Thanks for the info. You are right in saying the new gadgets help so much in our sewing. It gets frustrating enough sometimes in sewing that any little help we can get just makes it all so much more fun.
I’m a self-taught sewer so I’ve had to learn ‘on the go’ and these gadgets will be a great help. Many thanks for the down-to-earth non-tech layman explanations and demonstrations as even I could understand! Thank you and bless you.
This is a great video. The gadgets are really neat and I am going to buy a couple of them. What I appreciate is that you’ve demonstrated how they work and included a comparison with the standard items that come with sewing machines. 👍🏻
Thanks Mary. I do think showing what they do and comparing makes such a difference and helps one to decide whether they really should spend money on the gadget. xxx
Thank you, it's McCalls M7322. I bound the neckline with satin bias binding, tapered the sides out a little more and added side slits to it. I mention it in this vlog...ua-cam.com/video/wutGdTanIsI/v-deo.html
Have had a bulky seam aid for years. Never knew how to use it. Thanks! Love your videos. You talk just like you're talking to friends with you in the room.
Hemostats. My dad loved them for some of his precision mechanics (he did cars, jets, and any household appliance). We lived them for holding the burning bit at the end of a lit joint in the 70s. In the army, they were in my repair box as “tube turners” for my am radios. I saw them used now and then in my medical clinic, mostly for when the doctor was suturing. I’ve never used them for sewing, though I’ve seen them used since the 80s. I love small jewelry pliers for grabbing tough to remove seam ripping or a tough to pull hand sewing needle.
Thanks for your informative vlog! I use Kenneth D King's method for installing an invisible zip. This is my favourite method, and the hemostat makes it a breeze. The high-tech seam ripper looks like a 'must-have'!
I'm an old girl, but new back into sewing, so I'm watching a lot of UA-cam, and getting used to metric, so the tape would help me, and the thickness foot. So far, I've only seen a sewer fold up a thick piece of cloth, to help the foot over a thicker place in the item being sewn. That works fine, but it's always nice to have a well designed gizmo to just pick up and use. Thanks for showing the tips and tricks.
Someone's been slimming. I can see it in your face and shoulders. You look great; but you always do! Thanks for the tips. My son was asking me just today what I would like for Christmas. Mighty Bright it is!
Well I did put on a bit of weight with those swollen legs but all back to normal and the weight has gone down. Thought not as much as I would really like. Ah well you can;t win em all. 👍😀❤
Thank you, for five gadgets I’d never seen before. The thickness aid is similar to what I’ve just seen and heard of, called a “Jean-a-ma-Jig”. Hilarious name. For those who, of course, find sewing over jean seams disastrous. Again, thank you for your time. I’m a first-time viewer, and I think following instructions from you must be very rewarding, as you’d never leave the new, slower sewers behind. ;) I’m just guessing of course, but would you and LMSquared be former school teachers?
Glad you liked my suggestion for bulky seam gadget. One other recently discovered is called a heera marker or heara marker. Similar to a bone folder but has a very thin edge to it which you run along your ruler or stroke across points you wish to mark temporarily. It leaves a very thin indentation on the fabric, seen as a line which stays there until you iron it out. I am tired of chalk which doesn’t wash out. Pens which don’t have written on them what kind of marker they are, and living in the UK the marker which disappears with the heat of an iron but returns when it’s cold, is no use to me. This is worth checking out, I am thrilled with it.
For turning things inside out, I’d just make the piece a wee bit long, if even necessary, 1/8”, and before stitching the tube, I’d tack a string a few inches longer than the piece onto the far end, and run it the length of the inside of the tube I’ll be stitching, then stitch it so it’s inside. Then when I’m done, I give it a start to turn it, pull the string, and it comes right side out, and I snip the string off. Done. If it’s narrow and needs stiffness, a safety pin or threading the string through a plastic straw would help me poke it along. But hemostats are good little grabbers for all sorts of tiny things.
You’re welcome:) I thought about it further and if you poked a hole horizontally through the end of the straw (which would make 2 holes, really) and tied the string through it and then sewed it into the tube as it is sewn together, then that would work even better. It would have something firm to push it right through. A firmer straw would work the best.
So glad your enjoying the seam ripper, I love mine. I LOVE gadgets 😂😂 and really enjoy watching vlogs about them. Like many people (I am sure) I have bought some duds, but in the main I adore a new toy. That multi coloured tape looks good,I certainly get confused with centimetres... I work in inches, sewing and pounds and ounces in the kitchen 😂😂 I am always having to look u conversions. Another brilliant buy was a clover loop turner with several bits for all different widths. Looking forward to your next ‘gadgets ‘ vlog xx
@@michoumakes I was very lucky, my FIL was getting rid of things in a clean out of the house, and one of those things was his field medic kit from Korea.. with, hemostats! I need another pair, I use them for everything and they get gunked up so I wouldn't want to use them for medical/health purposes without sterilizing them.. so, I want a clean pair in my home med kit. Can't gush enough about them and THRILLED they are easy to find .. not sure why I didn't think they would be, LOL. :)
@@michoumakes Also, this was done really well, I love how you show us HOW they work. I have seen a couple of these tools but had no idea how they worked so passed them by. Thank you so much :)
I was using the bulky seam gadget, more than 40 years ago in high school. We used it to hemming jeans, and it was called a hump jumper. I still have my original. None of these items is new.
Well there you go Cyndy, at the tender age of 68 I have never come across it, we always used cardboard folded up. That's one thing you on the other side of the water has on us in the UK you always seem to sell everything over there and at a remarkably cheaper price than over here. I may perhaps have seen one and forgotten about it but I'm guessing that if I did I probably balked at the price and thought "That much for a piece of plastic! NO Way!!" or "that much for a walking foot!!!" Funnily enough I'm amazed at how many folks claim they have never seen many of these gadgets. And of course there are those, like myself who probably couldn't afford them as a young mother but nowadays with a little less family commitments have a little more spare cash to play with to buy those old but 'new to me' items. Chuckle. Lovely hearing from you.
