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Stitchers' Tips

From Linda: To clean adhesive residue from an iron, turn it on and iron on a sheet of wax paper.
From Chickee: A wide loop of masking or pipe tape stuck on the side of your sewing table is great for the thread pieces while sewing. Less to pick up when you are done sewing and the scraps don't clog the vacuum cleaner.
From Susan:  Tame those spools of ribbon! I use an empty plastic CD container to keep my spools of ribbon in sight and untangled. The clear cover keeps the dust off the ribbon and the spindle keeps everything stacked nicely. It also makes an eye-catching decoration and I don't purchase the same ribbon twice!
From Char:  I use a large, heavy vase to hold my collection of scissors and rulers at my sewing work area. They are quickly available with their colored handles upright.
From Kris:  I have a bulletin board near my sewing machine and hang my hoops off some of the larger push pins that I found. I found a fancier board at a local home goods shop so it looks a little more fashionable.
From Kris:  Because my sewing machine cabinet is never closed, my husband built a permanent brace for the leaf that folds open and we removed the door. I was able to slide a plastic drawer unit underneath for more storage (never enough storage) and it fits perfectly and everything is right within reach.
From Peggy:  I have a plastic pegboard in my sewing room where I hang all hoops and a hook high on the wall to hold my cap holder for embroidery. That way I can put everything away and there is easy selection.
From Marie:  I'm afraid I am not very tidy when I am in the middle of a project. I now keep a pretty wicker basket on the floor or on my work table right beside me. Every time I use something (piece of fabric, scissors, stabilizer, etc.) it goes into the basket. I can access everything easily right at my fingertips. Then when my project is done, I immediately empty my project basket and return everything to its right place. This has worked wonders for me. And it certainly looks better.
From Joan:  I have found an inexpensive product called "Awesome" for cleaning spray adhesive from my sewing table. It removes ink and other stains. And, it's nice to have for cleaning in the sewing area.
From Marcia:  I came up with an idea - why not put some lint sheets taped in front of the machine. I tried it and I no longer have to keep picking up threads off the floor. When I am through, I just take the tape off and throw away the sheets. It works wonders.
From Jinnie:  I use a cheap double turntable on the right side of my sewing/embroidery machine to set my project threads and bobbins on one layer and my tools (seam ripper, scissors, stylus, point turner, hoop tightener, etc) on the other layer.
From Kay:  When sewing or embroidering, I put a washcloth beside my machine. Then, I place all thread snipping on it and they stay until I am done. Then I shake it in the trash can and they fall off.
From Donna:  To clean the sticky gunk from hoops, use baby wipes. Works great for me.
From Cheryl:  When you are finished with pins, needles or other sharp items, take them to your local pharmacist for disposal in an im-punctureable safe place. Hospitals and pharmacies regularly mix medicines and need syringe disposal. The "sharps" box is a rugged non-puncture plastic bin with a one-way top (what goes into the sharps box cannot come out). When the box is full, the box is sealed and dispositioned to companies who melt this stuff down for a business.
From Diane:  I keep a lint roller in my sewing room to clean up all those jump threads I cut off designs. Also if you miss one it stands it up and you can see it.
From Christine:  I am constantly looking for more space in my sewing room. My husband got an idea when he saw the hanging organizers for garages. We went to a large home improvement store and bought the wire closet baskets. He found studs in the ceiling and screwed wood strips into them. He now could screw the baskets and hang another level below the wire shelf (the height can be adjusted). I now have a space for all my rolls of stabilizers above my embroidery area and even have "S-hooks" to hang all my hoops. I have another area above my cutting table where I have all my interfacings, and other areas for my fabrics - quilting and clothing. This has helped keep my sewing room organized.
From Lynn:  When you spill pins on the floor (as we all have at one time or another), I use a telescoping magnet that I purchased at a flea market for little to nothing. You don't have to bend over or get down on your hands and knees to pick up your pins. To be extra careful, always keep magnets away from your computer and embroidery machine.
From Denise: I have a round magnetic pin cushion that I bought at Joann Fabrics. I put it inside a small cool whip container with the lid on and when I have to pack up to go to a friend's house to sew or to a quilt class, I just put the lid on and go. There is no mess with pins falling out all over the place.
