Gadget Time - Bag It!

Ok, it's not really a gadget, but it's something I'm finding SUPER useful lately!

No affiliation - not a paid sponsor - but would love as many free ones as they can spare!

Lately I've been making a lot of memory quilts. I was told by my last friend that when she gave a quilt made of her Mother's clothes to her Dad for his birthday, he was shocked and then buried his face crying in the quilt. He loved it - reminded him of taking care of her those last years.

I'm in the process of another one. Each time I receive the bags of clothes, they flop over and rip. They are so hard to manage! The last delivery was so heavy that it winded the strong man that transferred them to my car. First thing I do when I get them home is to transfer them to these bags:

Super sturdy. Double zipper. Strong handles. Flat bottoms. Place where you can write the owner's name and instructions. The XL ones are great for delivering the finished quilt! I didn't take a "before" photo but the "after" looks like this:

I find them cheapest at Target with the other Ziploc bags. My sister mentioned using them to pack her husband's clothes next time he camped. They're also a great way to hold batting scraps, store pieces of quilt projects, transport bedding and toys on vacations and picnics.

Hope you're enjoying your weekend. I'm finishing up another strip on my journal quilt.

Happy stitching!

Elisa

 

Gadget Time - Tape It Up!

Making my block for Kaaren. I hope she likes an embroidered "health angel"! As I was transferring the pattern, I realized I have a tip to share.

I love my light box, but I don't like the tape sticking to the top. You have to keep it clean because bumps effect smooth transfer lines. However, the longer the tape is attached to the hot top, the more it adheres. Granted, there is Goo-Gone, but I'm always concerned that the oily cleaner may transfer to my fabric. So....

For a few extra dollars, you can buy Scotch-brand drafting tape. It's sticky enough to hold your pattern in place, but peels off very easily! You can see it in this pic, and it's available at any office supply store.

If you are unwilling or unable to spend those extra $$, here's a thrifty tip. Use regular masking tape, but, prior to using it (you know... as you are setting up your work area), adhere it to your jeans or top. Even with the extra fuzz, the tape is still sticky but not too sticky!

Happy Stitching!
Elisa

Gadget Time - Rotary Blades

Shhhh..... I'm going to tell you a secret.... but you can't tell anyone, 'kay?  We can't let a good thing get out, can we?  Ok, here it is.... I bought 20 rotary cutting blades (+ outrageous shipping) for $23!  Uh huh! Let me introduce you to my new friend, Harbor Freight Tools*.

I belong to an online quilt guild called Quiltnet (been a proud member for over a dozen years), and, back in February, someone mentioned HFT.  Now, I was skeptical.... 2 - 45mm blades for $1.99 a package?  How good can they be?  Well, others spoke up and the secret was out!  Their "carpet cutter blades" fit our Olfas!  I ordered 10 packages (20 blades) and (with my coupon - they have coupons everywhere!) plus shipping paid less than $23.

Item #		Description
97642		BLADES 2PK CARPET CUTTER

Someone said they thought these blades may dull faster than Olfa, but I haven't noticed that.  Hey, for a few bucks, it's worth a try, right?

While I'm at it, look what arrived in the mail this week.  This is Alexander Henry's line, The Ghastlies!*  From my understanding, it was released last year and they re-released it this year due to demand. This is my favorite one in the line:

Can't wait to see what trouble I can get into with this line!

Happy Stitching!
Elisa

*I'm not affiliated with Harbor Freight Tools or Alexander Henry fabrics.  These are just my opinion!

Gadget Time - Sticky Situations

This blog is called "Bits from the Scrap Basket" because I envision it as a place to compile block patterns, useful tips, great tools, shop reviews, quilt humor, tricks of the trade, etc. All those little "bits 'n pieces" that might interest others but might be handy to have stored in one easy place.



Take this next tidbit. I stopped in at Bits 'n Pieces in Wayne, MI today - lovely shop with a friendly staff and a very loyal clientele. I had came back to buy a Sewline fabric glue pen. Last time I was there they had recommended this (dries clear) water soluble pen for a project I am working on (re: the egg with the missing pieces from several posts ago!)

This group of ladies were all excited for another reason. A customer had shared with them the secret of perfect points. Instead of using pins, which can shift, she uses this glue to hold her fabric in place for perfect points. Well, how cool is that! May need to work on that Lone Star quilt I've always wanted.

This reminds me of an interesting tidbit read in one of my magazines. When piecing a bag or tote, ever have one of those tiny areas where you have to pin AND maneuver your sewing machine? Use that 1/4" fusible tape (like Steam-a-Seam or Stitch Witchery) to hold your pieces together and then sew. Cool, eh?