Hi Michelin. I watched your blog for the first time And you showed something that I have always been curious about the one that would help the thickness of the material for denim when sewing. I have some thing that I found I loved it and I’ve even recommended and bath as gifts. It is to thread the needle and help replace the needle in your sewing machines
Ah Rosie. I came across that super gadget last year and I did a vlog about it too. I agree with you it really is an amazing gadget. Some viewers told me that they had one in their sewing machine tools that came with the machine and had no idea how to use it. Thanks for messaging me, it's appreciated. 😍😘
I saw a notion that blew my mind. The deluxe chalk hem marker. It was a Nancy’s Notions you tube video titled the best hemming tools. If you fit for yourself and you need to mark your hem. You have to watch the video I can’t explain it. I have the other tools they mentioned but wowsers I want that gadget. It’s the neatest gadget I’ve ever seen. Don’t know if I would need it I just want it lol, it’s super cool. But I can see it would be useful.
Just checked it out and wow! My mother used to have one of those all those years back. I think it was a by Singer back then. I remember it because when she wasn't looking and I must have been in my early teens then pre interest in sewing I used to squeeze the puffer and all the chalk powder blew out. I didn't half get a telling off when she found all the chalk had been blown out. And I agree it's a great tool too. Thanks for stirring those memories. 👍❤
Thanks for this tutorial. I had a bulky seam aid with my machine but didn't know what it was for but I do now! The walking foot is the best thing in quilt making.
Great video! How really nice of you to share these wonderful gadgets with us! I'm super appreciative because I'm a sewing newbie and in need of all the help I can find. So thanks again! 👏 ❤️
Then you have started sewing in an amazing era where gadgets that make sewing so much easier are being created even by the sewer themselves to make it even easier. Happy sewing.xxx
Hi michoumakes. All the gadgets you have shown are very useful. I skip on ironing double folded hems and all was well until now. I use a seam gauze which helps. That seam ripper is what i definitely need. ❤
Have you seen a quilters tape measure with 0 in the centre, working out evenly in inches. This makes border calculation and finding the centre easy on larger quilt tops.
Stitch & Picker....never heard Jack called that! Cool gadget though, I'll have to pick one up! I tried quilting without a walking foot...never again. It was a life saver.
Ooh I don't quilt that much although I'm keen to but I would imagine there would be a lot of movement between layers and the walking foot might just be the perfect tool to stop all that. '👍❤
@@michoumakes - I'm just a learner myself, but I tried to do the "stitch in the ditch" quilting without a walking foot and gave up after just one line. I waited for the foot to come in before finishing. So much better!!
I would love that tape measure! I also do woodworking & had a hard time finding a tape measure with metrics here in the States. Why oh why do we not use the METRIC SYSTEM in the USA?! It makes more sense & super easy to figure out measurements. Thank you for your informational video. Much appreciated!
Don't they sell measuring tape with inches and cms on them? Both the dressmaking tapes and the woodworking metal tapes can be obtained with both measurements over here. It really makes a difference. I'm so used to both now that quite often I can convert from inches to mm's without too much fuss. 👍🏼
@@michoumakes I did find one but I had to order online. Our local store did not carry them & we are about a hundred miles from a big box store. Keep those videos coming please! Thank you!
Hemastats are also great for holding the needle when your changing the needle on your machine. I have a 27 year old Juki serger and changing the needles can be a real challenge due to the position of the upper knife and a bar that prevents your fingers from stitched.
michoumakes I lost my last pair of hemostats, good thing they are pretty cheap, around $4 for a 6” pair in the US. Guess I’m gunna have to go shopping, darn lol
FYI. That gadget that gets you over thick areas of fabric, you can also use a bit of fabric folded a couple times and placed behind/under your presser foot. It’ll have the same result. One less gadget to misplace then hunt down.
As an oldie I have used folded up cardboard where necessary. However there are some members of the sewing community who like to have any kind of gadget that is linked to sewing. And of course like an old man who, now he has money for himself, buys that sports car that he's envied all his life then what's wrong with us oldy sewers treating ourselves to a few sewing luxuries that we've long wished we had. 😂🤣😂🤣👍😂😍
I was a bit surprised that my Brother didn't come with one especially when previous ones did. But guess who didn't hold on to the old one!!! Durrrr! xxxx
michoumakes I was really surprised by the number of feet that were included with the singer 9960. The only foot attachment I intend to purchase in the foreseeable future is the ruffler.
Hi Michoumakes! I appreciate all of the hard work that you put into these videos and work I would love if you made a video with a few projects that new seamstresses should make. Thank you!
Hemostats are great to hold a curved hand needle when you want to tie a quilt. Makes it very easy to tie a sturdy surgeons' knot, too. Do NOT confuse your sewing hemostats with the pair you keep in your fishing tackle box. (I use them to remove fish hooks)
I've taken one of the pairs from my fishing box. It's now in my sewing box, and after seeing the large ones being used to turn, the large pair are now on their way to a good soak, then into my sewing box too. I'll buy new before I go fishing again.
The haemostat is more often referred to as forceps rather than scissors. The locking teeth at the top form a ratchet. Sorry had to tell you this as I have used them for their original purpose. The old nurse coming out in me!
HI Kerry. It was an American lady who mentioned hemostats to me and of course I didn't know what the heck they were. And when the ones I ordered arrived my first reaction was "Oh those are Forceps" and I really should have mentioned that in my vlog. However, I was unaware that the teeth were called a ratchet (which really should be blatantly obvious shouldn't it? Chuckle) xxx
I’ve seen the seam aid just never got one but after seeing your review I’m definitely going to get one, along with un picker, I have a large pair of himostats which belonged to my late paramedic dad and never thought to use them for the sewing, what a great use for them, one thing I use for elastic threading is a long cable tie, I use the hole at the end to tie or a quick sew through the elastic and then pull it through I found it worked wonders. Great Video and and thank you so much for the sharing of sone fabulous gadgets, there’s so many new things out there you never really know. 💛
Well there you go, you never know what great tools you might have lurking in the house. And every time you use those hemostats you can think of your father and smile. x Thanks for the cable tie tip too. What a great idea. 👍❤
On your regular foot there is a black button in the rear, it does the same thing as items number 4, it levels the seams for bulky sewing. I sew garments and sometimes, you are sewing over a seam that is folded, I push the black button in the rear of the foot to get over that bulky seam.
