Tag Archives: tool review

Frixion Erasable Gel Pens
10.18.2016

Featured Tool: Frixion Erasable Gel Pens by Pilot, Item #82263, 82264, 82262

frixion

What is this typically used for?

Writing on (and erasing off) fabric.

What was your first impression of the Frixion Erasable Gel Pens?

I saw these demoed at a quilt show and immediately bought a pack!

How did you use them?

You think you have to use an eraser or the eraser on the back of the pen, but NO–it’s removed by friction (and heat) such as a hot iron!! The man that demoed it wrote some scribbles on some fabric and then ran over it with an iron and it disappeared! It was MAGIC!!

How did using them go?

I love them! I used them when I long arm quilt. I don’t mark out everything but, for example, if I’m planning on making a feather on a border, I don’t mark out the whole spine. I only mark out the outer edge points of where the spine should go, so maybe 2″ from the edge and then 8″ up and 2″ from the other edge and 8″ up etc. Then after I quilt the quilt I just iron over the feathers and the markings disappear.

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

No time at all.

What did you like best? The least?

I liked how I can erase it easily and don’t need water like other pens. I think I only had one dark fabric not work well, but dark fabrics are hard to mark on in general. There was one fabric where I had a very faint line afterwards. I have heard that if you freeze the fabric the lines will show up again, but I haven’t tested that idea yet.

Why do you NEED to try them?

If you machine quilt, it’s great for marking

Who would appreciate the Frixion Erasable Gel Pens most?

These are perfect for:

  • Beginner, intermediate, and expert quilters

Bloc Loc HST Ruler
10.4.2016

Featured Tool: Bloc Loc Half Square Triangle Ruler by Bloc Loc

Bloc Loc HST

What is this typically used for?

Squaring up half-square triangles (HST) to the correct size.

What was your first impression of the Bloc Loc Half Square Triangle Ruler?

I was intrigued by the idea of a specialized ruler for HSTs.

How did you use it?

I started by using it to square up half-square triangles in a mini quilt. I was impressed how well it helped me keep the diagonal seam exactly in the corner which is important for precise piecing and points.

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

Not long at all. It was easy to learn and get in a rhythm of cutting.

What did you like best?

The way it helped keep the diagonal seam exactly in the corner. The markings are clear and easy to read. I make my HSTs 1/8″ larger than the math requires; it helps square-up precisely to the unfinished size for piecing. You can make various size HSTs with one ruler (in 1/2″ increments).

What did you like the least?

I bought the 6-1/2″ Bloc Loc first, knowing I could trim many sizes of HSTS 6-1/2″ square and smaller. I wish I had bought the set of 3 because I prefer to use the size closest to the size of HST – I have them all now!

Why do you NEED it?

Precisely trimmed HSTs enable a quilter to maintain sharp points and straight diagonal lines between blocks – Bloc Loc does a great job helping me accomplish that. HSTs are in so many quilt designs.

Could you see another potential use for the tool?

Mainly for squaring-up HSTs but I do that a lot! It is now my favorite way of trimming HSTs.

Who would appreciate the Bloc Loc Half Square Triangle Ruler most?

These are perfect for:

  • Beginner, intermediate, and expert quilters
  • Any quilter who is intimidated by half-square triangles


LED Needle Threader
9.27.2016

Featured Tool: LED Needle Threader by Dritz, Item #82260

LED Needle Threader

What is this typically used for?

Increased visibility while threading needles.

What was your first impression of the LED Needle Threader?

“This looks so sturdy!”

How did you use it?

You put the filament part through the eye of your embroidery needle. The button illuminates a small LED light at the end so you can see better. Then, you insert your embroidery strands through the filament. Pull the LED needle Threader back out of the needle and voila, the needle is threaded.

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

It was very intuitive!

What did you like best?

The LED light! It’s a really nice feature. I really love this tool.

Why do you NEED it?

When you are working with multiple embroidery thread colors and switching between colors a lot, this tool saves you time and frustration. Once you start using the needle threader it will become habit and it makes embroidery or handwork more enjoyable.

Who would appreciate the soft comfort thimbles most?