From Marcia: I found a very small vacuum cleaner with attachments through a mail order magazine. It works great to clean dust and threads from my serger, sewing machine, and embroidery machine. It also is great for keeping my computer cleaned between the keys. It was only about $10.00.
From Jinnie: I use old prescription bottles for holding my broken needles and also for taking my bobbins to class.
From Ruth A.: I bought a two drawer file cabinet for $10.00 and clear plastic envelopes (the kind you file papers in at the dollar store). Then, I label each with the designs such as flowers, christmas, etc. I have it right next to my machine so it's like flipping pages through a book.
From Sharon: I buy plastic fishing tackle containers to store my threads (Bass Pro usually has on sale). The containers come in various sizes and fit different sized threads. I sort my threads by color and have a container for every 3 colors. The containers are easy to store and use when looking for threads.
From Therese: When my iron was all gunked up with adhesives from interfacings, iron on stabilizers, etc., I was able to clean it quickly with a wad of very fine 00 steel wool. I just took a dry piece and rubbed. It was bright and smooth in moments. This is the type of wool you use to polish tools or smooth varnish between coats. It is very inexpensive a can be found at hardware stores.
From HC: I love using the 'non skid' cupboard rolls you can get at the $1 store. I use a square of it next to my machine and nothing moves (scissors, hoops, etc). I also have a large piece of it under my machines and they stay put completely, too. My threads also cling to it so they are easy to clean up at the end of the day.
From Dawn: A dear friend helped me reorganize my sewing room and came up with a wonderful idea using the space behind my sewing room door. My husband put two 2x4s, that were the length of the door, on each side of the wall, spacing them about the same width as the door. Starting at the top, he placed hooks on each side of the 2x4s, to hang dowels on. I think the dowels are spaced, vertically, about 6 to 8 inches apart. I have 12 dowels which I use to store all of my rolled paper supplies. I even have strips of fabric that I wrapped around empty paper towel rolls hanging up there. This system keeps all of those rolls out of the way and it really saves space! It also makes it easy to cut the paper right from the roll!
From Denise: When sewing and/or pinning a project and you are using straight pins, needles, etc. I have a magnetic bowl by my machines so I can just drop them in the bowl and they stay even if the bowl gets tipped over. You can purchase these at a tool supply store. Just make sure to keep a safe distance between magnetic supplies and your computer and embroidery machine.
From Jennifer: I have an empty glitter tube taped to the side of my embroidery machine. I store my small bent tip scissors in it. The scissors tip is protected because the handles hold the tip off the bottom of the container. The scissors are always right where I need them and I can grab the handles easily from the top of the tube.
From Kathy R.: Use the colored hook & loop strap fasteners to tame all those cords when taking your machine to class! They are about 6 inches long, and come in different colors. Attach to your cords and make winding those cords up a cinch! I use one color per machine and it makes seeing which cords are mine a snap!
From Marie: I use clear sheet protectors to hold my color change sheets, samples of materials, my test embroidery, and notes of any changes I made to the end design. These are then filed in a loose leaf binder by subject. Easy to find and reference over and over.
From Ruth: I have gift items that I make on a regular basis, especially for new babies, so I have taken an index card and written the name of the item along with the dimensions on it. When I go to the fabric store, especially when they have a sale, I carry the card with me than I am certain of how much fabric I need for each item and don't have to guess. Now I can purchase enough of the fabrics that I need and don't have to worry about what to do with an extra amount from over buying.
From Merlene: When using spray adhesive and the hoop gets sticky, try cleaning it with computer wipes. Your hoop will come up like new!
From Shirley: I attached a self-adhesive hook to the end of my sewing machine to hold my small scissors. Real handy when needed!
From JoCheryl: I think it is very important for people with animals to know that thread snips are very dangerous for pets and should never be where pets can get to them. In our house, a snip of thread NEVER touches the floor, fabric cuts are folded so that the edges are secure inside the fold, and errant threads are meticulously picked up. Keep your furry friends safe and protected.
