifted a Janome M7 Continental by my loving partner and I feel so blessed as it's a wonderful machine. My dressmakers mannequin, good scissors, and my overlocker are my best purchases. Love your videos.
Agreed with ALL your “best” choices, particularly the rotary cutter. Got mine as part of quilting, but now that I’m trying garment sewing,, it has been a revelation how useful the rotary cutter can be. Your ideas about the sewing machine are spot on-I just bought one that is less than optimal and the frustration just gets in the way. But, as you said-the fancy machines aren’t required. I have a pair of 1950s little Singers that are work horse machines-they never say no to anything. But, neither has a zigzag so I’m constantly called away to something more modern.
Enjoyed these last two videos about sewing tools. Thanks!
The rotary cutter and mats are essential. Such time-savers.
My best purchase was over 20 years ago. I bought a Bernina sewing machine, not a really posh one but what I like best is the fact it will go through eight layers of denim easily (DC motor). You can tell it what position you want your needle in when you stop (down is a great help for turning corners). It has a half speed button. It cost me £550 and they threw in a walking foot which I ignored for many years but now I've started making bags it's been really useful. (I started sewing bags after watching sewing times). I've just made my first bag of my own design - it has many many pockets so I don't loose things in the bottom of the bag like I do with a normal handbag!
I’m only just getting into sewing, my Mum was very gifted and made wonderful clothes and quilts until she got dementia 😢. I was never a fan of sewing by machine as I had a love/hate relationship with them for years! My Mum gave me her Brother Opus 2 a couple of years ago. It’s pretty old but it does so much! I was playing with it yesterday and have ordered a replacement for the lost monogram foot. Anyway, like yourself I discovered the Frixion pens were great for marking fabrics. I had been using them for bullet journaling and suddenly thought, ‘ hang on, these would work great for marking fabrics,’ I was making face masks at the time. I only use a 0.5 black ink pen but they are soooooo useful! I highly recommend them too! I have a chronic illness too so it is great to find you on You Tube. Thank you!
I think my smartest purchase was an experience. I took a sewing class once I'd been sewing for a few months. Sometimes it's only by doing something you realise what you don't know so I was able to ask questions based on where I was at.
Also oh those air threading overlockers are amazing. I used one a few times and... It was lust at first surge. But its a want not a need and my mother's 35 year old husky lock is still doing what I need it to...
I agree with good scissors. I need to upgrade mine and will be getting ginghers (or however they are spelled) as they are a step up from the fiskers I've been using for years.
For most things I've tried to make do with what I have and not spend too much as I didn't want to waste money if it turned out I didn't need or like something. But some things are definitely worth the expense. Like pins, scissors and thread. Don't cheap out on those or it will be more work and worse results.
I love this! The comments too. 😅 Such a giggle.
Finally given in and subscribed!
The content is so useful and having someone who is plus size and understands chronic illness talking about sewing just ticks all my boxes. Keep up the good work Claire.
I got a ham as part of a birthday present and I think I was surprised by how useful it was, I also use it for pinning bust darts and basting them both in paper and fabric since I have to make so many adjustments to make them work.
Self healing mats do heal! When I was doing papercraft I once used a non-self healing mat, (a loooong time ago) and every cut would make a new bump in the surface so you had to replace the mat regularly and buy a new one for delicate work. The self healing ones close back up so the surface is flat and can be used again, the cut is still there but the edges butt together again. Hence....healing!
Oh my god, a machine that you don't need to worry about tension, that sounds amazing! I re-organised my studio recently, and I put a cake stand on the corner of my desk and it has really helped me to keep all the small bits I need all the time in a contained space. I wouldn't have thought it would be so useful, but I had one taking up space in the kitchen, so it made sense to try it out.
Thats a great hack!
Oo ps, thought they really were self healing. ☺️Best purchase, my Gloria babylock serger/ coverstitch machine last year. My first serger and I’ve been sewing for 4 decades! . Amazing. Threading right off the bat takes a couple minutes. So easy.And I told myself not to complain switching to coverstitch as it takes minutes and I’m lucky and blessed to have it! Love love it! I bought my first ham this year- very handy. And a few years ago hubby bought , me a table thing with 4 drawers for thread . The top flip open revealing a padded ironing top on one side and the other side for cutting with mat . It sits by my machine so I just need to turn my chair around. and iron pieces. I have the same mini iron as you. Very handy. I also have a Janome embroidery/ sewing machine which I love! Since I have my own sewing room, I put in a long bench -top cupboard with doors and drawers, like you’d have in a kitchen. Very handy. I’m well set up and alas, none of my kids enjoy sewing.
