Tag Archives: Clover

Clover Mini Iron
6.28.2016

Featured Tool: Mini Iron by Clover, Item # 81912

Clover Mini Iron

What is the Mini Iron typically used for?

It’s handy for applique and crafting; I use it for freezer paper appliqué and pressing small pieces.

What was your first impression?

I feared it wouldn’t work. It’s just so small I didn’t think it would get hot enough.

What was your experience using the Mini Iron like?

It is extremely effective in making the seam allowance on even the smallest pieces stay and the folded edges nice and crisp, and smooth. Just what you need for beautiful appliqué. I now use it all the time for preparing freezer paper appliqué pieces and liquid starch.

How long did it take you to learn how to use it?

The technique takes patience to perfect, so I will say a few days.

What did you like best?

I loved how well it pressed, but especially the smooth edges of even the smallest of appliqué pieces. I will only use this method of appliqué and the Clover Mini Iron.

What did you like least?

The iron gets extremely hot so I have to be very careful not to burn myself.

Could you see another potential use?

It would be fabulous for making doll clothes or having to press in very small places on garments.

Why do you NEED it?

I wouldn’t appliqué without it. If I don’t have this iron, I don’t appliqué (and I love to appliqué).

Who would appreciate the Mini Iron most?

These are perfect for:

  • Intermediate, and expert quilters
  • Paper-piecers
  • Those making small garments (such as doll clothes)

Pssst:

Want to protect your surfaces when using the Mini Iron? Try the Mini Iron Wooden Holder, available here.


Wonder Clips
6.14.2016

Featured Tool: Wonder Clips by Clover

What are these typically used for?

These tools can be used in place of pins to hold several layers of fabric together.

What was your first impression of Wonder Clips?

I was skeptical at first about how useful they’d actually be.

What was your experience with them like?

The first time I used them was for binding. They really helped keep the fabric in place so I wasn’t constantly wrestling with it. Next I used them to hold layers together when I was sewing in a zipper. I also tried them in place of pins when I was making bags with vinyl. They worked well in all situations. With binding they helped press the binding down so once I took them off the fabric still held that shape and my binding went even faster! They also work really well in place of pins, especially with the vinyl since they didn’t make holes in it. I could see them working well with thicker fabric that might bend pins.

How long did it take you to learn how to use it?

Instantly!

What did you like best?

They are cute, multi functional, and have less potential to draw blood than pins. Plus they come in all sorts of colors – personally, I love the rainbow pack.

What did you like least?

They aren’t as easily stored in a pincushion. However they do fit nicely in my glass jars so it’s not all bad.

Could you see another potential use?

They would probably work well for organizing and keeping groups of fabrics together when cutting multiple shapes or sizes out. You could write the letter or Fabric 1 on a paper then use a wonder clip to clip the paper to the fabrics. They would probably work with English Paper Piecing as well to hold the shapes together as you whip stitch them.

Why do you NEED it?

I keep thinking of new ways to use them! They seem to be endlessly useful. Wonder Clips are like potato chips–you can’t have just one!

Who would appreciate Wonder Clips most?

These are perfect for:

  • Beginner, intermediate, and expert quilters
  • Anyone acquiring the essential quilting/sewing tools