I must mention that in one of my vlogs. My newest sewing machines has one but they never came with my other machines. However, I spent the first few months of using it, finding the little button most annoying because it kept catching my fabric. Sadly it soon got taken off and replaced with my older foot that didn't have it. Nevertheless its a great gadget when used properly. 👍😘
I could have happily used the lighted seem ripper, or unpicker last week. I am relearning sewing as it has been at least 15 years since I last did more than repair a seam or adjust the hem on a pair of slacks and I am ashamed to say that I usually hemmed the pants by hand since I didn't remember how to set my machine to do a blind stitch hem and it was faster to just do it by hand because I had been doing that since my early teens and muscle memory always wins. My first project was to make simple flannel pajama bottoms, nothing fancy and I wear them with inexpensive pullover tops. I purchased a new pattern, but was unhappy with the fit and my partner reminded me that he had come across a pair of good store bought navy pj's in the rag bag and thought I had put them there by mistake. No mistake, a bottle of bleach, a bit of a slip while doing a load of laundry and my pj's and top were ruined. Since they were relatively new, they were not worn or stretched thin from wear like my other pairs, and for some reason I had not cut them up for rags so they were the perfect choice. Until I had to pick all the seams apart and I learned from a friend, who owns a serger, that I had picked the absolute worst item to take apart because they were sewn with a 4 thread overlock. I gave the stitch a more personalized name but I got them apart, used them to make a paper pattern and am now on my third pair as the home made pattern fit perfectly. I always seem to have the worst timing. Thank you so much for sharing your gadgets with us. I am ordering the seam ripper in a moment and the Bulky Seam Aid. I'm saving your video so if I decide I need and not just want the Hemostat scissors I know where to find the link. I'm sure if I use my imagination I will think of something that I or my partner can use them for. Thank you so much, keep finding great gadgets and letting us know about them. I subscribed to your channel so I will get notified when your newest tutorial is released.
I read your comment when you posted it and meant to reply but never quite got around to it. Loving the seam ripper story. I do hem a great deal using the machine but still think the hand hemmed is much nearer. It's simply that as I age I really can't be as bothered to fuss on with hand sewing too often. Thanks for commenting. It's lovely to hear from you. 👍😍
The thickness helper has been on the market for quite a while now. You can also use it on the front of the foot when coming off a high seam, put it in front until the foot is off the thick part then remove it before you see into it! LOL
I missed showing that part Julia. I was aware that it could be done but not sure others might realise that. It's a great tool isn't. Mind you cardboard was what I used in times gone by. Chuckle x
The blouse you're wearing is beautiful!! Thank you for your gadgets. Been eyeing the stitch ripper but haven't seen any feed back on it. Now it's going to be mine! Have the walking foot but haven't used it much -- after watching you I realize how much easier sewing would have been. The hemostats I use for zippers--life is so much easier getting the pull out of the way then retrieving it with hemostats! Be watching for your next gadget video. 👏
Alice B. Ontario, Canada When I subscribed many months ago I did not ring the bell so I didn't get any notifications, and forgot your name. I spent today trolling through sewing videos and found you Yay! Looking forward to new ones and I'll be checking out any old ones I can find. I really enjoy your videos and glad I found you again. Cheers !!!
To get even pleated fold with a fork. Put the fabric up the end of the first prong of the fork, turn and pin, turn and pin all along the length of fabric and you will have nice even folds.
So funny to see the reaction that people have to hemostats, I've been using them for probably 47 years since I worked in the hospital it was something we used all the time. Therefore as someone who had many of them I used them for many things at home especially when doing something with a casing like an elasticated waist. Never saw the bulky seam aid before though that is new to me. Did your sewing machine not come with a walking foot?
I found the colored tape at the trash, in good condition, and i took it. it has centimeters on both sides, but it's ok i have 2 rulers with inches and i don't use them much because i'm not used to the imperial system. the reaper was pretty cool though. when i get older maybe ;p
Like you I am very fortunate to have good close eyesight so the magnifying stitch unpicker will have to wait until my eyesight gets worse but I can see it being an added boon for those of us who have difficulty seeing close up. x
I'm hoping to do a vlog on my machine in the coming weeks Maria but just do you know it's a Brother Innovis 55. It cost me £499 and I've had it about 4 years now. 👍😍
The blouse was a purchased one but I did a vlog about it discussing which patterns were similar to it. here's the link ua-cam.com/video/_5lWLoJGe0s/v-deo.html Cheers. x
Turning one we do with a pin . Attach the pin on one end and push the pin through the tube and let it come out at other end and undue the pin. Same money.
Hi Kim All those years back when surefit first came out I so wanted to get it but being in the UK it was going to cost way beyond my means at that time. So, instead I went on a 2 year course learning how to design and make my own clothes to my own body measurements. I loved it and came out with top marks. Mind you I reckon as the years have passed and I've not sewn for a number of years much of that knowledge has been pushed into a dark cupboard in the back of my head. I'm still curious to see this surefit and its rulers work so you never know, one day I might just check it out. xxx
Love your blouse! The hemostat will also grab the closed invisible zipper for the sewn zipper and pull the tab thru the back.see Threads magazine invisible zipper.
i am french but I have adapted when people speak inches well I have one tape that mesure imperial on top of centimeters. that's great now knowing what is 5/8 well I got the tools
Ah Bonjour Francoise. Je suis content de savoir que tu aimes mes vlogs. Rusty French I'm afraid. I do improve the longer I spend in La Belle France of course. I think it's very useful having a tape measure with both metric and Imperial measurments on. ;-) x
I am new to you 👋 I actually also would like to know if you could send me the pattern for that top that you are wearing ❓ I love that bias neckline 🎁🎉❣️❣️
Hi Wendy, It's one of my favourite go to patterns that I love to make. It's the McCalls M7322. For that particular one I used black satin bias binding and I did the slash neck version. I also tapered the sides out about an inch each side and gave each side a open vent to just above the trouser hip pocket. That way it wasn't clinging to my body. I gather it's a popular pattern for many others too. Happy sewing Micheline xxx
Thanks for the suggestions! I love my walking foot; it’s invaluable! I do want one of those bulky seam things. Putting it on my Santa list. It’s almost that time of year, isn’t it?