If your interested in other things you can use adhesives in quilting, check out Teresa of Fabric Therapy and her 3-part tutorial on Glue Stick Appliqué: http://fabrictherapy.blogspot.com/2011/04/glue-stick-applique-tutorial-part-one.html

Thanks for "sticking with me"! (My SIL Robyn, the Pun Queen, would be so proud of that one)
ELISA


P.s. This is my first post using my iPhone and my new iPad app Blogsy - pretty cool!

Gadget Time - Travel Ironing Board

It's been awhile since I shared a favorite thing.

Lately I've been working on my Art to Heart Count On It projects which has involved lots of ironing, starching, and fusing.  This is simple with my small and portable ironing board next to my sewing machine.

Forgive the mess.... for I quilt.

I made this! Woot!  It's a homemade ironing board cover for one of those inexpensive wooden TV trays.  Small, portable, and collapsible.  Love its square surface and fits right next to my sewing machine.

I used the pattern from Avi-Oli Quiltworks but there are SO many free patterns for it in the blogosphere!

My suggestions:

• It's more cost effective to make it with a friend (one cut of silicon-treated fabric, one package of Thinsulate or Insul-brite batting, and cording is enough to make several trays).
• Make sure the tray you select (bought mine for $10) is stable - not wobbly.
• Prior to covering your wooden tray, drill multiple holes in the wood and sand the raw edges down so condensation doesn't get trapped when steam-ironing.
• I used muslin for the channel for the drawstring - next time I think I may just staple-gun the cover to the board.
• If you do make a draw-string cover, use a silky cord so it slides easily when you thread it through the channel.
• Make a generous channel so you don't have to struggle as you feed the drawstring through it because those corners are tight!
• Great way to use up your cotton batting scraps!
• I used a thicker, cotton fabric (green flowers) to frame the silicon square on top so it would survive wear-n-tear.  I made this 2 years ago and it still looks new.

Let me know if you decide to make one and share a picture!

Elisa

Gadget Time - Tip Top!

It seems like "quilt tools" are everywhere!  Here is another of my favorites:

I bought these "scissor tip protectors" at a local quilt show from a dealer for WAY too much money apiece!

Had to laugh at myself when I found them later (and many dollars cheaper) on the JoAnn's knitting notions wall as knitting needle protectors!

They're great because:

• They're a soft, flexible rubber (very tantalizing to any cat in the vicinity).
• They come in various sizes (each a different color).
• They fit any size scissors.
• They not only protect your valuable scissors but also the project you're working on as well as the storage bag while at rest.

Pick up a set for yourself!  Buy extras because the cats love them!

My Pressing Buddy

Have you used this?  I love Mary Ellen’s Best Press, the “clear starch alternative”! 

The piece of fabric in this photo is the final piece to the final block of a scrap quilt I’m... finalizing.  However, although it’s beautiful, it is a tad flimsy for the flip-n-sew method I’m using.  SQUIRT!  Little spray – little ironing and now it has a little body.

I also LOVE it when I’m prepping fabric for embroidery (see my embroidery tutorial).  So crisp and it gives just enough stiffness (along with the interfacing) so no need for a hoop.

I love the scents (citrus grove and cherry blossoms are my favorites!). It’s clean, doesn’t flake, very light yet effective, and one bottle goes far.



Gold star for this goodie!

*I’m not affiliated with “Mary Ellen’s”…. just my personal opinion.

Gadget Time - Time On Our Hands!

What a difference!  Awoke this morning to many more inches of snow, here in Michigan.  It’s lovely and cold and a little back-breaking.  It reminds me of a very small but important addition to my quilt room.

I admit it – I’m getting older.  Just 3 more weeks to my 41^st birthday.  And one thing I’ve noticed is that I’m not as flexible and resilient as I used to be!  (Don’t get me wrong – I move pretty fabulously for a big girl, but…. time is making itself known!)

Several years ago I read in a magazine about the importance of ergonomics in the quilt room.  It is the ultimate repetitive movement location – chain piecing and machine stippling over and over again.  Sometimes, when we get caught in the thrill of a project, we sometimes forget to take care of ourselves.  The magazine suggested setting a timer near your machine, reminding you to get up and move!

I have an inexpensive clip-on timer attached to a little basket set right behind my machine (yes, just slightly out of reach so I HAVE to get up to turn it off).  When I know I’ll be working on something for awhile, I’ll press the button and 45 minutes later – voila!  A reminder to get up, stretch, flex those back muscles, change that load of laundry, etc.

No need to shorten our years of quilting because we forgot to move once in awhile!

Thanks for listening!

Elisa

Gadget Time - Need For Power!

One of my favorite “gotta haves” is this little beauty:

No kidding.  Every quilter should have a retractable extension cord reel for classrooms, for getaways, for “girls weekends”.  Because there are NEVER enough outlets!  This one is cool because you can plug in your machine, your iron, your Ott-lite and even have a spare outlet for a buddy. 

Notice that this smart girl learned (the hard way) to add her name to it!  I’ve “donated” my fair share to other quilters!

Thanks for listening!