Sunday, September 25, 2011

New Sewing Toys

Last week I went to visit my sister in Oscoda. We did our own little fabric shop hop. I got lots of fat quarters and a few new toys too.

First is a new light for my sewing machine. I sew in my basement (or as I like to call it, the garden level) and it's hard to brighten all the shadows. I found this light at Delphine's quilt shop in Gaylord.
The light is battery operated and is on the end of a twisty coil (I'm sure the twisty coil has a real name, but I can't think of it). You can see the blue spot it creates on my throat plate.



From the back you can see how the coil wraps around the machine and what the light looks like. You can point it anywhere you want. The best thing is it cost $16. Most other lights like this cost $50 and are plug in.
 The next toy I found was at the Holly Hock Quilt Shop in Harrisville. It's a mini ironing board that clamps onto a shelf or table. I've clamped it on to my sewing cabinet.

My sister told me a 92 year old man in the area makes them. Boy, does he do a great job. It's easy to install and very sturdy and stable. I bought a hobby iron many years ago and never used it. Now it works great next to my machine. The iron gets very hot and does not have steam. It's great for small pieces and blocks. My current steam iron tends to chew up fabric in its steam holes. The best part, when I installed the ironing board and thought of my hobby iron, I actually remembered where I had put the iron years ago!


Here's a close-up of the ironing board.
I just love all the tools of sewing. I have tons of rules, scissors (all sizes), thread nippers, rotary cutters, and sewing baskets. The more the better.

Till next time......Happy Quilting!

7 comments:

  1. The little ironing board is SWEET! And it is Michigan made? Sounds like a road trip to me! Thanks for sharing...I love to hear about great tools!

    In stitches,
    Teresa :o)

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  2. Yes, it's Michigan made. The only place that carries it is the Hollyhock Quilt Shop in Harrisville, Michigan. It's on the shores of Lake Huron.

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  3. What a wonderful ironing board! I love sewing tools too.......
    Jane

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  4. I love the little ironing board!!! I will have to take a trip to get one
    Tim

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  5. I'm always looking for lights for my vintage machines. This one looks great.

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  6. Okay, good Squirrels want to know, who is your sister?! I too live in Oscoda, and spend my waking hours at Sunshine Quilt Shop. See our website (www.sherriejaqua.com). I'm the Quilted Squirrel!
    patty Turbin

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  7. HI Beth, I love sewing tools too! Even if I never get around to using them!! And I love to see how people organize their sewing rooms as well as how they organize their other quilts stuff: books, files, antique quilts etc. I have decided that it is time to build a special storage shed out back so that I can finally reclaim my guest room! Or maybe I should just put the guests in the new storage shed!

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