My granddauggter asked for a quilt and normally i tie them, but this time i decided i would machine quilt and i used the walking foot. Its a pain in the butt to put on, but worth it.
For 40 years I have had needle nose pliers and a hammer in my sewing box. The pliers are used for pulling needles out of material. The hammer is used for Appling grommets and flattening bulky seams.
Oh MY Goodness. Definitely don't go there then. I can't recall how much I paid but I'm sure it was around £8.99. Still expensive but if you have poor eyesight and and urge to continue sewing I would say it's worth the money. If you can afford it of course. xxx
That is insane. I’m sure even with postage and the exchange rate, I could get it at a brick and mortar store and send it to you for less then that and I’m in Canada!
Thanks for the info. You are right in saying the new gadgets help so much in our sewing. It gets frustrating enough sometimes in sewing that any little help we can get just makes it all so much more fun.
Wow!!! What cool things!! I have a walking foot, but I want the other 4!!!
Love her enthusiasm !! Some of us have seen these for decades , BUT new sewers are coming along and it is great for them. Keep it up
Hi Suri Thanks for your comments. 👍❤
Love how you demonstrate how the item works.
We Americans still use inches, but there are so many wonderful global bloggers, I can really use the last one. Thanks!
I’m a self-taught sewer so I’ve had to learn ‘on the go’ and these gadgets will be a great help. Many thanks for the down-to-earth non-tech layman explanations and demonstrations as even I could understand! Thank you and bless you.
Lovely to hear from you. There are some great gadgets out there if your purse can stretch to them but I found these ones to be very helpful. ❤👍
She sure is cute when she gets excited about a gadget.
This is a great video. The gadgets are really neat and I am going to buy a couple of them. What I appreciate is that you’ve demonstrated how they work and included a comparison with the standard items that come with sewing machines. 👍🏻
Thanks Mary. I do think showing what they do and comparing makes such a difference and helps one to decide whether they really should spend money on the gadget.
xxx
Love your blouse!!!
Thank you, it's McCalls M7322. I bound the neckline with satin bias binding, tapered the sides out a little more and added side slits to it.
I mention it in this vlog...ua-cam.com/video/wutGdTanIsI/v-deo.html
Have had a bulky seam aid for years. Never knew how to use it. Thanks! Love your videos. You talk just like you're talking to friends with you in the room.
Thanks. It's lovely to think I have some appeal to my subscribers. Chuckle. x
Hello I have the seam ripper with the light. I purchased it in Canada at Fabricland. Works fantastic.
That's a great recommendation. 👍🏼💓
Hemostats. My dad loved them for some of his precision mechanics (he did cars, jets, and any household appliance). We lived them for holding the burning bit at the end of a lit joint in the 70s. In the army, they were in my repair box as “tube turners” for my am radios. I saw them used now and then in my medical clinic, mostly for when the doctor was suturing. I’ve never used them for sewing, though I’ve seen them used since the 80s. I love small jewelry pliers for grabbing tough to remove seam ripping or a tough to pull hand sewing needle.
Ha ha! holding joints is a new one on me! It just goes to show how versatile they are. 👍❤
minot60 ppl
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Love the tape measure and thickness foot. Great suggestions on both videos. Thank you.
Thank you! Brilliant gadgets I didn’t know I needed!
Thanks for your informative vlog! I use Kenneth D King's method for installing an invisible zip. This is my favourite method, and the hemostat makes it a breeze. The high-tech seam ripper looks like a 'must-have'!
I must check Kenneth D out a bit more. I did watch his invisible zip video and found it very interesting indeed. 👍❤
That seam ripper is just what I needed last week! Must get one!
I'm an old girl, but new back into sewing, so I'm watching a lot of UA-cam, and getting used to metric, so the tape would help me, and the thickness foot. So far, I've only seen a sewer fold up a thick piece of cloth, to help the foot over a thicker place in the item being sewn. That works fine, but it's always nice to have a well designed gizmo to just pick up and use. Thanks for showing the tips and tricks.
to be honest a piece of folded up card is equally as good it money is tight. But I have to confess it seems to work much better than the cardboard. 👍❤
The bulky seam aid came with Husqvarna Viking designer machines over 20yrs ago.lts great for sewing on buttons with your machine.
Emm mi yes ! And love the fact it has the little hole to hold the needle for easier inserting.
Just got my new Viking. Good gadget.
How I wish I'd paid more attention to mine all those years back. Chuckle Thanks for watching 👍❤
It was new to me! I must have; I have been stacking thick bits of cardboard, whatever I can find and NOW I know this will save time-ThAnKs!😍
@@michoumakes you're wonderful...im so glad UA-cam pointed you out to me😃
Thank you so much very help full. I am 61 getting back into sewing and trying to do a better Job at it
Someone's been slimming. I can see it in your face and shoulders. You look great; but you always do! Thanks for the tips. My son was asking me just today what I would like for Christmas. Mighty Bright it is!
Well I did put on a bit of weight with those swollen legs but all back to normal and the weight has gone down. Thought not as much as I would really like. Ah well you can;t win em all. 👍😀❤
Wow! Right off the bat, I need that seam ripper .