From Pat: My husband made a very nice tool for my embroidery needs. He took a long pine board, about 18", and drilled holes down the center and inserted very small doweling. I numbered the dowels by marking them with a permanent marker. Now when I am getting my thread lined up for an embroidery project, I just put the spool on the dowel with the proper number. I have two of these boards and they work great. I also made some poster board pieces the size of the wooden strip and drew circles on them and then numbered them. I now have enough for about 25 spools of thread for a project.
From Terri Lynn: I use a peg board in my sewing room. If I get a plastic bag with instructions (i.e. for a sewing machine), I punch a hole in the top and hang it on a long straight hook. That way I can have several hanging. Also, if I buy packaged sewing projects, I hang them on the long hooks. I make a slit in the top front so nothing falls out. I can get out what I need and re-hang it. That way it still has the packaging at the top with what the purchase is, color, etc. I also use a black sharpie to note where it was purchased.
From Joanne: I always keep some double-sided sticky tape in the area where I machine embroider. I cut a piece about three inches long and stick this to the counter in front of and to the right of my machine. Then I remove the top portion covering the sticky side of the tape, so there is a sticky side up. When I trim threads, I only have to push the thread pieces onto this double sided sticky tape, where it remains until my project is done. I have one less mess to clean up.
From Kathy: Make clean-up a breeze by keeping a scrap of leftover fleece fabric by your machine. Thread snippets cling to it, so when you finish for the day, a quick swipe over your table area and machine and all that lint and threads are into the trash in a flash!
From Keri: I was always loosing my rulers, scissors, and rotary cutters in the clutter on my cutting table. To help keep track of those items, my husband took an inexpensive simple wooden shelf (like you can get at your local craft store for around $5) and cut about 5-6 channels in it. He cut the width of a table saw blade and only 1/4 in deep from end to end. He then added cup hooks to the under side. When hung on the wall at the end of my cutting table, the channels were the exact width for my rulers and the hooks held my scissors and rotary cutters.
Tip from Pattie: I purchased a package of different size picture hanging hooks at a building supplies store and attached them to the front edge of my sewing table. I hang my different size scissors, round flat screw driver, and snips on them. They are always right where I can find them.
Tip from Marie: I keep a small pack of post-it notes by my machine. They're good for noting that I have changed the tension or the type of needle. I put the note right on the front of my machine, so it's always in sight.
Tip from Deb: On the pegboard beside my embroidery machine, I put a few bobbins on a peg so I have easy access to them. They fit perfectly on the pegs.
Tip from Kathy: When you take your bobbin out for cleaning, put all small pieces, like screws, in a container or on a piece of tape. This keeps little items from being lost or falling down into the machine.
Tip from Nancy K.: Make a "take along" list for any classes or weekend craft retreats you attend. I keep mine on the computer, I print a list, pack up my items and check them off as I pack them up. I then take the list with me and add any items that I wish I would have brought along. When getting ready to come home I double check my list to see that I take everything back home with me. Once home I update my list (if needed) for the next time that I am going to a class, etc. This way I can have "sew" much fun and not worry about forgetting something important!
Tip from Molly:  I love creating lace designs. When completed, I put my lace projects in a ziplock bag or storage container to keep them from getting lost.
Tip from Ellen: I keep a list near my sewing machine titled "Colors I Need," so when thread is on sale for 1/2 price I can take the list with me. Also, I always seem to forget what I have and want to buy more, so I take a picture of my thread drawer just before I shop. That way, I know exactly what I have and what I need!
Tip from Judy: After making an Embroidery Library purchase, I print out the order with the thumbnail pictures, and also each design (by changing margins, you can print 2 or 3 on each side of a page). I keep these in a notebook with my stabilizer information and when making a project, make notes on the date, type fabric, type stabilizer(s) and thread I used.
Tip from Barbara: I keep empty medicine bottles to store used needles and bobbins. When the bottle is full, I tighten the cap so it's tight and safe, and then discard!
Tip from Nancy K.: I have my machine on a deep desk and use a narrow tall gift wrapping paper holder (similar in size to a kitchen trash can) to hold all my large rolls of stabilizer and a smaller trash can to hold smaller rolls of supplies. I then tuck them to the back of the knee hole in the desk and they are always out of sight but right at hand (or should I say foot)!
