Tools of the Trade

As I continue my massive studio overhaul/reorganization I got to thinking about the tools that I use in doing what I do. What are the tools I can't live without? What are some of the tools that may not be an absolute necessity, but that I have become so attached to that I believe I can't live without them? What are some tools that I use that I just think are the bees knees?

Well, in the can't live without category, you will find the usual suspects:

Good quality, regularly sharpened fabric shears
Paper cutting shears
Sharp little snips
Seam Ripper! So vital that I have 4 of them
Rotary Cutter
Pin Cushion
Measuring Tape
Marking tool/s - I have all sorts, the one pictured is my latest acquisition
Clear plastic quilting ruler - not pictured

I have a group of tools here, that I find indispensable, but are not on everyone's list of essentials:

Seam Gauge - it's uses are too numerous to list - again I have 4 of these babies
Turning tool (also called a bone folder) - used to make crisp corners when turning something right side out
Beeswax Thread Waxer - this one belonged to my grandmother and still sees quite a lot of use
Bodkin - For threading elastic or ties through casings
Buttonhole Cutter - This is a sharp beveled edge tool for cutting the center of buttonholes - love!
Fray Check - again it's uses are many, but it's a must for my buttonholes
Bias Binding Folding tools - for making your own bias binding
Many Sewing Machine Needles - In my opinion these should be on the can't live without list! It makes a huge difference to change your needles often - every 12 hours of basic sewing at least

Of course I could not live without my steam iron and ironing board. As cheesy as it sounds, pressing equals success. I can easily spend half of my sewing time on pressing.

Accordingly, I have some very useful pressing tools:

Ham and Sleeve Roll - Yes, it's actually called a Ham - due to it's shape
Point Presser/Clapper - Gets those seams looking sharp - these were made by my talented Engineer

This is by no means a complete list. I know I have left out some other important items, yet these are tools that help me do what I love to do.

Now, I'm so curious to know what is your favorite tool/s that you use in your projects? Do tell!

Engineer's got a brand new bag

I first heard of Wood & Faulk when I spied a piece on Matt, the man behind Wood & Faulk, over on the sfgirlbybay Blog. You can read the piece HERE. It just so happens that Wood & Faulk is located here in Portland, actually just up the street from me.

When I saw the Wood & Faulk Carpenter's Bags, I knew I had to get one for the Engineer. Matt was very helpful when I contacted him, reassuring me his bags were definitely made for the craftsman, for the heavy duty carrying of tools. So, I ordered one as a late birthday present.

It's a thing of beauty this bag. Made wonderfully and just the right thing for transporting all of the Engineer's special hand tools. There is one tiny problem, I wanted to keep it for myself.

It's a great feeling to buy a well crafted piece from a local artist.

Wood & Faulk also has a cool blog to check out, with the tag line, "Documentation of experiments, style and craft." Go have a look see.