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View Full Version : Interesting tools and unusual uses


JenZ
12-03-2007, 03:58 PM
So my favorite parts of sewing and cooking magazines are the sections where average people write in and tell how they used some everday thing or unusual tool to solve a problem. I know we have some creative people here so I was wondering what is everyone's most unusual sewing/crafting/embroidery tool or what is the most usual use found for a sewing tools or supplies

My usual tool is a pair of jewler's tweezers (I am not sure that tweezers are the "technical" term) But it is the long handled tweezer thing they use to grip diamonds and precious gems. My husband is a jewler and he brought these home one day by half-accident. I snagged them right away! They are long and super skinny at the tip so they go everywhere and the ridges at the tip hold onto everything. I use them to hold jump threads at I trim them, reach looose threads that fall down into the machine, and to hold tiny edges as they go under the foot as I sew hems. Whenever my husband sees me using them he reminds me that they are made from such and such type of steel, were imported from Germany and cost at least 100 dollars...oh well.

I also got funny looks this weeked when my husband walked into the kitchen and I was using my large square quilting ruler to measure and score a slab of carmel that I made and was cutting into little pieces for a bake sale. Don't worry, I washed it first!

huffjoann
12-04-2007, 10:36 AM
certain ice shaped ice scrapers make short work of sqeeging down the shower!

nutmeg495
12-04-2007, 02:16 PM
So my favorite parts of sewing and cooking magazines are the sections where average people write in and tell how they used some everday thing or unusual tool to solve a problem. I know we have some creative people here so I was wondering what is everyone's most unusual sewing/crafting/embroidery tool or what is the most usual use found for a sewing tools or supplies

My usual tool is a pair of jewler's tweezers (I am not sure that tweezers are the "technical" term) But it is the long handled tweezer thing they use to grip diamonds and precious gems. My husband is a jewler and he brought these home one day by half-accident. I snagged them right away! They are long and super skinny at the tip so they go everywhere and the ridges at the tip hold onto everything. I use them to hold jump threads at I trim them, reach looose threads that fall down into the machine, and to hold tiny edges as they go under the foot as I sew hems. Whenever my husband sees me using them he reminds me that they are made from such and such type of steel, were imported from Germany and cost at least 100 dollars...oh well.

I also got funny looks this weeked when my husband walked into the kitchen and I was using my large square quilting ruler to measure and score a slab of carmel that I made and was cutting into little pieces for a bake sale. Don't worry, I washed it first!

LOVE it! I always say it's all about the tools!

nutmeg495
12-04-2007, 02:17 PM
I used a light switch plate to scrape off wallpaper - didn't damage the drywall

nutmeg495
12-04-2007, 02:18 PM
My favorite sewing tools are tiny scissors and GOOD tweezers - nothing beats 'em!

Deedles
12-05-2007, 01:20 PM
When I quilted by hand my favorite tool was Sears Craftsman needle nosed pliers to grip the short needles and pull them through. The latest 'man tool' I confiscated from DH is a couple of stainless bowls that have this huge magnet on the bottom. I keep all the small things that gather around my machines in them....small scissors, tweezers, seam rippers, awls, etc. And on the off chance I knock it to the floor, everything stays in it and not scattered everywhere! I just have to be careful not to throw my flash drives in there or they are toast!

Sam
12-10-2007, 02:17 PM
My favorite tool is my big mop brush for painting. It works great for cleaning fuzz, etc. out of the bobbin case and other small parts of my embroidery machine and quilting machine.

blessedw2
12-10-2007, 04:52 PM
I don't think I have any special tools, but these are all great ideas! I think I may have to borrow some!