Tip from Greg:  I found an easy and effective remedy for gummed up needles from spray adhesive. Those handy wet napkins that come in the foil packs are great for removing any residue on the needle. They are inexpensive and readily available.
Tip from JoAnne:  I buy salads in the clear rectangular boxes. It seemed a shame to throw them away, so I now keep them and use them to store my embroidery supplies. They keeps everything clean, and the boxes stack right on top of one another. They're great!
Tip from Janet B.:  I work at an embroidery shop and there are always a lot of thread scraps. We don't have time to always put the scraps in a special spot. A lot end up on the floor, so we use a toilet brush to sweep up the threads off the carpet. It really works and saves a lot of time. No more threads caught in the vacuum cleaner at the end of the day.
Tip from Gerry:  I keep my scissors on a badge "leash" to which I have attached an embroidered covered button. I clip it to the front or collar of my shirt, whichever is handier.
Tip from Jackie:  I have just recently started to print the receipt when i place an order. I can now find a lost design to download again much easier by looking through the order sheets.
Tip from Donna:  For my water-soluble stabilizer, I use a wooden paper towel holder and then use the smaller part for my large cone thread. It works great!
Tip from Beth B.:  When I make my embroideries into projects, I take a paper lunch sack, turn a cuff down at the top, and tape it to the edge of my work table for a quick and easy disposable scrap and thread receptacle. When it's full, I can empty it or toss it if the project is done! No thread on the floor or buried in the project itself!
Tip from Patricia:  I purchased a Plano Tackle System at Wal-Mart (About $16.00) which is made of hard plastic with deep, top storage space locks and 4 enclosed drawers with locking lids and adjustable storage. When traveling, items stay intact! I also store small, sharp, pointy scissors by pressing it into a wine cork to prevent nicks.
Tip from Therese:  When I've used a needle for only a few minutes, but have to change to another size, I take a small strip of painters tape, and write down the needle size on the tape. Then, I place the tape over the top part of the needle shaft with the tape sticking to itself. This makes the needle look like a little flag. That way, I can store these needles in a little container and use them as needed.
Tip from Judy: I got tired of opening so many boxes to find the right thread. I have a large sewing cabinet, so my hubby drilled some holes and put in pegs and drawer slides. Now I have pull-out shelves and the pegs are tall enough to hold the thread and bobbin!
Tip from Ruth C.: To save on paper, whenever I purchase a design in more than one size, I print off the color change sheet in the smallest size and then add the design numbers of the other sizes. I also include the size and number of stitches. This is a great help when I am deciding on what size design I want to use for my projects.
Tip from Carol H.:  When my grandkids come to visit, they love to look through my Embroidery Library patterns I've printed. The pictures are inserted in plastic sleeves in a 3-ring binder. They write their names on mini post-it notes and place over the designs they like. Through the year I work on their annual Christmas towels, pillow cases, etc. They look forward to getting their choices of Embroidery Library's great patterns!
Tip from LaRheta: I download all my Embroidery Library designs and immediately burn them to a CD, which has been numbered. On my color change sheet, I indicate what number CD the design is saved on, so I can find the design much easier and faster.
Tip from Therese: If you're one of those embroiderers who keep 2 inch wide packaging tape around for catching and cleaning thread snips, here's a hint for you. It's always so hard to find the end of the tape because it clings so firmly to the roll. But, if you fold the tape over about 1inch or so on itself, it makes a neat little handle that isn't sticky and you can find ever so easily.
Tip from Anne: Altoids containers make a great place to keep small tools, thumb drives, and bobbins. You can add a large mailing label from the office supply store to mark what the contents are in the containers.
Tip from Christine: I find it difficult to read the sizes on my machine's sewing needles, so I have found a way to keep track of what size and type of needle I have in the machine. I purchased a package of 2 x 2 post it notes. I write the size, and type of needle on the paper and stick it on the machine or some place where I will see it. After I am done sewing and if the needle still is in good condition, I include on the paper how long I sewed with it and the type of fabric used. Then, I take the needle and weave it in through a scrap piece of cutaway stabilizer, staple it to the post it paper, and then place it in a small zip top bag. I don't get frustrated trying to read sizes, and I now have an organized way of keeping track of my usable sewing needles.
