I don’t feel so bad now for all the little gadgets I have for sewing and embroidery. I like all the clever little tools. I’m sure I will be adding even more. Thank you!
I laughed when you said 'no need to get down on your benders' I've never heard that said before! I think it's awesome how you went through things and said 'I don't know why that's in here' because you are so talented and yet so down to earth that you showed us everything in your kit without editing it first.
Everyone doesn't say 'get down on your benders' ?!!! I don't realise sometimes that I'm saying these things! It was a good opportunity to sort out my needlecase....😂
I was so with you Helen when I listened to this UA-cam recording!!! I busted up laughing so hard, thinking 🤔 there going to have to call the Tin man to come running with his trusty oil can and his backup oil truck to get my benders working again.
I have a crochet hook in mine too! I use the non-hook end for poking out corners. Thank you for sharing, I have a stitch ripper, magnetic needle keeper and thread wax in mine too😄
A fine crochet hook is very handy in a sewing kit. You could fish a strand a thread and guide it where it should go or out of sight (especially a short strand). I wouldn't put it too far away. The violin peg is a great idea. Reminds us to look around and see what you could use to adapt to a need. And, I will put a strawberry in my kit. I constantly find myself using someone's needle that has a burr and needs a little tlc. I also keep an emery board in case I have a finger nail needing to be smoothed.
I have a needle felted pin cushion that I felted myself. Have the clips that you can use instead of pins. Also have wax to allow thread to pass more easily. Really enjoyed this video. Fascinating to see what you carry. Also enjoy all your videos on both channels. And love your ginger cat🐾
I always have a fine crochet hook in my kit; they’re very useful for thread management. In particular, I use one to pull thread ends through the fabric or bury them when the thread is too short to put in a needle. It should be a much finer one than what you have. It is always fun to see what other people carry in their kits! Thanks for the tour!
What's in my essential sewing and embroidery kits. We can start with a cat, or 4, then a mix of needles; neutral sewing threads just in case I need to do running repairs; various types of scissors; tin of pins; tape measure; anything else I think I will need for the current project.
I bought an old sewing box from a car boot sale, it has a lift up lid and pull out drawers either side. It is fabric covered but must have had another cover stuck over that as the stain of the glue remains. I love the look of vintage sewing boxes that were covered with embroidered panels so that's what I'm aiming to do with it. My Mother Cross Stitched me a lovely design for the lid and I may cover the rest with a matching Cathy Kidstone material. Though I have alot of modern items in my sewing box, there's alot of vintage pieces I've collected - an awl with a Mother of Pearl handle, a scissor pocket that can hold three pairs of scissors, a variety of needle holders made of turned wood velvet etc and the necessary thimble collection.
I think most needlework artists have a kit(s) that are essential. I'm older than you Sarah and have collected notions for a good many years. I want those items dearest to my heart with me at all times. My husband doesn't understand the need for so many scissors so it's my duty to remind him it's all relative to the number of screwdrivers or flashlights he collects. I'm American but have made it my mission at antique shows to find Victorian finds. As far as the crochet hook goes, there will always be that one time a hook will come in handy to weave in the frayed ends that simply cannot be threaded. Thank you for a peek inside your world of "bits".
I always keep a fine (usually #10) crochet hook in my embroidery supplies. Very handy for fishing short bit of thread through the back of your work, for tying off, If my thread slips off the needle I can even do a stitch or two to finish up a line then tie it over and weave it though. In the travel bit they are great for fixing a small snag on clothing.
I just love the strangers that appeared! I’m not traveling much anymore, so my needlework tools are all neatly in labeled boxes. Well, mostly neat anyways!
I'm new to hand embroidery. I have a sewing / embroidery machine, but I need to learn how to do custom work with it. In the meantime, I'm learning how to embroider by hand because it's very useful. Also, I do jewelry as well, so I have many of the same things in my essentials kit, but I didn't know I could use tweezers, pliers and wire cutters for embroidery too. Very handy to have those tools around.
AWESOME !!! Your face at the end made me laugh so much I have tears in my eyes ;D I loved what you had in your bag especially the extending magnet ;) Thanks for sharing ;D
Great video thanks for not editing anything, yes I do the same things with my craft stuff that are in box's when I am tidying them up what's that doing in there and how did it get in there lol has HelenK said you are down to earth and so very talented I agree 100% per cent, thank you for sharing God Bless Hugs Liz x
Oh, I loved this! Some of the things made me laugh, but as almost everything you do, a better idea than I've come up with. Not only a little gripper patch for a stick needle, but pliers for a REALLY stuck needle (and never, ever just use your teeth . . . heh heh). The violin peg is brilliant. The big crochet hooks aren't much use, but I bet you'd reach for the very fine lacemaking type if you had them, sometimes. But such good advice, and the whole idea of several scissors so you can spare the really sharp ones. This is a great bag of practical experience, thanks so much!
