What's the one sewing or quilting notion you cannot live without?

Sewing Notions by Nancy Zieman | Clover USA | Nancys Notions

What's the one sewing or quilting notion you cannot live without?

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Sewing Notions by Nancy Zieman | Clover USA | Nancys Notions
What’s the one sewing or quilting notion you cannot live without?  Earlier this month I asked, via Facebook and Pinterest, for you to share that one fantastic notion—you use often—and would not live without. It is no surprise that the sewing and quilting industry has collected quite a few invaluable tools to aid our creative endeavors. Needless, to say, I’m quite partial to many many notions. My staff and I chose several unique responses to share, plus a spotlight on one of my followers.
As a collective group based on your responses, I must say we cannot live without:

  • Seam ripper
  • Scissors
  • Rotary cutters
  • Cutting mats
  • Rulers

Below, be sure to check out August’s Share Your Insight question and if you’d like, submit a response. Enjoy!
What’s the one sewing or quilting notion you can’t live without?
Here’s what you are saying:
Sewing Machine Items
“The knee lifter on my sewing machine, which controls the presser foot.  I really miss it when I sew on a machine that does not have one.”—Judy Shearer, Cranberry Township, PA
Quality Closures
“The critical notions for me are usually good quality closures (i.e., zippers, buttons, hooks, magnets, lacings, and snaps)”—Linda G, Philadelphia, PA
A 21st Century Sewing Notion
“My computer!  From inspirational websites for ideas, patterns, shortcuts, and tips for sewing and embroidery, to online classes and groups, becoming part of a worldwide community of sewists. I don’t believe my hobby would be the same without my PC.”—Lynsey Reuber, Glastonbury, CT
Heirlooms
“My thimble. It was originally my grandmothers, and I use it when I sew all my hand appliqué and quilt bindings.”—Linda Ziebell, Edgerton, WI
Seam Guide
“I use the 1/4 inch magnetic seam guide all the time. It is one of the simplest yet useful notions!”—Melody Hill, Gwinn, MI
Specialty Rulers
“The Folded Corner Clipper Ruler! I love this ruler.  I used the ruler one weekend to help a friend make 160 Flying Geese units for a quilt under a deadline. Together we made all of them in just under 2 hours.”—Jean Long, La Mesa, NM
Needles
“I would have to say needles. I would be completely lost without them! Whether sewing, doing appliqué, quilting, or embroidering, I can’t do any of it without my needles! I’m always using them!”—Shirley Becker, Lakewood, CO
Pressing Tools
“I love my pressing ham!  It was made by my grandmother, and she passed it on to me.  It is a sweet reminder of her life, her love of sewing, and the skills she passed on to me.”—Ruth Lutz, Orlando, FL

July Reader Spotlight:

Ruth Lutz’s Answer
“I love my pressing ham!  It was made by my grandmother, and she passed it on to me.  It is a sweet reminder of her life, her love of sewing, and the skills she passed on to me.”—Ruth Lutz, Orlando, FL
About Ruth:

Did you sew with your grandmother?
My grandmother was a talented seamstress and sewed most of her own clothing.  She lived a few blocks away from me, and I loved stopping by after school to watch her sew and share her knowledge with me.
What is your favorite type sewing and why?
I love garment sewing and the challenges of obtaining the perfect fit.  I also have a stash of sewn pillow covers that help keep my home décor fresh!
How long have you been sewing?
I began sewing at about 10 years old—my first project was a 70s mod print skirt!
Other than the pressing ham, are there any other cherished family projects you’d like to share?
I am blessed to have my mother’s vintage 1950s Singer Featherweight sewing machine.  It is a reminder of the women in my life who loved me and nurtured my love of sewing.
What project are you currently work on?
I am a dress girl!  I’m getting ready to cut out a simple summer shirtdress—McCall’s 6885 (View A) in a gray-blue chambray with tiny red polka dots.

 

August Share Your Insight Question

August Question: Where do you sew? Tell us about your set-up.

Where do you sew? Reader Insights Question for August by Nancy Zieman

Submit your answer by August 16, using the form below, to be considered for our August Reader Spotlight.

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3 Comments

  • Evelyn
    July 23, 2016

    I drove a blind friend to KC, MO yesterday so that she could give a presentation to a blind/visually impaired persons support group at a retirement community. Several of the women there were former quilters. They had given up their hobby because they didn’t know how to sew now that they were losing their vision. I know that blind persons can sew but I don’t know how to teach them or what they need. Do you have any ideas where I can learn these techniques so that I could share with these quilters? They really miss their quilting.

  • Merrill Bennington
    August 2, 2016

    Check out Clair Rowley….she has designed machine feet that blind people can use…. her website is
    Creativefeet.com
    I have seen her sew with her eyes closed using these feet

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