As many of my readers know, I love thrifting. I really love searching for sewing supplies and tools, and have found some interesting bits and bobs lately! I thought I would share some of the tools that are new to me from my recent shopping.
First off I found this classic Bodkin - I've been wanting one so was happy to find this in its vintage packaging, all ready for me.
I haven't used it yet but am planning on putting it into rotation shortly.
I had to pick up this unusual quilting thimble. It's a heavy-ish piece of steel with a dimpled end to push needles with. So if you don't like wearing a thimble, this one might be just the thing - you just pick it up whenever you need to push through your needle.
I had to pick up this unusual quilting thimble. It's a heavy-ish piece of steel with a dimpled end to push needles with. So if you don't like wearing a thimble, this one might be just the thing - you just pick it up whenever you need to push through your needle.
And finally, I picked up two Clover plastic templates for shaped yo-yos. I wouldn't have purchased these new, but there they were for $1.50, so worth a try! The first one is for heart shaped yo-yos, and the second is for larger flower shapes. They both have a sheet of instructions included, which is good because a plastic template with little holes to stitch through confused me greatly - how does it not get stitched to the template? 😄Anyhow, the illustrated instructions really helped. I can't wait to try these out, they look quite fun. I'm not sure what I'll embellish but I'll find something.
Do you like thrifting? Have you ever found something fabulous to add to your sewing notions?
I have that bodkin and needle threader. The bodkin works well, I recommend folding the elastic over before clamping down on it, less chance of it pulling out of the bodkin. I never think to try the needle threader. Yay that I can still thread the needles, I guess?
ReplyDeleteI don't get as much thrifting or garage/estate sale-ing done as I used to. My sewing finds have been a couple of wood clappers, a vintage velvet board, some accessories for vintage machines, a vintage Singer chalk hem marker, books, and a few patterns in good condition. I also look for needlework items.
I've actually had far better luck at garage & estate sales, flea markets, and antique shops than at thrift stores. I'm not sure if that's because other people snatch those things up quickly or if the thrifts toss it in the dumpster because "no one does that any more".
A velvet board! Jealous. I'm always on the lookout - have found many books & magazines as well. I find there is one specific thrift store in my area that is the best for craft supplies, maybe because it's run by a Mennonite organization? Anyhow I find a lot there!
DeleteFor awhile, I was finding lots and lots of those wooden stand-alone hem markers -- you know, the ones with an upright ruler that you use to mark a hem while wearing a garment on your own body. Most have a now-useless puffer, to fill with chalk powder (or talcum powder), that leaves a mark on the garment you want to hem. ("Now useless" because those rubber bladders have deteriorated beyond salvage.) Some of the markers require a friend to help mark a hem, as said friend inserts a pin into the garment per the marked location on the ruler, while the person modeling the dress twirls very slowly around. I have 5-6 of the markers. They are very decorative, at the very least.
ReplyDeleteI have one of the pin markers but haven't used it yet. I do like the vintage things though, like you say they are very decorative!
DeleteBeing vintage myself, I have some of these. As for threading needles, not long ago I read to moisten, then pinch, the thread end AND moisten the needle hole makes for quick & easy threading. This works with the sewing machine needle, too.
ReplyDeleteAh, a good tip! I never thought of moistening the needle too.
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