Anyone who uses scissors to cut fabric will LOVE Gingher scissors. All Gingher scissors are fabulous, but if you can only give one pair-the 8 inch dressmakers shears is the one to get. For gift giving, the designer series with decorative handles are especially nice.
2. Fiskars Micro Tip Scissors-
I call these clippers, because that is how I use them: to clip threads, make small cuts in fabric-(applique), etc. They are absolutely indispensable! They have a spring assist which makes clipping very easy and they stay sharp forever. A MUST HAVE in every quilter’s basket!
I have tried a lot of hand sewing needles over the years, and there are many good ones, but these are my favorite. I usually keep a package of straw needles in sizes 10 and 11 in my sewing kit at all times. They are great for applique and I use them for hand sewing bindings as well as for general use.
I use the 50 wt thread for everything. It is beautiful. It does not break or knot and it is great for both machine and hand sewing. It is hands-down my favorite multi-purpose thread.
5. Pincushions-
I love pincushions, and I have many. They make lovely gifts for anyone who stitches. Most quilting stores offer a variety and many Etsy vendors sell felted wool pincushions that are really fun. Be creative-no need to settle for the plain red tomato…
6. Iris pins
Quilters and seamstresses are very picky about their pins…I love Iris pins. They make a great gift because they are a little spendy at $10.00 for a tin, but I can assure you, your gift will be greatly appreciated for years to come! They are very sharp and very strong. FAVORITE!
While quilters are picky about pins, they are obsessive about thimbles. Before I found Roxanne thimbles (I have two-just in case I misplace one), I purchased dozens of thimbles in search of the perfect thimble. Roxanne’s thimbles fit like a glove!–(pun intended)–They do require fitting. If you buy them online, there is a separate fitting guide and series of rings – Do not skip this step!-These thimbles fit tighter than you expect, but that is what makes them work so well. They are pricey, but again, in dollars/hours of happy usage-they are a bargain. Again, a very very nice gift to receive!
8. Fons & Porter Marking Pencil
There are dozens of marking pencils available to quilters, (and I have most of them). However, if I could only have one, I would choose this mechanical pencil. It is strong and easy to see and you don’t need to find a sharpener. It comes in different colors of lead and it does not dry out-like many markers do…For most purposes, this pencil works like a charm.
This little blue ruler is designed for marking half square and quarter square triangles. I also use it for sewing mitered corners on quilt binding. It triples as a stiletto, and occasionally-a poker when anyone annoys me while I’m working.
10. Lint Roller-
I know it’s not very exciting, but I couldn’t live without lint rollers. I use them to get dog hairs off my quilts, and threads off my clothes. Your favorite quilter will think up uses for these little gems. (And since 3M is headquartered just a few miles from my house…I thought I’d give them the plug.
Quilters love notions (You might say…Quilters are Notional…) and we are in constant pursuit of the perfect tool.
Coming soon: The Consumer Reports Division of The Inbox Jaunt will do more comprehensive comparisons of scissors, rotary cutters, thread, sewing machine needles, free motion quilting aids, rulers, marking pencils….. We will have all of you doing Free Motion Quilting and Fabric Dyeing by the end of 2013! Stay Tuned…. Oh and buy a few little vases….many more vase quilts to come!