My best purchase was my industrial machine. I've got a lead foot when sewing to the point where I've burnt out multiple motors (turns out that domestic machines shouldn't be used at top speed for 6+ hours a day, every day, who knew!xD) and I knew sewing was becoming my career so it was an investment.
I generally only use a straight stitch when sewing (I don't zigzag or overlock on a regular basis, I prefer the look of French and Hong Kong seams personally) so an industrial works fine for me. On the rare occasion I need a special stitch or fancy foot, I've got a semi-industrial and an overlocker on standby. Next purchase will be a dedicated blind-hemmer!
But also my collection of fabric scissors. I have ones in different weights for different types of fabric. I tie a strip of offcut around the handle to remember which is which. So the lightweight scissors has a strip of silk, the heavyweight scissors has some denim, and the middleweight scissors has some quilting cotton. Then there's paper scissors, and polyester scissors because those two things are horrid demons that exist only to blunt my good scissors. Pinking shears, thread snips, long handled scissors ♡.♡ love them
Marvelling at your organisational skills, Laura x
Totally agree about the self healing mat! I’ve got several of your ‘best buys’ including the ham and the Ikea ironing board - love the video!
I loved the “not self healing mat” I thought the same thing!!!! You’re awesome! I agree with all these items being useful. I don’t have the smaller curved rulers but, might look for one or two that you’ve showed us.
I totally agree with getting the best machine you can afford. I also have Brother Innovis machines, one does embroidery and sewing and the other just does the sewing. I love them both! Thank you for the great video, have an awesome day!
My Gingher scissors, they are over 40 years old and have only needed sharpening twice. Love them. My mother-in-law gave me a sleeve ham, I had been using a rolled magazine in a sock lol. Love the sleeve ham
Good morning Claire,I have the majority of the items you mentioned and find them very useful. Thanks for the videos. Stay well
I’ve seen this video multiple times now at different levels of experience, and I’m so grateful for the advice. I got a tall table (arthritis in my spine) and an awesome sewing machine and decent serger (not the air threading but not shabby) and I am so glad for these!! They make a world of difference! You’re right on here. Everything you mentioned I agree with completely! I’m so glad I saw this early on, too.
I never thought of scissor maintenance until I saw the Brittany J Jones scissor maintenance video; for your squeeky scissors. Thanks for the video....
My smartest sewing purchase - That Purple Thang (Little Foot TPT). Around £5 for a small piece of plastic but I knew instinctively that it would be sooo useful and it really is. I use it every time I sew to guide fabric under the machine needle without any danger to my fingers and to poke corners and thread elastic. I just love it. There are lots of cheaper copycat versions available now and tbh they work just as well and come in lovely colours so I bought a pack of those, but I don't mind having bought the original to support the designer. Whoever invented it is a genius - or a sewer!
My first sewing (quilting) purchase was a 3pc. cutting set- rotary cutter, 18"x24" ruler, and a (n.s.h. 😉) self-healing mat. After figuring out no healing was happening, I learned to spread my cutting around when possible. I luff them, want to kiss them. 😘
I have really enjoyed these last two videos. I had a good few giggles, but on the whole, totally agree with your comments. My next big ticket item is a new machine and I loved your remark that it's about the sewing experience. I shall use that as one of my criteria when I have finally saved up enough!
Thanks Jacquie, good luck with your next purchase!
I absolutely agree with your thoughts about the most important things to have in sewing. I also have a Brother sewing machine and that is my same thoughts my brother is fantastic and it was worth every penny
Your definitely not the only one to think that about the cutting mats.
One of my best purchases was a dressform. It took me some time to get it padded out but she is great now. Altering stuff is so easy now.
Great video, I love my rotary cutter , and I love your tall table!
Bahahaha! I too thought the same thing about “self healing mats”!! Did you find out why they’re called that?? But I’d have to say, they last a lot longer than any other I’ve had!!