Enjoyed this for so many things - the peek one rarely gets; the chance to see what the teacher finds valuable (including things forgotten now like crochet hooks 😄) ; the reassurance of the familiar; and the excitement of the unfamiliar which now has to be researched more. And what a great bag to hold it all - have to make one of those! Most of all, just making it feel so accessible. Thank you. ❤️
Love the necklace thread cutter, you could work in the same department as Q in James Bond, to much isolation, find the cutest Japanese scissors in Loop wool shop, 1” long, very sharp.
Well for a lady that does crochet, a lot of what was in your kit is also in mine but I use a scale instead of measuring tape. It works great for measuring gages in crochet .. although a little secret that I don't always do a gage shhh. As for pliers and wire cutters, not my jam .. yet. I also pack a needle minder and my scissors are snips that have a leather sleeve over the blades for safety sake.
I have just now discovered your channel ... fabulous! I have never taken a course in goldwork, but have read several books, and I think I have learned more from watching just a couple of your videos than in all the books I have read. Thank you!
I have crochet hooks in my stitching kit so I can get my shorter threads 🧵 or floss on the under side woven threw the other stitching to keep it from being pulled out accidentally and it makes the backside of your embroidery look wonderful, and that is where the crochet hooks come into play, they keep the back tidied up!!!
I do have a crochet hook to capture the ends of threads and secure them, also floss threaders (dental) to help. I use a laying tool and a trolley needle for Bargello and needlepoint. Thanks for sharing.
I have crochet hooks in mine too, but I crochet too. I also had a pointy stick... because I do applique and its used to push out points... And I had a chopstick... I have always loved embroidery. Love watching you. I've learnt lots, and have improved. Oh, and I love your cats
I've got a little plastic bag with a piece of beeswax in mine, but I sew linen more often. I am yet to start embroidery, I'm learning a lot from you! Thank you!
This was a very neat video. Thanks for sharing. My mom got me a little needle holder that looks like wood. (Honestly thought it was a tube of lipstick at first) but it allows me to keep all my needles together. The other weird thing I keep in mine is little tiny ziploc baggies that I keep my leftover floss in ( the ones leftover after you pull the ones you need out). Then I label the bag with a marker so I know what number it is. That way I don't lose them.
Yes I have one of those lovely needle holders too but it stays in my posh sewing kit in my studio! You are very organised; I'm afraid to say those left over strands of floss go in the bin...
I have been watching your UA-cam videos. I am thinking about starting this as a new hobby. When I tried to visit your suggested page for beginners, it was not available. I guess I need to find out the needle types and sizes I should start out with. I like the idea of having a book to store your needles. Do you have a video on how to make one? You so inspire me.
Sorry Brenda, the link was broken but it's fixed now! You can go to the beginners page by clicking this link here: www.sarahhomfray.com/beginners-embroidery.html Have a read through and watch some of the videos, especially the one about needles and what is what and how to choose which one! I don't have a video on how to make a needle book, one to add to the list I think!
Ooh enjoyed that thank you fascinating to have a root through your workbox, am thinking I must get some curved blade scissors immediately!. Personally my workbox essential is a magnetic needle holder, I have several ( in resin), an owl, 2 cats and a whale, so useful and and pretty too!.
No pointy stick, but I do have quite a few of those things in my go-bag. I'm just so sad that you were in Portland and I didn't know! I hope if you're ever here again for some type of event I can meet you!
OMG, so organized! I must have numerous storage areas throughout my home due to having a few different places in which I do different hobbies. Containers everywhere. If I need to go somewhere then I gather up my supplies specifically used for the project I am going to be working on. But I see a couple things you have that I will need to purchase extra of i.e. needle threaders, another strawberry to clean my needles . Do you ever use beeswax or thread conditioner in your needlework?
I have those little rubber pads for pulling needles through (and tightening your circular knitting needles) but I was contemplating buying one of those tube type pullers. I would be interested to know how well it works before I buy yet another gadget lol. Also "get down on your benders" reminded me of my dad who was a Brummy lol.
I have one of those tubes but to be honest I don't even know where it is at the moment! It's so small it falls to the bottom of things. My go to tool for such an occasion is a pair of pliers as I can always see where they are! My ancesters are Midlanders so the odd thing sneaks in! :)
I love your needle roll/case. I noticed your tag inside with your name and website….I went to your shop and I cannot find it! Any suggestions where I can get one? Help ! It seems to be the perfect size for my traveling case!