Thank you, for five gadgets I’d never seen before. The thickness aid is similar to what I’ve just seen and heard of, called a “Jean-a-ma-Jig”. Hilarious name. For those who, of course, find sewing over jean seams disastrous. Again, thank you for your time. I’m a first-time viewer, and I think following instructions from you must be very rewarding, as you’d never leave the new, slower sewers behind. ;)
I’m just guessing of course, but would you and LMSquared be former school teachers?
Glad it was helpful! I love reading meesages from my viewers. xxx
Thankyou for this video ,iv used most of them ,the one to go over thick fabric is also called “ the thing a ma jig “.
I looked that up and it's very similar. I'm guessing Prym refined it to make it suitable for 2 thicknesses. Chuckle x
Glad you liked my suggestion for bulky seam gadget.
One other recently discovered is called a heera marker or heara marker. Similar to a bone folder but has a very thin edge to it which you run along your ruler or stroke across points you wish to mark temporarily. It leaves a very thin indentation on the fabric, seen as a line which stays there until you iron it out. I am tired of chalk which doesn’t wash out. Pens which don’t have written on them what kind of marker they are, and living in the UK the marker which disappears with the heat of an iron but returns when it’s cold, is no use to me. This is worth checking out, I am thrilled with it.
Thanks again eileen I've now ordered one to find out for myself. Chuckle x
I hope you like it. At first I didn’t like mine, that is until I used it to mark the placement of handles on my bags - now I’m sold lol.
These all are new and awesome, to me, as I come back to sewing from my Jr. High days of school 😬. I love your channel! Thank you for sharing!
And a thank you to you too Adele for watching my vlogs.
It's appreciated. x
You demonstrate everything so clearly. Thank you! You are a good teachet.
Thank you Carol, that's appreciated. ❤👍
For turning things inside out, I’d just make the piece a wee bit long, if even necessary, 1/8”, and before stitching the tube, I’d tack a string a few inches longer than the piece onto the far end, and run it the length of the inside of the tube I’ll be stitching, then stitch it so it’s inside. Then when I’m done, I give it a start to turn it, pull the string, and it comes right side out, and I snip the string off. Done. If it’s narrow and needs stiffness, a safety pin or threading the string through a plastic straw would help me poke it along. But hemostats are good little grabbers for all sorts of tiny things.
Now that string idea is worth me trying. Thanks 👍❤
You’re welcome:) I thought about it further and if you poked a hole horizontally through the end of the straw (which would make 2 holes, really) and tied the string through it and then sewed it into the tube as it is sewn together, then that would work even better. It would have something firm to push it right through. A firmer straw would work the best.
Thank you...what is especially helpful was the videos showing what it does...great job....looking forward to the next video
I love the tape measure!
So glad your enjoying the seam ripper, I love mine. I LOVE gadgets 😂😂 and really enjoy watching vlogs about them. Like many people (I am sure) I have bought some duds, but in the main I adore a new toy. That multi coloured tape looks good,I certainly get confused with centimetres... I work in inches, sewing and pounds and ounces in the kitchen 😂😂 I am always having to look u conversions. Another brilliant buy was a clover loop turner with several bits for all different widths. Looking forward to your next ‘gadgets ‘ vlog xx
More to come Jenni. I just need to find a spare moment. 😀😀😀😀😀
I use those hemostat tweezers for everything. Every household should have a pair. 🙂
Now I have some myself I really have to agree with you on that statement Michele. 😁👍😍
@@michoumakes I was very lucky, my FIL was getting rid of things in a clean out of the house, and one of those things was his field medic kit from Korea.. with, hemostats! I need another pair, I use them for everything and they get gunked up so I wouldn't want to use them for medical/health purposes without sterilizing them.. so, I want a clean pair in my home med kit. Can't gush enough about them and THRILLED they are easy to find .. not sure why I didn't think they would be, LOL. :)
@@michoumakes Also, this was done really well, I love how you show us HOW they work. I have seen a couple of these tools but had no idea how they worked so passed them by. Thank you so much :)
Try un gunking them with a good spray of WD40 Michele. It's great for loosening them up. I must do a vlog on that too to show you all. Chuckle
What are hemostat tweezers?
I love ❤️ your seam ripper gadget Thanks and greetings from NYC!
Very helpful demos, thank you for taking the time to make our sewing better and more enjoyable!
I was using the bulky seam gadget, more than 40 years ago in high school. We used it to hemming jeans, and it was called a hump jumper. I still have my original. None of these items is new.
Well there you go Cyndy, at the tender age of 68 I have never come across it, we always used cardboard folded up. That's one thing you on the other side of the water has on us in the UK you always seem to sell everything over there and at a remarkably cheaper price than over here.
I may perhaps have seen one and forgotten about it but I'm guessing that if I did I probably balked at the price and thought "That much for a piece of plastic! NO Way!!" or "that much for a walking foot!!!"
Funnily enough I'm amazed at how many folks claim they have never seen many of these gadgets. And of course there are those, like myself who probably couldn't afford them as a young mother but nowadays with a little less family commitments have a little more spare cash to play with to buy those old but 'new to me' items. Chuckle.
Lovely hearing from you.
I’m 66 and often wondered what it was. It came with my Janome machine and I was enlightened only recently as to its purpose.
Very useful video. Thank you.
🌲🌝☘️
The best with the hemostat forceps is to hold the new machine needle to put it in the machine and screws it!!
What a great idea. Now that's something I had never thought of!
xxx
Hi Michelin. I watched your blog for the first time And you showed something that I have always been curious about the one that would help the thickness of the material for denim when sewing. I have some thing that I found I loved it and I’ve even recommended and bath as gifts. It is to thread the needle and help replace the needle in your sewing machines
Ah Rosie. I came across that super gadget last year and I did a vlog about it too. I agree with you it really is an amazing gadget. Some viewers told me that they had one in their sewing machine tools that came with the machine and had no idea how to use it. Thanks for messaging me, it's appreciated. 😍😘
I saw a notion that blew my mind. The deluxe chalk hem marker. It was a Nancy’s Notions you tube video titled the best hemming tools. If you fit for yourself and you need to mark your hem. You have to watch the video I can’t explain it. I have the other tools they mentioned but wowsers I want that gadget. It’s the neatest gadget I’ve ever seen. Don’t know if I would need it I just want it lol, it’s super cool. But I can see it would be useful.
