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