These are perfect for:

  • Anyone using a sewing needle by hand
  • Beginner, intermediate, and expert quilters
  • Embroiderers, paper-piecers, hand crafters
  • Anyone acquiring the essential quilting/sewing tools

Thimble Pad
8.16.2016

Featured Tool: Thimble Pad by Colonial Needle, Item # 80561

thimblepad

What is the Thimble Pad typically used for?

This is a thimble for people who hate wearing thimbles.

Why did you decide to give the Thimble Pad a try?

I normally can’t use thimbles. I have never been able to find one that is comfortable and usable. I can get by with one for about five minutes and then I get frustrated, take the thimble off, and hope my finger callous holds up.

What was your first impression?

“Ugh, I have to use something let me give this a try.”

What was your experience using the Thimble Pad like?

I was on a road trip binding a rather large quilt when my finger callous gave out and it was becoming quite painful to bind the quilt. Luckily, we drove by a small quilt shop and I had to get something. They had these little leather-like discs (the Thimble Pad). Many had recommended using these since I don’t like thimbles, so I thought it is better than nothing at this point. I LOVED it! I stuck it on my middle finger where I push in my needle and it was perfect. It was comfortable and the adhesive lasted all day even though I took it off and on from time to time. I have tried other adhesive disc thimbles, but this is by far my favorite.

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

I had to position it a few time to find the “sweet spot,” but once I found the right spot for me, it was easy and natural to use.

What did you like best? Least?

I like the flexible to mold to my finger curve. The adhesive lasted all day, even through hand washing. The only thing I regret is that I didn’t try these sooner. Sometimes my thread would wrap around the disc, but it saves my fingers.

Why do you NEED it?

If you don’t like using thimbles, you need this. It will save your fingers.

Could you see another potential use for the tool?

The Thimble Pad also works great to grip a needle that is hard to pull through.

Who would appreciate the Thimble Pad most?

This would be perfectly suited for:

  • Beginner Quilters
  • Intermediate Quilters
  • Expert Quilters
  • Embroiders
  • Paper-piecers
  • Someone acquiring the “basics”

Stack ‘n Store Bobbin Tower
7.19.2016

Featured Tool: Stack ‘n Store Bobbin Tower by Clover, Item #81920

stack n store

What is the Stack ‘n Store Bobbin Tower typically used for?

It’s an innovative tool that organizes and holds your bobbins.

What was your first impression?

I liked how compact it was and that it holds the bobbins in such a way that they don’t unwind easily while stored

What was your experience using it like?

I ended up getting two of these–one for my Juki and another for my Pfaff. It was just easier to have one for each kind of bobbin–I even color coded them, using all dark green for the Juki bobbins and the light green for the Pfaff. The way it’s designed makes it easy to pull one section off and pop into my binding bag. That way, I have a ready selection of thread colors on hand to as well as an easy way to take bobbins when going to quilt retreat. It works great and I have no more tangled threads!

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

No time at all.

Why do you NEED it?

I’ve tried other organizers and tools to hold the thread ends. This combines both ideas, works beautifully, and doesn’t take up much space.

Who would appreciate the Stack ‘n Store Bobbin Tower most?

This would be perfectly suited for:

  • Beginner Quilters
  • Intermediate Quilters
  • Expert Quilters
  • Anyone acquiring “the basics”

Fons & Porter Mechanical Fabric Pencil
7.12.2016

Featured Tool: Mechanical Fabric Pencil by Fons & Porter, Item # 81861Mechanical Fabric Pencil

What is the Mechanical Fabric Pencil typically used for?

This pencil allows you to make washable and erasable marks on dark fabric. I used it to mark my seam allowance and keep a steady line while hand-sewing.

What was your first impression?

“It’s a mechanical pencil–how is this supposed to leave any mark on fabric?”

What was your experience using the Mechanical Fabric Pencil like?

It was awesome! The white lead in particular made following everything so much simpler–the line was right there! It also comes with a darker lead color for when you want to use it on lighter fabrics.

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

Not long at all. The first time using it, I just went over the original line I had made to ensure I was good to go.

Why do you NEED it?