Just checked it out and wow! My mother used to have one of those all those years back. I think it was a by Singer back then. I remember it because when she wasn't looking and I must have been in my early teens then pre interest in sewing I used to squeeze the puffer and all the chalk powder blew out. I didn't half get a telling off when she found all the chalk had been blown out. And I agree it's a great tool too. Thanks for stirring those memories. 👍❤
Thanks for this tutorial. I had a bulky seam aid with my machine but didn't know what it was for but I do now! The walking foot is the best thing in quilt making.
Those were 2 gadgets that would have been at the bottom of my list until I tried them. 👍😍❤
Can’t tell you how I wish I had the bulky fabric when I was making a dozen thick purses . It would have saved a lot of seam ripping. Thank you.
I know what you mean. I've been there too. Chuckle. x
Great video! How really nice of you to share these wonderful gadgets with us! I'm super appreciative because I'm a sewing newbie and in need of all the help I can find. So thanks again! 👏 ❤️
Then you have started sewing in an amazing era where gadgets that make sewing so much easier are being created even by the sewer themselves to make it even easier.
Happy sewing.xxx
Small Hemostats are also great for holding your needles while replacing them in your sewing machine.
They certainly are. 👍👍❤
Hi michoumakes. All the gadgets you have shown are very useful. I skip on ironing double folded hems and all was well until now. I use a seam gauze which helps. That seam ripper is what i definitely need. ❤
Ah yes thanks for that tip Shahida I;ve made a note of it. 👍❤
I really like that tape measure. What a great idea...
loved the gadgets video i thought the tape measure idea was very good. might have to get one of thoses. xxx
I'm pleased you found it useful Hazel. x
Have you seen a quilters tape measure with 0 in the centre, working out evenly in inches. This makes border calculation and finding the centre easy on larger quilt tops.
Hi Kathleen. No I haven't. But now you have mentioned it I must go on the search for it. Thanks. 👍🏼😘
Kathleen May Horne Bravo! To whoever thought of that product. And to you for sharing the information with all of us! Thank you very much. :)
Your so cute you git so excited, love your backdrop.
Hi Diana, thanks for your compliment. I do enjoy amusing you all. 👍😀❤
Stitch & Picker....never heard Jack called that! Cool gadget though, I'll have to pick one up!
I tried quilting without a walking foot...never again. It was a life saver.
Ooh I don't quilt that much although I'm keen to but I would imagine there would be a lot of movement between layers and the walking foot might just be the perfect tool to stop all that. '👍❤
@@michoumakes - I'm just a learner myself, but I tried to do the "stitch in the ditch" quilting without a walking foot and gave up after just one line. I waited for the foot to come in before finishing. So much better!!
I like the bulky seam aid and the tape measure.
I just love you. You seem so patient and knowledgeable.
.
Ha! That's probably after years of teaching teenage children. Chuckle xxx
I would love that tape measure! I also do woodworking & had a hard time finding a tape measure with metrics here in the States. Why oh why do we not use the METRIC SYSTEM in the USA?! It makes more sense & super easy to figure out measurements. Thank you for your informational video. Much appreciated!
Don't they sell measuring tape with inches and cms on them?
Both the dressmaking tapes and the woodworking metal tapes can be obtained with both measurements over here. It really makes a difference. I'm so used to both now that quite often I can convert from inches to mm's without too much fuss. 👍🏼
@@michoumakes I did find one but I had to order online. Our local store did not carry them & we are about a hundred miles from a big box store. Keep those videos coming please! Thank you!
@@lw7967 wow! I keep forgetting how expanse your country is. There's me thinking 10 miles to our nearest hobby lobby is a long way for me to go. 😂👍
Hemastats are also great for holding the needle when your changing the needle on your machine. I have a 27 year old Juki serger and changing the needles can be a real challenge due to the position of the upper knife and a bar that prevents your fingers from stitched.
You know I have always used my pliersan they would wobble the needle out of place. The Hemostats will certainly do the job. Thanks. xxx
michoumakes I lost my last pair of hemostats, good thing they are pretty cheap, around $4 for a 6” pair in the US. Guess I’m gunna have to go shopping, darn lol
Great gadgets thank you for showing us
Great and very informative. Like the demos!
FYI. That gadget that gets you over thick areas of fabric, you can also use a bit of fabric folded a couple times and placed behind/under your presser foot. It’ll have the same result. One less gadget to misplace then hunt down.
As an oldie I have used folded up cardboard where necessary. However there are some members of the sewing community who like to have any kind of gadget that is linked to sewing.
And of course like an old man who, now he has money for himself, buys that sports car that he's envied all his life then what's wrong with us oldy sewers treating ourselves to a few sewing luxuries that we've long wished we had. 😂🤣😂🤣👍😂😍
Thank you for this. I ordered the tape measure.
I just recently purchased the singer 9960 and the walking foot and the bulky seam aid came with the machine.
I was a bit surprised that my Brother didn't come with one especially when previous ones did. But guess who didn't hold on to the old one!!! Durrrr!
xxxx
michoumakes I was really surprised by the number of feet that were included with the singer 9960. The only foot attachment I intend to purchase in the foreseeable future is the ruffler.
Hi Michoumakes! I appreciate all of the hard work that you put into these videos and work I would love if you made a video with a few projects that new seamstresses should make. Thank you!
Hi Isabella. I shall consider that and get a few simple beginner vlogs up. Thanks xxx
Hemostats are great to hold a curved hand needle when you want to tie a quilt. Makes it very easy to tie a sturdy surgeons' knot, too. Do NOT confuse your sewing hemostats with the pair you keep in your fishing tackle box. (I use them to remove fish hooks)
Thanks Dannie its amazing just how useful those hemostats are. ❤👍
I've taken one of the pairs from my fishing box. It's now in my sewing box, and after seeing the large ones being used to turn, the large pair are now on their way to a good soak, then into my sewing box too. I'll buy new before I go fishing again.
