I have to laugh when I buy something new! Because most everything I buy is not new to everyone else! It doesn't take much to excite me and I'll get it where I can!
First up is thimbles. I've tried a few different kinds with little success. Regular thimbles feel bulky and unruly. I just couldn't use them. I tried adhesive pads and for the most part they were pretty good. I found that they slide around and I have to reposition them often. My last resort was taking medical tape and wrapping it around my thumb. My thumb is where are the wear and tear happens. I tear it up when I'm hand stitching!!
On our guild Facebook page, a member posted a link to the thimbles she uses. Intrigued, I checked it out. Silicone Needle Puller Thimbles. Interesting. These might be just what I need to save my thumb! And frankly, the price was right. If they don't work it wouldn't be a big deal.
Low and behold...they work! There are two sizes available and it fits like a glove! My thumb is nearly healed, I can hand stitch without bulky cumbersome thimbles! Since buying my set I have noticed many others on Instagram who uses them...who would have thought?!
The shop is on Etsy, Leather Craft Supplies and, Dritz also makes them, I saw them at Joanns! Who would have thought?!
There are so many ruler options for quilters! I stick to the basics. I have three sizes that I use all the time. My 6" x 24", 4" x 14 and 2 1/2" x 8" get the most action.
When I saw this ruler on Instagram by Jodi Robinson, it was another 'I gotta check this out' moment! Since I do a lot of straight line quilting and usually mark each line for precision, I decided it might very well be worth the investment.
The Straight & Narrow is for marking straight lines. Check out this video on YouTube to see it in action! The slots are spaced every 1/2", but 1/4" lines are easily achieved by adjusting the ruler. And it's easy to do!
The big question for me was what tools can I use to mark the lines? When I ordered the ruler I also bought a chalk pencil because that's what Jodi used.
This is a Sewline disposable ceramic lead pencil with a lead thickness of 1.3. The only problem I had was pressing too hard and breaking the lead. But it marked well and left very clear lines.
What I really was curious about, could I use my most used tool ever...the Hera Marker? I was concerned the grooves would be too skinny.
Much to my delight, it worked perfectly! I know many people use their walking feet to make perfect lines spaced evenly. I've never been great at that! I usually forget where I'm suppose to look and mess up. So I'm a marker!
The last marking test was with a disappearing ink marker. Another success! Now I have options!
Maybe the Straight & Narrow ruler will speed up the marking process on some projects, may it won't work at all on others. I thought the thimbles and ruler were worthy of sharing, a review and a post. No compensation was give to me for that!
Do you have any mind blowing new gadgets or tools?! What pushes you over the edge when it comes to purchasing something new?
LINKING:
TGIFF
I love the idea of the silicone thimbles, this is a first for me!
ReplyDeleteIt was for me too, although I know they've been around for quite a while!!
DeleteI have these thimbles (this kind at least), and they work great! Enjoy all your purchases ;-)
ReplyDeleteI'll have to check out the ruler and the thimbles (found them on Amazon!) I do love that sewline pencil
ReplyDeleteThose thimbles look awesome and I am going to get some!
ReplyDeleteI was skeptical, but they are great! The are so comfortable and actually stay in place!
DeleteThe thimbles are on my must get list. I wonder if the straight and narrow ruler is the same type as you broke? I've just always used the regular rulers or the walking foot on my machine (works well most times). Never have had luck with markers or chalk pencils. I'm sure you will keep us posted as you use these items more. Thanks for the good info. Nadine W. N. Cali
ReplyDeleteThe thimbles should be on anyones list who hand stitch…IMO! The ruler is a replacement for the one that broke. I’m not sure if the first one cracked because of me, or if it was damaged in transit. It could have been either! She replaced it and I plan on using it as often as I can!
DeleteThe ruler is tempting me............would certainly help me when I mark placemats and hot pads! Nadine
DeleteI get excited about all of it. Fabric, patterns, notions, gadgets, and gizmos!! Just the fact I am buying new is all I need.
ReplyDeleteI will have to check my Joanns and use a coupon for those thimbles, I don't like thimbles either. Never could find one that fit and was comfortable to use. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThat ruler is intriguing. I'm just starting to play with straight-line quilting. I may need to invest in that. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI thought it was too! Sometimes I want the quilting to be simpler and faster…I’m hoping this will solve that. There are a couple different sizes, but I thought this would be more manageable than the big one!
DeleteSilicone Needle Puller Thimbles, now those look like they might be comfortable and easy to use. Thanks :)
ReplyDeleteI know the Hera marker has been around forever but I've never used it. My question is - once you mark several lines, do you worry they will disappear before you quilt them? Seems to me that once I started stitching the lines would be gone and there would be a lot of re-marking. Just wondering...that's one of the reasons I haven't bought it yet.
ReplyDeleteI honestly use my Hera all the time. I usually mark a section and then quilt it. The trick is making sure you press hard enough to crease the fabric. I’ve always been freaked out about marker or pen lines on my quilts! The Hera is a perfect solution for that and for me. If you leave your marks too long, they can fade and it can be difficult seeing lines on certain fabrics.
DeleteI am an absolute pushover for gadgets and gizmos! I just got my new BlocLoc HST rulers in yesterday’s mail, haven’t tried them yet, and I just ordered a printer-friendly pack of adhesive embroidery stabilizer that I’m hoping will work for instant, effortless marking of 96 feathered triangle designs for a quilt that’s currently on my frame... Fingers crossed! Enjoy your new goodies.
ReplyDelete