It makes hand sewing SO MUCH easier! This helps keep your lines straight and consistent, which is absolutely necessary when hand-sewing. You could also easily use this to mark fabric for quilting and embroidery–it’d be a handy tool to have in your sewing room.

Who would appreciate the Simple Foundations Translucent Vellum Paper most?

This would be perfectly suited for:

  • Beginner Quilters
  • Intermediate Quilters
  • Expert Quilters
  • Embroiderers
  • Paper-Piecers

Translucent Vellum Paper
7.5.2016

Featured Tool: Simple Foundations Translucent Vellum Paper by C&T, Item # 20712

vellum

What is Simple Foundations Translucent Vellum Paper typically used for?

This vellum paper is extremely handy for paper piecing. Can be used with any photocopier, inkjet or laser printer or trace patterns without a light-box – the design shows through the paper

What was your first impression?

I liked the texture and the sheerness of the paper. You can see the placement of fabric pieces before you sew!

What was your experience using the Simple Foundations Translucent Vellum Paper like?

I loved the vellum as soon as I used it, from start to finish. It went through my printer well, the ink dried quickly and didn’t smear. I could see the lines clearly through the vellum and it ripped out like a dream.

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

Learning to use the paper was quick – the paper piecing part takes a little longer!

Why do you NEED it?

I’ve become a little addicted to paper piecing so I need to have this on hand at all times!

Who would appreciate the Simple Foundations Translucent Vellum Paper most?

This would be perfectly suited for:

  • Paper-piecers at any level

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

Dritz Soft Comfort Thimbles
5.31.2016

Featured Tool: Soft Comfort Thimbles by Dritz, Item #82343

Soft Comfort Thimbles

What are these typically used for?

These tools protect your fingers as you do handwork.

What was your first impression of the soft thimble?

They looked comfortable, and I was intrigued by the air holes.

What was your experience with them like?

You simply fit a thimble onto the finger you most use to push the needle into your fabric. They come in three sizes; the large size fit me best. I loved using them, they’re so smooth and comfortable. The air holes allow for a really great fit.

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

Instantly!

What did you like best?

I liked the feel of the Soft Comfort Thimbles. I don’t have long nails, so that wasn’t an issue for me either. The small, dimpled tips catch the needle and prevent it from slipping.

Why do you NEED it?

I love to embroider, so these are a must-have. Also, doing binding with these is a snap! It’s comfortable and I didn’t notice it was on after a while. My fingers were protected from accidental stress or needle jamming.

Who would appreciate the soft comfort thimbles most?

These are perfect for:

  • Anyone using a sewing needle by hand
  • Beginner, intermediate, and expert quilters
  • Embroiderers, paper-piecers, hand crafters
  • Anyone acquiring the essential quilting/sewing tools


Dritz Needle Storage Tubes
5.24.2016

Featured Tool: Needle Storage Tubes by Dritz, Item #82338

Dritz

What is this typically used for?

This tool is used to store and dispense all of your needles.

What was your first impression of the needle storage tubes?

How cool! It looks helpful in keeping me organized, and definitely clever!

What was your experience with them like?

I currently have my needles in wooden tubes right now and all the sizes are mixed up between two wooden tubes. I can’t see them either. With these tubes, I’m going to be able to re-organize all my needles! Wahoo! I can’t wait because I have needles for appliquéing cotton and needles for wool appliqué and ones English paper piecing, not to mention all the regular needles in my collection.

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

No time at all–I figured it out immediately.

What did you like best?

I like that the needles don’t all come out at once and are contained by the magnet. For me, tools must fill a measurable need for me to buy them and this one definitely does!

What did you like least?

It takes some skill to manage the little needles. I threw the tube with the same force I use for the larger sizes and all the little needles flew out of the tube and all over my desk!

Why do you NEED it?

I do a lot of handwork, and I do mean a LOT! It is so frustrating to go through my wooden tubes trying to find the perfect needle. I also don’t know what sizes I have because once I’ve removed the needles from the original packaging, there is no way to tell. These tubes come with labels! Now I know what to buy next.

Who would appreciate these the most?

These are perfect for:

  • Beginner, intermediate, and expert quilters
  • Embroiderers, paper piecers, or anyone using hand or machine needles
  • Anyone acquiring the essential quilting tools