The haemostat is more often referred to as forceps rather than scissors. The locking teeth at the top form a ratchet. Sorry had to tell you this as I have used them for their original purpose. The old nurse coming out in me!
HI Kerry. It was an American lady who mentioned hemostats to me and of course I didn't know what the heck they were. And when the ones I ordered arrived my first reaction was "Oh those are Forceps" and I really should have mentioned that in my vlog. However, I was unaware that the teeth were called a ratchet (which really should be blatantly obvious shouldn't it? Chuckle) xxx
michoumake
I like your gadgets will pick up some from Amazon
I’ve seen the seam aid just never got one but after seeing your review I’m definitely going to get one, along with un picker, I have a large pair of himostats which belonged to my late paramedic dad and never thought to use them for the sewing, what a great use for them, one thing I use for elastic threading is a long cable tie, I use the hole at the end to tie or a quick sew through the elastic and then pull it through I found it worked wonders. Great Video and and thank you so much for the sharing of sone fabulous gadgets, there’s so many new things out there you never really know. 💛
Well there you go, you never know what great tools you might have lurking in the house. And every time you use those hemostats you can think of your father and smile. x
Thanks for the cable tie tip too. What a great idea. 👍❤
The forceps are useful for pulling ribbon through fabric when doing ribbon embroidery too.
Thanks Kerry. I'm saving all those tips and tricks to pass on to everyone in my coming vlog. xx
On your regular foot there is a black button in the rear, it does the same thing as items number 4, it levels the seams for bulky sewing. I sew garments and sometimes, you are sewing over a seam that is folded, I push the black button in the rear of the foot to get over that bulky seam.
I must mention that in one of my vlogs. My newest sewing machines has one but they never came with my other machines. However, I spent the first few months of using it, finding the little button most annoying because it kept catching my fabric. Sadly it soon got taken off and replaced with my older foot that didn't have it. Nevertheless its a great gadget when used properly. 👍😘
Thanks. Very helpful.
I could have happily used the lighted seem ripper, or unpicker last week. I am relearning sewing as it has been at least 15 years since I last did more than repair a seam or adjust the hem on a pair of slacks and I am ashamed to say that I usually hemmed the pants by hand since I didn't remember how to set my machine to do a blind stitch hem and it was faster to just do it by hand because I had been doing that since my early teens and muscle memory always wins. My first project was to make simple flannel pajama bottoms, nothing fancy and I wear them with inexpensive pullover tops. I purchased a new pattern, but was unhappy with the fit and my partner reminded me that he had come across a pair of good store bought navy pj's in the rag bag and thought I had put them there by mistake. No mistake, a bottle of bleach, a bit of a slip while doing a load of laundry and my pj's and top were ruined. Since they were relatively new, they were not worn or stretched thin from wear like my other pairs, and for some reason I had not cut them up for rags so they were the perfect choice. Until I had to pick all the seams apart and I learned from a friend, who owns a serger, that I had picked the absolute worst item to take apart because they were sewn with a 4 thread overlock. I gave the stitch a more personalized name but I got them apart, used them to make a paper pattern and am now on my third pair as the home made pattern fit perfectly. I always seem to have the worst timing. Thank you so much for sharing your gadgets with us. I am ordering the seam ripper in a moment and the Bulky Seam Aid. I'm saving your video so if I decide I need and not just want the Hemostat scissors I know where to find the link. I'm sure if I use my imagination I will think of something that I or my partner can use them for. Thank you so much, keep finding great gadgets and letting us know about them. I subscribed to your channel so I will get notified when your newest tutorial is released.
I read your comment when you posted it and meant to reply but never quite got around to it. Loving the seam ripper story.
I do hem a great deal using the machine but still think the hand hemmed is much nearer. It's simply that as I age I really can't be as bothered to fuss on with hand sewing too often. Thanks for commenting. It's lovely to hear from you. 👍😍
Very nice video, Michou, thank you.
The thickness helper has been on the market for quite a while now. You can also use it on the front of the foot when coming off a high seam, put it in front until the foot is off the thick part then remove it before you see into it! LOL
I missed showing that part Julia. I was aware that it could be done but not sure others might realise that. It's a great tool isn't. Mind you cardboard was what I used in times gone by. Chuckle x
The blouse you're wearing is beautiful!! Thank you for your gadgets. Been eyeing the stitch ripper but haven't seen any feed back on it. Now it's going to be mine! Have the walking foot but haven't used it much -- after watching you I realize how much easier sewing would have been. The hemostats I use for zippers--life is so much easier getting the pull out of the way then retrieving it with hemostats! Be watching for your next gadget video. 👏
Those hemostats are so versatile, I'm impressed bu all the uses they have. 👍😀❤
Alice B. Ontario, Canada When I subscribed many months ago I did not ring the bell so I didn't get any notifications, and forgot your name. I spent today trolling through sewing videos and found you Yay! Looking forward to new ones and I'll be checking out any old ones I can find. I really enjoy your videos and glad I found you again. Cheers !!!
Hi Alice, Good to see that you've now set your bell correctly. Fingers crossed I keep on making videos you enjoy . ;-) x
Alice Brown w
This is so helpful! Thanks ❤️
Thank you so much for all your information so helpful
To get even pleated fold with a fork. Put the fabric up the end of the first prong of the fork, turn and pin, turn and pin all along the length of fabric and you will have nice even folds.
Thanks Peter, I've seen this done but haven't tried it myself. It's worth a go so thanks for reminding me.
👍❤
Very nice
So funny to see the reaction that people have to hemostats, I've been using them for probably 47 years since I worked in the hospital it was something we used all the time. Therefore as someone who had many of them I used them for many things at home especially when doing something with a casing like an elasticated waist. Never saw the bulky seam aid before though that is new to me. Did your sewing machine not come with a walking foot?