Tip from Polly: If you ever get sticky residue on your iron, try cleaning it with a fabric softener sheet while the iron is hot. It takes it off right away!
Tip from Nancy K.: I love to sew with others and attend many classes, sewing groups, etc. The one thing that I find that isn't always provided at the get-together is a garbage can. I have used many things, but now have a portable trash can to take with me. I bring it with small sewing supplies tucked inside. I take out my sewing supplies before class freeing up the can to be used for my clippings, etc. Before heading home, I empty my clippings and refill with my small sewing supplies. I took this to my quilt class and everyone loved it so much that I 'gifted' everyone with one at the next class!
Tip from Judy: After I place an order, I print out the order details sheet with the thumbnail photos. Then I print out each design, writing on the sheet the design number, and the name under which I've saved the design. I keep these in a notebook with my instructions, embroidery tips, notes, and stabilizer information.
Tip from Jan:  I converted a lovely floor model jewelry chest to a sewing room organizer. The drawers are perfect for scissors, thread, and pins. I really like the ring drawer because I can fit the small plastic cases of machine needles in the soft slots (each size in its own row) and I can see at a glance if I need to buy more of a particular size or type.
Tip from Pat:  To make it easier to get the thread snips out of your snip bag, insert a plastic sandwich bag into the cloth bag. When it comes time to empty, just pull out the plastic bag & throw away. No fighting to get the thread pieces brushed off the cloth. (Dollar Stores are great for buying the plastic bags.)
Tip from Suzanne:  I hung a cork board in my sewing room to use to hang all my hoops, scissors, rulers, etc. It gets ride of the clutter and now it is easier than ever to find my supplies!
Tip from Beth:  I keep my stabilizers, scissors, marking pens, and rulers in a large, upright garden organizer with a handle and store it under my ironing board. Everything is in one place, so I can grab it if I need to hoop on the dining table.
Tip from Christine:  I keep a travel kit of my sewing supplies - scissors, fabric markers, hand & machine needles, seam ripper, pencils, post-it-pad, scotch tape and so forth, to take with me when I go to sewing classes. I make a list of what supplies I have in the travel kit and keep the list in there. When I plan to attend a class, I just compare their sewing supply list to mine, and add what I need. I also use the list to keep track of items I use up in my travel case. This way, I can replace it when I get home and I'll never be without it.
Tip from Gloria:  I use an over the door shoe bag to store all of my sewing and embroidering supplies. It has 24 pockets and lots of room.
Tip from Patricia:  For long-term fabric storage, acid-free Tyvek envelopes are excellent. They can be found in many office supply stores.
Tip from Peggy:  To get the sticky residue off your hoop after using the sticky stabilizer, I use Scrubbing Bubbles bathroom cleaner. It comes of instantly using an old wash cloth and it smells good!
Tip from Beth:  To manage storing the various hoops from my embroidery machines, I save my over-the-door holiday wreath hanger and put it in my sewing room. It holds all of my hoops, it's very handy, and within reach. I use a second hanger to hold a thread rack for my medium cones.
Tip from Christine:  I attend sewing classes throughout the year that I fly to. As we know with TSA, sharp items have to go into the checked luggage. So I have made a zippered travel case that I put my sharp items in. I embroidered sewing motifs on the outside so this can be placed next to my machine during class. I have gotten several notes in my luggage from TSA thanking me for the ease they have when checking the luggage. All they have to do is pull out this one pouch and not rifle through my whole suitcase.
From Teresa:  Tired of sweeping up snips of thread?  Place one of the perforated sheets from your lint roller next to your machine while you are sewing. Just fold under the edges and "tape" it to your table. Snip your threads and set them down on the lint roller sheet.
Tip from Joan:  This tip is to prevent the loss of all of those little "things" that end up to the right of your embroidery machine. Take your thread stand and place it on a seasonal tin cookie sheet. You may use a plate, but it has to come up on the sides. If you have to move your "stuff," then this way it's all together and you don't lose your bobbins, scissors, feet, or chocolate kisses. Who can embroider without a little chocolate? Not me.
Tip from Judy:  I clean my hoops is with Purell Instant Hand Sanitizer. I have a pump bottle at my sewing table all the time.