I don’t feel so bad now for all the little gadgets I have for sewing and embroidery. I like all the clever little tools. I’m sure I will be adding even more. Thank you!
I laughed when you said 'no need to get down on your benders' I've never heard that said before! I think it's awesome how you went through things and said 'I don't know why that's in here' because you are so talented and yet so down to earth that you showed us everything in your kit without editing it first.
Everyone doesn't say 'get down on your benders' ?!!! I don't realise sometimes that I'm saying these things! It was a good opportunity to sort out my needlecase....😂
I was so with you Helen when I listened to this UA-cam recording!!! I busted up laughing so hard, thinking 🤔 there going to have to call the Tin man to come running with his trusty oil can and his backup oil truck to get my benders working again.
I have a crochet hook in mine too! I use the non-hook end for poking out corners. Thank you for sharing, I have a stitch ripper, magnetic needle keeper and thread wax in mine too😄
A fine crochet hook is very handy in a sewing kit. You could fish a strand a thread and guide it where it should go or out of sight (especially a short strand). I wouldn't put it too far away. The violin peg is a great idea. Reminds us to look around and see what you could use to adapt to a need. And, I will put a strawberry in my kit. I constantly find myself using someone's needle that has a burr and needs a little tlc. I also keep an emery board in case I have a finger nail needing to be smoothed.
I have a needle felted pin cushion that I felted myself. Have the clips that you can use instead of pins. Also have wax to allow thread to pass more easily. Really enjoyed this video. Fascinating to see what you carry. Also enjoy all your videos on both channels. And love your ginger cat🐾
I always have a fine crochet hook in my kit; they’re very useful for thread management. In particular, I use one to pull thread ends through the fabric or bury them when the thread is too short to put in a needle. It should be a much finer one than what you have. It is always fun to see what other people carry in their kits! Thanks for the tour!
What's in my essential sewing and embroidery kits. We can start with a cat, or 4, then a mix of needles; neutral sewing threads just in case I need to do running repairs; various types of scissors; tin of pins; tape measure; anything else I think I will need for the current project.
A magnetic needle minder is a great help.
I bought an old sewing box from a car boot sale, it has a lift up lid and pull out drawers either side. It is fabric covered but must have had another cover stuck over that as the stain of the glue remains. I love the look of vintage sewing boxes that were covered with embroidered panels so that's what I'm aiming to do with it. My Mother Cross Stitched me a lovely design for the lid and I may cover the rest with a matching Cathy Kidstone material. Though I have alot of modern items in my sewing box, there's alot of vintage pieces I've collected - an awl with a Mother of Pearl handle, a scissor pocket that can hold three pairs of scissors, a variety of needle holders made of turned wood velvet etc and the necessary thimble collection.
WOW, that sounds so neat!!!
“Benders” ha lolol! I love your ‘extra’ tools-no clue why they are there…happens to me
I think most needlework artists have a kit(s) that are essential. I'm older than you Sarah and have collected notions for a good many years. I want those items dearest to my heart with me at all times. My husband doesn't understand the need for so many scissors so it's my duty to remind him it's all relative to the number of screwdrivers or flashlights he collects. I'm American but have made it my mission at antique shows to find Victorian finds. As far as the crochet hook goes, there will always be that one time a hook will come in handy to weave in the frayed ends that simply cannot be threaded. Thank you for a peek inside your world of "bits".
That's a great comparison, scissors v screwdrivers! :)
I keep an emery board with all of my crafts because I can’t stand it when they peel/chip!
I always keep a fine (usually #10) crochet hook in my embroidery supplies. Very handy for fishing short bit of thread through the back of your work, for tying off, If my thread slips off the needle I can even do a stitch or two to finish up a line then tie it over and weave it though.
In the travel bit they are great for fixing a small snag on clothing.
I just love the strangers that appeared! I’m not traveling much anymore, so my needlework tools are all neatly in labeled boxes. Well, mostly neat anyways!
I wish mine was all neatly labelled in boxes Maureen! One day...
I'm new to hand embroidery. I have a sewing / embroidery machine, but I need to learn how to do custom work with it. In the meantime, I'm learning how to embroider by hand because it's very useful. Also, I do jewelry as well, so I have many of the same things in my essentials kit, but I didn't know I could use tweezers, pliers and wire cutters for embroidery too. Very handy to have those tools around.