My previous Brother machine did but my current Brother one didn't. Which is strange because my daughters cheaper Janome came with one! 👍❤
I found the colored tape at the trash, in good condition, and i took it. it has centimeters on both sides, but it's ok i have 2 rulers with inches and i don't use them much because i'm not used to the imperial system. the reaper was pretty cool though. when i get older maybe ;p
Like you I am very fortunate to have good close eyesight so the magnifying stitch unpicker will have to wait until my eyesight gets worse but I can see it being an added boon for those of us who have difficulty seeing close up. x
Hemostats also work well in micro chainmail.
OOh that sounds an interesting hobby. Not something I've tried before.
👍❤
I need the unpicked!
😂😂😂😂😂 nipped onto your link and ordered the tape , well 2 actually xx
2!!!???? Chuckle. Thanks. x
Well starting to get bits and bobs ready for Xmas 😂😂
Hi, great video. Those are some handy tools. How does that saying go.. the right tool for the job. Very informative.
I'm short and have to hem all my pants. Jeans are the worst until I found the thick seam aid.
yes it really does make life so much easier. ❤👍
Thanks michou! Cool stuff.😃
Love these gadgets,hope I will be able to find them here in South Africa😊
What model brand machine do you use and what are its features and price.
I'm hoping to do a vlog on my machine in the coming weeks Maria but just do you know it's a Brother Innovis 55.
It cost me £499 and I've had it about 4 years now. 👍😍
Thank you so much and God bless you abundantly.
I have a jean-a-ma-gig that does the thicker layer.
A few folks have told me about that. I hadn't seen it around until after it was mentioned. 👍😍
the seam ripper is probably hinged so as to enable the ball-point to be used.
This is a good tutorial on how to use the ballpoint end of the seam ripper.
ua-cam.com/video/YwomYRyZmO4/v-deo.html&feature=share
That's great thanks Kerry. It's a great vlog too. 👍❤
Thanks for this video, I liked the one to help sew bulky layers. Not seen it in any shops though. I like your blouse, did you make it?
The blouse was a purchased one but I did a vlog about it discussing which patterns were similar to it.
here's the link ua-cam.com/video/_5lWLoJGe0s/v-deo.html
Cheers. x
@@michoumakes yep, 5 mins after I wrote my comment I found it 😳 but I'm now going to check out Lekala patterns. Thanks
Turning one we do with a pin . Attach the pin on one end and push the pin through the tube and let it come out at other end and undue the pin.
Same money.
👍 I've always used the safety pin method Tajbibi. However, our modern sewer is always looking for new tools and gadgets. 👍
speaking of gadgets, have you seen and or used the "SurefitDesigns" Patterns, and ruler?
Hi Kim
All those years back when surefit first came out I so wanted to get it but being in the UK it was going to cost way beyond my means at that time. So, instead I went on a 2 year course learning how to design and make my own clothes to my own body measurements. I loved it and came out with top marks. Mind you I reckon as the years have passed and I've not sewn for a number of years much of that knowledge has been pushed into a dark cupboard in the back of my head.
I'm still curious to see this surefit and its rulers work so you never know, one day I might just check it out.
xxx
@@michoumakes Surefit Designs has a uk distributor now. She's called Judith and posts orders out very quickly!
Love it just found you!
Love your blouse! The hemostat will also grab the closed invisible zipper for the sewn zipper and pull the tab thru the back.see Threads magazine invisible zipper.
@@annaholliday161 yet another great idea from you. Thanks Anna.👍😍
i am french but I have adapted when people speak inches well I have one tape that mesure imperial on top of centimeters. that's great now knowing what is 5/8 well I got the tools
Ah Bonjour Francoise. Je suis content de savoir que tu aimes mes vlogs. Rusty French I'm afraid. I do improve the longer I spend in La Belle France of course. I think it's very useful having a tape measure with both metric and Imperial measurments on.
;-) x
I need that 1st gadget
I am new to you 👋
I actually also would like to know if you could send me the pattern for that top that you are wearing ❓
I love that bias neckline 🎁🎉❣️❣️
Hi Wendy, It's one of my favourite go to patterns that I love to make. It's the McCalls M7322. For that particular one I used black satin bias binding and I did the slash neck version. I also tapered the sides out about an inch each side and gave each side a open vent to just above the trouser hip pocket. That way it wasn't clinging to my body.
I gather it's a popular pattern for many others too.
Happy sewing
Micheline xxx
Thanks for the suggestions! I love my walking foot; it’s invaluable! I do want one of those bulky seam things. Putting it on my Santa list. It’s almost that time of year, isn’t it?
I used to use folded cardboard one upon a time. That gadget knocks spots off the cardboard one. Chuckle. x
My granddauggter asked for a quilt and normally i tie them, but this time i decided i would machine quilt and i used the walking foot. Its a pain in the butt to put on, but worth it.
I agree, rather cumbersome compared to other feet but Oh what better stitching. Chuckle. 👍😘
Is this available in the USA?
Hi Patty which tool are you referring to?
👍😍
For 40 years I have had needle nose pliers and a hammer in my sewing box. The pliers are used for pulling needles out of material. The hammer is used for Appling grommets and flattening bulky seams.
I'm just like you Paula. A pair of pliers and the small jewellery hammer are always close to hand. 👍😀❤
What are you doing to that Hemostat ;) (it had to be said) ... lol
Great video :)
Ha ha! Thanks for watching. 😘👍
The lighted seam ripper is offered by amazon.de by another company for around 60 Euros!!!
Oh MY Goodness. Definitely don't go there then. I can't recall how much I paid but I'm sure it was around £8.99. Still expensive but if you have poor eyesight and and urge to continue sewing I would say it's worth the money. If you can afford it of course. xxx
That is insane. I’m sure even with postage and the exchange rate, I could get it at a brick and mortar store and send it to you for less then that and I’m in Canada!
You are too cute!