Tip from Patricia:  When sewing out test samples of your embroidery designs, stitch them on 8 or 10 inch squares of fabric. Many organizations such as hospitals, nursing homes, etc. would love to receive these squares so they can make quilts.
Tip from Therese:  I keep my embroidery machine on top of a dresser. It is at eye level so it is easy on my back. I keep my thread in one drawer, hoops and stabilizers in another drawer, and I keep my spray adhesive, scissors, clips, lint roller, etc. in open shoeboxes or other containers in the remaining drawers. This works great for me!
Tip from Helene:  Being a nurse, I am always concerned about someone getting stuck with my discarded sewing machine and hand needles. I use the small sized baby food jars, and my husband punches a hole in the top with a finish nail. I have the top screwed on and deposit the needles into the jar until its full. I then put duct tape over the hole, wrap the jar in a paper bag, and throw in the trash.
Tip from Ruth:  When sewing a design, I print out a copy of the color change sheet and place it on a cookbook stand next to my machine. It takes less room than my binder and all the information is at eye level. It helps to avoid any mistakes in color placements.
Tip from Judy:  I keep my small scissors on a decorative cord "necklace" around my neck while I'm sewing. They are never misplaced!
Tip from Judy:  Florists get flowers with individual netting on each flower. Those nets are perfect for covering thread spools to keep thread neat. Florists are glad to share them!
Tip from Brenda:  So I can remember what fabrics I have in my closet, I use a small photo album that I bought at the dollar store to organize my fabric swatches. I clip the corner of the fabric, separate them by color, and put them in the album. Now all I have to do is drop the photo album in my purse and I'm off to buy more fabric.
Tip from Amethyst:  Sometimes, throat lozenges come in little tins or plastic containers. I use these containers for things such as machine needles, cloth measuring tape, large-head pins, and seam rippers.
Tip from Linda:  When I download designs, I note on the color change sheet the name of the CD where I saved the designs to (i.e. Emb.Lib #1). Then, I print a copy of my receipt from the order history to store with the CD to make it easy to find and transfer the designs. Doesn't take long to do, and makes it so easy to find designs as I need them.
Tip from Nina:  I saved the silverware caddy from my old dishwasher and use it as a sewing caddy. It keeps all my supplies handy - ruler, seam ripper, scissors, pins, pencil, tape, point turner, etc.
Tip from Denise:  When embroidering a design, I always keep a copy of the "color change sheet" next to my machine. If I substitute any colors or thread brands, I note this on the sheet in case I ever want to repeat the design as stitched.
Tip from Kay:  When I find a project that I like, I download and print it out. I put it in a binder with "Future Projects" embroidered on front.
Tip from Georgia:  I store the printouts for my embroidery designs in clear plastic sheet protectors in a three-ring binder so that they stay nice for future use. I also tuck any applicable templates into the sleeve behind the design printout so they don't get lost. I usually put the picture of the design on the left side and the color change sheet on the right as the notebook lays open. That way, I can see what I'm embroidering as well as the color change sheet together.
Tip from Tara: I use an over the door 4 bar towel rack to hold my rolls of stabilizer. I found it in the bath section at the store. It holds it so I can roll it out and cut it easily. I also keep my paper scissors on a ribbon tied to the side of the rack. Now I never have to search for my scissors.
Tip from Ruth: To make certain that my sewing scissors are not used to cut other things by my family, I bought an in expensive cloth pencil case from the Dollar Store and keep them in it. That way everyone knows to keep their hands off.
Tip from Nancy: I use a lint roller to pick up the small thread snips and lint on top of my projects when complete. It really 'cleans' things up!
Tip from Patricia: A friend gave me a plastic magnetic paper clip holder for my pins. It is rectangular and has a hole in the top. I push the pins down into the opening and when I need pins, I give it a little shake and the pins come to the top and line up along the edge of the hole making it very easy to remove the pins. The pins do not fall out and it is great to carry to class.
Tip from Margie: I place empty tissue boxes in strategic places and use as small "trash cans" for thread snips, small fabric scraps, etc. When full, I toss it away and replace with another empty tissue box.