AWESOME !!! Your face at the end made me laugh so much I have tears in my eyes ;D I loved what you had in your bag especially the extending magnet ;) Thanks for sharing ;D
I'm going to have to go back now and watch it to see what I was doing at the end!
Actually I use a crochet hook for knotting when I work till my thread is too short. Haha
Loved your video
Great video thanks for not editing anything, yes I do the same things with my craft stuff that are in box's when I am tidying them up what's that doing in there and how did it get in there lol has HelenK said you are down to earth and so very talented I agree 100% per cent, thank you for sharing God Bless Hugs Liz x
Oh, I loved this! Some of the things made me laugh, but as almost everything you do, a better idea than I've come up with. Not only a little gripper patch for a stick needle, but pliers for a REALLY stuck needle (and never, ever just use your teeth . . . heh heh). The violin peg is brilliant. The big crochet hooks aren't much use, but I bet you'd reach for the very fine lacemaking type if you had them, sometimes. But such good advice, and the whole idea of several scissors so you can spare the really sharp ones. This is a great bag of practical experience, thanks so much!
I hope you don't ever use your teeth to get your stuck needles out Manthasagittarius!
Enjoyed this for so many things - the peek one rarely gets; the chance to see what the teacher finds valuable (including things forgotten now like crochet hooks 😄) ; the reassurance of the familiar; and the excitement of the unfamiliar which now has to be researched more. And what a great bag to hold it all - have to make one of those! Most of all, just making it feel so accessible. Thank you. ❤️
Glad you enjoyed it Tanya!
yes a kit case is needed when you are on long road trips lol
Love the necklace thread cutter, you could work in the same department as Q in James Bond, to much isolation, find the cutest Japanese scissors in Loop wool shop, 1” long, very sharp.
Wow, I could be a stitching Q! Now I like the idea of that....
Well for a lady that does crochet, a lot of what was in your kit is also in mine but I use a scale instead of measuring tape. It works great for measuring gages in crochet .. although a little secret that I don't always do a gage shhh. As for pliers and wire cutters, not my jam .. yet. I also pack a needle minder and my scissors are snips that have a leather sleeve over the blades for safety sake.
I love seeing what other people have in their bag!! I wish you had mentioned what brand of scissors they are.
What an excellent idea! Thank you for sharing.
👩🌾🏘️🌈New to your nice channel and new to embroidery...thanks a lot for the idea with the screw driver; very useful.Happy Embroidery 🌸
Hope you are enjoying Crochet mama!
Interesting that you have a special pair if scissors for gold thread. I also have a rough pair of scissors for cutting paper.
The metal will blunt your embroidery scissors just as paper does Vanessa so always have a pair just for this!
Other than crocheting, the hooks are great for turning corners in sewing & the real thin ones are great when mending.
I have just now discovered your channel ... fabulous! I have never taken a course in goldwork, but have read several books, and I think I have learned more from watching just a couple of your videos than in all the books I have read. Thank you!
Thank you Lorna, welcome on board!
I love the necklace thread cutter - genius!
I have crochet hooks in my stitching kit so I can get my shorter threads 🧵 or floss on the under side woven threw the other stitching to keep it from being pulled out accidentally and it makes the backside of your embroidery look wonderful, and that is where the crochet hooks come into play, they keep the back tidied up!!!
I do have a crochet hook to capture the ends of threads and secure them, also floss threaders (dental) to help. I use a laying tool and a trolley needle for Bargello and needlepoint. Thanks for sharing.
I have crochet hooks in mine too, but I crochet too. I also had a pointy stick... because I do applique and its used to push out points...
And I had a chopstick...
I have always loved embroidery. Love watching you. I've learnt lots, and have improved. Oh, and I love your cats
A chopstick?!
@@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery I also have a chopstick in my kit. I sew my own clothes and use it for pushing the points out of corners. :)
I've got a little plastic bag with a piece of beeswax in mine, but I sew linen more often. I am yet to start embroidery, I'm learning a lot from you! Thank you!
Great video, thank you.
This was a very neat video. Thanks for sharing. My mom got me a little needle holder that looks like wood. (Honestly thought it was a tube of lipstick at first) but it allows me to keep all my needles together. The other weird thing I keep in mine is little tiny ziploc baggies that I keep my leftover floss in ( the ones leftover after you pull the ones you need out). Then I label the bag with a marker so I know what number it is. That way I don't lose them.
Yes I have one of those lovely needle holders too but it stays in my posh sewing kit in my studio! You are very organised; I'm afraid to say those left over strands of floss go in the bin...
Me. Homfray, you making me look real bougie for a beginner embroiderer!
? Is that good or bad Party Over Here?!
Good idea thanks Sarah
You are so funny! Great video.