Everything you showed today was “an essential “ in my book! I think I’d add straight pins! Good ones, sharp ones, & a decent length!! I see over them? (Don’t tell anyone shhhh....🤫🤭) & the other is sewing threads, spend the money and get good quality 🧵 threads!!
I sure enjoy you videos!! Thanks for all your creativeness ❤️
Hi, I'm new to your channel and I love it. I live in Toronto Canada and I have started sewing again because I have grandkids that I love to sew for. I agree completely about the machine. I purchased years ago the first computerized machine that Singer brought out and some 30 years later this baby is still going strong. I am now looking to purchase a serger as well. All of the other things you talk about I have and wouldn't be without. Great videos. Thanks 😊
OMG Claire you crack me up! Yes! I have thought the same thing about my mats too! You are not alone! Lol! My favorite 2 machines is a Babylock Symphony and my Babylock Triumph. It actually started with an Evolution but traded it in for the Triumph. We all start small. My mom bought me my first sewing machine. Which I treasure. I have accumulated all the sewing stuff. But my space is a work in progress. I can’t decide if I want an embroidery machine or not. But I see one more major purchase before I retire. Thanks for your videos. I love watching them! Have a blessed week!.
I loved this. I discovered you a few weeks ago and I'm really enjoying your library of videos! You have the most perfect attitude toward What One Needs, and What One Doesn't Need. And I agree, tracing paper is life-changing!
Love your channel and helpful tips! My wonderful sewing experiences are with my JUKI TL 2200QVP Mini - straight stitch only but what a stitch. And my JUKI MO-644D overlocker, a gift from my mum.
Wonderful tips thank you! I just tried out my new rotary cutter and I am so glad i bought it as cuttingg will be so much quicker!!
I had the same frustrating experience with my first serger (which fortunately I got for free) and, feeling flush at that moment, I went out and bought a brand new Babylock Enlighten. It cost about 3 times as much as my most expensive sewing machine - I only use very old vintage machines that are usually inexpensive - but I have not regretted it. It has really added to my enjoyment of sewing and to the results.
Thanks for a great video, love your best sewing items/tools. I also love my mini iron , I have it next to my sewing machine and my tailor clap
Absolutely love your videos. My best purchase was my low end Janome serger. I was trying to finish seams using an overcast stitch on my Singer sewing machine and it was a nightmare and the results sucked. Now I can do seams that look so nice and stretch and last.
About 20 years ago I bought a Kenmore 385 series machine (made by Janome) and love it. It is a manual which I prefer as i can do quite a bit of the work on it myself. She's a jewel! ~~ and you really have to love your machine. Some of your favorites I have and some I plan on getting but on a fixed income (retired) it really does take planning!
Enjoyed your video. Keep up the good work!
I just bought Janome 2000D air threader and I love it,.
Oooooh
I have almost all the tools you use! Love those Frixion pens!
Claire, I really enjoy your videos. You make learning fun. I look forward to each video you publish.
I have tracing paper and I been using it for over 35yrs and still have some left, about 1/4 of it. Been loving your videos. XXX 💖💝💗👍👏
Love your videos. You are such an inspiration.
I bought my last two sewing/embroidery machines second hand as the more expensive machines are like cars, they lose value as soon as they leave the shop. The machines I bought were half the price and only a couple of years old. The main thing to do is to test the machine can sew what you want to sew: buttonholes, heavy denim, lightweight chiffon, stretch fabric, etc. Also read the manual and find out what the stitches should be used for. There are many functional stitches that I ignored for years because I did not realise they were designed for specific fabrics, seams, etc. In fact download the manual of machines you are interested in buying and find out if they can do what you want, or whether they have optional attachments, feet, etc that you need. Watching UA-cam videos can help, but nothing beats sitting at a machine and using it. If we were not in lockdown the best place to compare machines is a big sewing show, such as Sewing for Pleasure, as all the main manufacturers have display stands where you can sit down and test drive machines.
Another plus of having a sewing machine - use it to teach your kids clutch control using the foot pedal, before letting them loose in a car. Learning to control speed with their feet, whilst using their hands and eyes to control fabric is a useful skill.
