No Seam Rippers

I have a confession. I don't do seam rippers. I use these little Gingher snips to cut threads. The snips offer a lot more control than seam rippers. I have had some unfortunate accidents in my sewing career with seam rippers.

This is probably my most used sewing tool. I also use them to clip threads after sewing and serging.





I know Martha Pullen also uses snips. She is always inviting people up into her attic. Supposedly to view antique clothing, but... well you just don't know...

I Just Stopped By...

The Falls Church G Street is close to my new client. Now I can pop on over any time I want. I'm going to be featured on the hoarders show if I'm not careful.

I hit up the 2.97 table. I found this black cotton/lycra knit lace. I think it would make a fun top. I also found this light weight fuchsia poly cotton knit.

I also found this chocolate brown cotton/poly lace. I want to make a simple skirt with it. I had to buy lining - expensive lining (well I didn't need to buy expensive lining, but it was the lining they had that matched the lace). The lining cost 3 times what the lace cost. Hmmm

I also picked up another chalk marker. This is my favorite kind. It has a a chamber for chalk and a metal wheel that produces a fine marking line. Unfortunately, I loose them on a regular basis.

From the Operating Room to the Sewing Room

So what is your wackiest sewing tool? Mine is probably my collection of hemostat clamps. Yes, I use a surgical tool for sewing. I believe it is used to clamp veins during surgery.

It makes a fabulous bodkin or tube turner. You just thread the long end of the clamp through a tube, squeeze the scissors (which opens the mouth of clamp - see below), open the scissors to bite the tie or end of fabric, and pull the fabric through the tube.

I think my Dad actually got me my collection of hemostat clamps from a model airplane show. Apparently, they help build model airplanes also (not sure how).

I can't even remember where I learned about this tool. Maybe I saw it at one of Dad's shows and thought I could use it. I'm not sure.