I have been watching your UA-cam videos. I am thinking about starting this as a new hobby. When I tried to visit your suggested page for beginners, it was not available. I guess I need to find out the needle types and sizes I should start out with. I like the idea of having a book to store your needles. Do you have a video on how to make one? You so inspire me.
Sorry Brenda, the link was broken but it's fixed now! You can go to the beginners page by clicking this link here:
www.sarahhomfray.com/beginners-embroidery.html
Have a read through and watch some of the videos, especially the one about needles and what is what and how to choose which one! I don't have a video on how to make a needle book, one to add to the list I think!
Ooh enjoyed that thank you fascinating to have a root through your workbox, am thinking I must get some curved blade scissors immediately!. Personally my workbox essential is a magnetic needle holder, I have several ( in resin), an owl, 2 cats and a whale, so useful and and pretty too!.
Those are very useful to have Rebecca! If I didn't have such a mobile kit I would probably use one too....
I also got a ton of use out of my emergency Delta bag.
They should sell them Rachael!
No pointy stick, but I do have quite a few of those things in my go-bag. I'm just so sad that you were in Portland and I didn't know! I hope if you're ever here again for some type of event I can meet you!
I came to Portland many times Kay! I used to teach at In Stitches, but sadly it isn't there anymore
@@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery well, if you ever long for the Pacific NW again (spring & summer are divine) we have Acorns & Threads in Portland, as well!
I actually have a small ruler, and I too have little sticks and tweezers etc. yours is very similar to mine.
Yep, a small ryuler is a good idea! I'm sure I had one at one point. Perhaps it turned into two crochet hooks!
Where did you teach in Portland? I love your videos!
At 'In Stitches' Eleanor, sadly no logner there :(
I surprised you don’t have a laying tool. I keep a regular writing pen as well. I think your stick might have been a pokey tool to make eyelets?
I do have one in the form of a mellor Janis, I was using it for something and it didn't get put back!
Could you please tell the name of the needles you use for mending things?
Depends what you are mending and with what thread Teresa! See our recent video on needle types and how to choose the right one
Woh all these can be carried usually only the basis needs now any time any where i can stitch
This had been gathered over quite a few years and refined down to the essentials. Other than the crochet hooks, I've taken them out!
OMG, so organized! I must have numerous storage areas throughout my home due to having a few different places in which I do different hobbies. Containers everywhere. If I need to go somewhere then I gather up my supplies specifically used for the project I am going to be working on. But I see a couple things you have that I will need to purchase extra of i.e. needle threaders, another strawberry to clean my needles . Do you ever use beeswax or thread conditioner in your needlework?
Yes there is beeswax in my case Roberta. Did I not talk about this?!
What Gütermann thread color do you recommend for matching with both gold and silver work?
488 is good for gold Michell and number 8 for silver
@@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery Thank you ever so much!!
I have those little rubber pads for pulling needles through (and tightening your circular knitting needles) but I was contemplating buying one of those tube type pullers. I would be interested to know how well it works before I buy yet another gadget lol. Also "get down on your benders" reminded me of my dad who was a Brummy lol.
I have one of those tubes but to be honest I don't even know where it is at the moment! It's so small it falls to the bottom of things. My go to tool for such an occasion is a pair of pliers as I can always see where they are! My ancesters are Midlanders so the odd thing sneaks in! :)
Sarah, do you get your scissors sharpened when they get blunt, or do you simply replace them? Thank you for another interesting video. :)
I replace them Sue, It's hard to find someone to sharpen then!
@@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery That's good to know Sarah, thank you :)
I love your needle roll/case. I noticed your tag inside with your name and website….I went to your shop and I cannot find it! Any suggestions where I can get one?
Help ! It seems to be the perfect size for my traveling case!
I used to sell them but I think they are all gone, I'll check though!
@@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery thank you ..I appreciate your extra effort! I sure hope they are still available.
Hii! Can you make a tutorial about making sequin flowers with aari needle?
I will ask my tambour expert, Caroline...
Sarah Homfray Embroidery thank you soo muchh!!!
what are the curved scissors for?
Snipping ends of threads away that are close to the fabric so you don't make a hole in the fabric, and cutting out shapes for stumpwork embroidery
Sarah Homfray Embroidery Oh that’s so clever! This was exactly my question.
Have you ever worn the beautiful sari on the wall behind you? Pat-South Padre Island, Texas
It's actually a large scarf Pat! Maybe I will swap it for something else and wear it out somewhere....
@@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery No, No, No. Don't do that. It's a lovely backdrop. Leave it please.