Made my own tailors ham and sleeve roll (looks like a long sausage) from strong calico, stuffed with sawdust (pet bedding sawdust is clean and cheap), with a half wool, half cotton cover. Use a jam funnel to get the sawdust in to the ham to stop it going everywhere.
You are so sensible - just found you and watching all your videos. Well done you.
Welcome!
I loved your video...I have a roll of tracing paper for 30 years...I bought the imagine serger.... when you can... it’s really a life changer. I’m amazad everytime it threads.
I bought a huge roll of ligh weight non-iron-on interfacing on clearance, that I use for tracing patterns.
Good morning! I "splurged" on a Babylock Imagine 5 years or so ago, actually my first overlocker, and it changed my sewing world! I have a almost bottom of the line Janome and it does most everything I need. But if I ever upgrade I'll really shop around. I was convinced I needed to use a local shop for maintenance., so I bought local. The service has gone downhill...I also love my rotary blades and mat, good sheares.
What I haven't found is a way to sharpen a seam ripper!
Let me know if you find a way to sharpen a seam ripper!
A small round file from the hardware store will work
I watched your what not to buy as a beginner video, and then this, and I have to say, I'm happy, because all the things I bought so far are appeared in this video, not the other one! :D
Yay!!!!
Wonderful video, very useful. I love love love my Brother machine, same as yours, thanks to you a happy purchase. I have just purchased a Coverstich and up to now used it a few times.
Hi Lorraine, I am so pleased you like your machine. Its a powerhorse!
I enjoyed this video. I love my sewing machine.
Absolutely love your machine and as you know I live here in America and can’t get those machines here. You did however give me advice on what is the closest machine to yours and I did purchase it, and it was a large purchase for me as well. But...it was the best purchase I’ve made. I love it !! So thank you for your advice Claire ♥️
Glad you like it! I’m pretty sure your machine is the exact same one with a different name.
I thought these items were all great. A lot of my favorites too. I live in Texas and just bought that Ikea small ironing board a year ago. It was $5 then. I love it. I can set up a little ironing station next to my sewing machine for when I’m sewing quilt blocks. I just found your channel recently and subscribed and am binge watching! Great content! I’m plus size and want to get back to sewing for myself. I’m not willing to pay $60 for a top. 🤗🤗
Hi Vicky, welcome! So pleased to have you here!
Brother are brilliant machines even the basic machines are great. I had my original one for 35 years and it was still going strong when I gave it away to a friend in need. But I have new Brother which is also amazing.
Thank you for this video and also the previous one about your "dumbest sewing purchases." I laughed out loud when you got to the puzzle of the self-healing mat. I haven't got a rotary cutter and may consider getting one some time. I'd love those fancy Wright's scissors. Very interesting videos. Thank you.
My trusty Bernina 1030 was my best ever purchase. Cost me £450 over 30 years ago, I thought that was a massive amount to pay. But it’s been an absolute workhouse, not as fancy as a lot of today’s machines but I wouldn’t get rid of it for the world.
Really enjoyed your video. Seam ripper is the most useful 😁 Smartest was buying a good quality sewing machine. Bought a cheap one first, but it was hopeless on thicker fabric.
Seam ripper definitely a necessity!
You're giving me confidence about the serger that a friend gave me on long-term loan. Two years ago!
Just found you this morning, am watching the fourth video!!
Thank you!
Thanks so much for the tip for using Elephant legs to raise the cutting table. It saves me from so much pain in my lower back. I have chronic back pain. Thank you, thank you.
I have the Innovis 1800q and love it, I sew quilts and appliqué and use the pivot function a lot and the bigger throat is really useful.
Yay machine twins! I adore the large throat!
Another enjoyable video. . When changing threads make sure all tensions are on Zero that opens up for the knot and only pull through one a a time 😊
No, no Barbara! You should not have to turn the tensions to zero to pull the threads through. Leave tensions well alone. After tying the new threads, all you have to do is to keep the foot RAISED, and then pull. That's it! Your way, you will have to fiddle with the tensions to get them right again. Just so not necessary.
Best purchases: Rotary cutter/mat, Serger, Brother machines, Sew Steady table, cutting table. Great video.
One of my daughters made me a ham and a sausage about 40 years ago and I still use them!
