The holidays are fast approaching, and gift guides are popping up all over the place. I've loved the gift guides for quilters that Amy from Diary of a Quilter has published over the past few years, so I wanted to put together my own list of go-to sewing tools and favorite quilting-themed gifts. I'd also love to know what tools and gifts are on your holiday list this year, so be sure to share them in the comments below.
The Kwik Klip is a basting tool that helps you easily close safety pins when pin basting your quilting projects. This tool has definitely sped up my basting process, and reduced the soreness in my fingers caused by closing hundreds of safety pins in an afternoon!
I use my hera marker all the time to mark quilting lines in my quilt tops. I've had mixed results with marking chalk and pens washing out of my projects, so I enjoy having the peace of mind knowing that this tool will only leave a temporary crease in my quilt top, and not a colored line.
Pincushions are a must, and my favorite are the beautiful crocheted linen ones by Namolio.
I've been using a felt-backed vinyl tablecloth as a design wall for the past few years and I love it. I simply tack it to the wall with flat-head thumbtacks, and it holds my WIPs without a problem. It's also super easy to take down whenever we move.
Patchwork key fobs, with tiny flying geese, are perfect for both quilters and non-quilters alike!
A quilt block rubber stamp is just too cute to pass up.
Wonder Clips are handy for so many things, including binding quilts and holding together projects layers that are too thick for pins.
I've loved having a quilt block letterpress calendar by Lineville Letterpress on my desk this past year, and this year's colorful version is equally stunning.
Cotton thread from Connecting Threads is my favorite to work with, and the large spools are a great price.
A sewing machine is a definitely at the higher end of the gift-giving spectrum, but I have two recommendations in case you're feeling extra generous: the Janome Jem Gold (perfect for first-time sewers and those looking for a lightweight back-up/travel machine) and the Juki TL-2010Q (an investment for sure, but a workhorse of a machine).
Happy shopping!
Excellent recommendations! I have a bunch of rotary cutters, but just got the latest Olfa Splash because it is a fast change blade and BLUE. Love the wonder clips, hera marker, design wall, and my Janome.
ReplyDeleteI would recommend an ergonomic seam ripper - I have this one http://amzn.com/B000W5JQ4E and the rubber end is also handy for rubbing against the fabric to remove the small bits of thread.
Also, a small pair of embroidery scissors is handy for trimming threads or clipping seams - basic http://amzn.com/B0019KAGZ4 or fancy amazon.com/dp/B011Q0FIXG
Another recommendation is a quarter inch foot WITH guide for your particular brand of sewing machine - saves me so much time! This is for Janome http://amzn.com/B00405WY46
Last, I used to use any brand of thread, but since trying Aurifil, I haven't used anything but it. Pricey, but really wonderful thread.
Oh, I love your idea for a tablecloth design wall! I also use a Hera marker, with mixed results. How do you get a super-crisp line? I've tried placing different surfaces under my quilt top as I work and haven't found a superior technique.
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