Tip from Ruth C.: After knocking my box of straight pins on the floor several times while sewing, I have learned to secure them to my work space by adding a couple of strips of double face tape to the bottom. I then place the box securely next to my work space and (yeah!!!) no more time on the floor picking up straight pins.
Tip from Nancy B.:  To keep my thread colors organized I have a piece of poster board next to my workstation where I have made a chart numbered from 1 to 40. I place the thread spools on the numbers where they first appear, then move the spool to the next number when it is called for on the color chart. It has saved several projects from complete disaster when I have been interrupted by phone calls, the needs of the children, and even having to leave the work to go make dinner.
Tip from Patricia L.: If you are ironing anything which may leave a sticky mess on your ironing board, first iron on a piece of freezer paper to your ironing board cover. This will protect your ironing board cover and is easily pulled off when you are finished.
Tip from Ruth C.: To protect my touch pad screen from the oils on my hands I keep Q-tips handy, and use them to touch the screen. This will prolong the effectiveness of the screen.
Tip from Denise, Jan S., Karol S., and Nina C.: Instead of using your vacuum or carpet sweeper to pick up your threads etc. after sewing I use an extension pole for painting and put 2 lint rollers on in place of the paint rollers. I then roll over my carpet, fast and east and I don't have to drag out the vacuum.
Tip from Jody B.: When I take a fresh embroidery needle out of the pack, I replace it with a short piece of brightly-colored pipe cleaner (chenille wire). This way I know what needle I have in the machine.
Tip from Marcie: My (Bernina) machine needs to have a "finger" on the bobbin case threaded for embroidery. Since I switch back and forth between stitch-outs and quilting, I use a colorful Post-it note stuck on my machine to remind me that the "bobbin finger is threaded." This way I don't have to open up the case to check every time I sit down to sew.
Tip from Susan K.: To keep bobbins organized, I get the little glass containers that the banks use for sorting quarters and store my bobbins according to colors. One vial for each color, and holds about 8 bobbins.
Tip from Pat, Sandi, Donna, Denise, Vivian, Barbara and Sue: I use empty film canisters or empty prescription bottles to put bent or broken needles and pins in so that no one will be injured when taking out trash from my sewing room wastebasket.
From Dawn A.: I bought a notebook and a package of page protectors to keep my patterns in. Now I can just flip through my notebook to find the patterns or instructions from classes.
Tip from Bettye: If your self-healing cutting board ever gets to where it is not completely flat, here is how to solve the problem. Lay the cutting board on an absolutely flat surface in the sun until it is flat again. Sometimes only a couple of hours will fix the problem. It will soften and be as flat as new.
Tip from Gerri T.: I have found, when using the marker for disappearing ink, it does not disappear. I have used Shout Wipes and it takes out the ink. I have used them several times on white towels to take the purple ink, and it does do it well.
Tip from Mona: When I need to leave an opening to turn a project right side out for a lining or pillow or something, I use red pins at the stop and start points and whatever other colors available for the rest of the pinning process. It is easy to remember to stop sewing at the red pins and I don't get lost in my sewing and sew my project closed.
Tip from Jeannette B., Pamela M. and Donna L.: Many thread snips end up on my sewing room carpeting no matter how careful I am. I bought a new bathroom bowl brush [it has a nice long handle] and sitting in my chair I am able to easily brush up all those pesky threads quickly and they do not get hung up in my vacuum cleaner brush bar.
Tip from Jan B.: I use Wonder Tape around my rolls of stabilizer to hold the roll and also to identify the type of stabilizer. It is very easy to mark the tape with a permanent marker.
Tip from Theresa K.: Here's what I do when the leftover bits and pieces of several projects are scattered throughout the sewing room. I load a large single color design on the embroidery machine, e.g. combined toile designs, lace designs, and start putting notions, fabrics and tools away. Since there aren't any thread changes, the embroidery doesn't take any babysitting. I still feel like I'm being productive and doing something I love (embroidering!) while I'm cleaning up.
Tip from Joan B.: I had baskets from old dishwashers. We hung them and now I put my thread in them. Also, a hanging plastic shoe bag is good for large spools. I made one out of vinyl and I can see the thread immediately.
   

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