Can't remember if it was this video i watched where you talked about your self healing mat. It got me thinking so i googled why they call it a self healing mat: “Self-healing” cutting mats are made from independent tiny pieces pressed together to create a solid cutting surface. When you cut on the mat using a rotary cutter, the blade actually goes between the tiny pieces, separating them, and not cutting into the surface as a whole unit. After the cut is made, the surface has a “memory” and closes back together, thus it is referred to as “self-healing.” This is why it is very important to always use a sharp blade in your rotary cutter. A dull blade can actually slice the mat because it is not able to make that thin precise cut. In addition, always keep your cutter at a 90° angle when cutting on the mat. It is easy to hold it slightly slanted instead of perfectly perpendicular, even when using a rotary cutting ruler. The slanted cut can actually cut the tiny pieces rather than separating them, leaving a gash in the mat.
Both my mats have cuttings all over them! Def not self healing. Thanks for researching though, I think them calling it self healing is dodgy because going by what you say if the blade separates the fibres, no cut has been made therefore there is nothing to heal from, so either way its not self healing.
Looking forward to sewing machine reviews 😀
Pinking shears are a lifesaver for fabric that frays a lot. Buying an overcast foot for my regular sewing machine, mimics much of what an expensive overlocker does.
If you think pinking shears are great wait until you use a “pinking rotary blade”. So great to grade curved seams. Also love them for edging polar fleece. PS I sew every day!
Thank you for all the wise tips! And love your humor. :-)
Thank you, just started sewing again😁 noticed the palm iron in this video... never saw such a small iron that wasn’t antique cast iron or folding travel do tell us about your iron selection on day 😃😃😃😃 your my first sewing video!!!
That is a travel iron from amazon. It is so handy for those small areas!
Omg I love you!! The self healing mat thing cracked me up. Great video. Thanks so much for these fun videos💖😄💕
My smartest and most expensive purchase was my Babylock Evolve overlock/coverstich combo I bought secondhand together with my Janome Horizon 7700 QCP and these babies sews like a dream ,util I bought those I sew many years(I think it must be 20 odd years) with Pfaff tiptroninc 2020 which I still have and use,also a ham is very useful and of course a good pair of tailors siccors, great video as always 👏👏👍👍❤❤❤❤
I've just discovered your videos and they're fab! My best purchases are a walking foot and a serger. I sew with jersey knit a lot. I'd love to own an embroidery machine; one day! 💸💸💸💸
Walking foot. I mainly quilt bought a used Bernina 750 we fir the large harp space. But then I badly hurt my left shoulder. Ended up getting a total shoulder replacement (twice b/c 1st one didn’t work out for me.). The walking foot allowed me to continue quilting & to be creative. Love my Bernina walking foot!
I agree with so many of your purchases. My tissue paper is 160cm wide, so much better than taping smaller sheets together. A few years ago I bought a computerized Janome and even though it was crazy expensive it was totally worth it. I've had a serger for years and only use it when sewing knits. I think my coverlock machine was one of my best buys, I can't imagine sewing without it. Something else that is needed is good straight pins. As they get dull I just garbage them. One of my favourite gadgets is a magnetic seam guide. I've had my original one since I was a teenager and I'm 62 now. Great information, thanks.
Found you by accident and I’m so pleased I have can’t wait to check out more of your posts. Thank you for all your advice.
Welcome!!
My newest smart purchase is an english product (me living in Germany): the Clover sliding gauge! Shortening trouser legs - which can be a tedious job - is a breeze once you get to fix the length correctly with one single pin needle. And because all trousers I buy do have too long legs, I'm really happy about this gadget :-)
My Brother 1034D serger is my best purchase! It was a low cost machine, and is not fancy, but I use it on every project. It gives me no problems, and is easy to thread, although does not have air threading. I have never been able to make tie on threading work either.
Ditto on all except last one of course and the ham. I actually got a dual size mini sleeve board, works great on pleats as well.
Your entertaining and informative! Thank you!
Good scissors and pins are the best purchases I have made. I still need to save up for fabric shears but pinking shears, embroidery scissors etc really make life so much easier.
Still have my server from about 1990, and my awesome metal basic sewing machine from about 1976. The serger is my best purchase and has lasted all this time.