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Essential, helpful and just plain great to have sewing tools I've used for years

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A collection of tools and resources I've found to be essential (to me, anyway) sewing tools. I've made countless garments over the years, sewing for me and the children.  Sewing machines, cutting and alteration tools, and just downright handy gadgets to have around the sewing room!
 
Ailsa Thomas profile picture
Almost 25 years with this machine and still going strong. Janome has been a reliable brand for years.
Janome 10000 In Sewing Machines & Sergers for sale - eBay
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Ailsa Thomas profile picture
I've had my Janome serger for almost as long as I've had my sewing machine.  Runs like a tank.  affiliate link
Janome Serger
 
Ailsa Thomas profile picture
I prefer the triangle tailors chalk over marking pens and pencils.  They fit my hand nicely, don't roll off the table, never need to be sharpened, and are available in multiple colors for marking on most fabrics.
Triangle Tailors Chalk (White) - Clover USA
 
Ailsa Thomas profile picture
I use a bamboo knitting needle to point out corners… and for knitting. And, holding my hair in a bun. Multi-use tool
Bamboo Knitting Needles
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Ailsa Thomas profile picture
I'm lucky to have a large sewing work area and have 2 of the larger self healing cutting matts.  The lines and angles are easy to read. The surface is slightly grippy, but I still need weights.   Great investment.
Self-Healing Rotary Mat
 
Ailsa Thomas profile picture
Gingher shear are sharp, comfortable to hold and solidly built.  They have a night weight to them, enough to feel solid but not hard to handle.  Fantastic gifts from my family
Gingher Scissors and Shears
 
Ailsa Thomas profile picture
Another gift that has really lasted! These Gingher snips are sharp, comfortable to hold and solidly built. They have a night weight to them, enough to feel solid but not hard to handle. Fantastic gifts from my family
Gingher Snips and seam ripper
 
Ailsa Thomas profile picture
Because my MC10K is so old, I needed new software. I've been happy with this.  There is a learning curve but Hatch has great resources and support.
Hatch Embroidery Design Software
 
Ailsa Thomas profile picture
Awesome for squares and long lines! Whip of some napkins, hankies, or makeup cloths in no time! Stack, cut, and sew!
Fiskars® Trigger Rotary Cutter (45 mm)
 
Ailsa Thomas profile picture
I'm glad to gave several
Magnetic Pin Cushion
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Ailsa Thomas profile picture
The Singer Dress Forms are available in a few sizes.  The neck, bust, waist, hip, and torso lengths are adjustable on most models. Do double check the size you need. Remember you can pas out to make it  smidge bigger but you can't make them smaller! The overall height is adjustable. Some have a hem marking feature, as well.  Affiliate link
Dress Forms & Adjustable Mannequins - SINGER
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Ailsa Thomas profile picture
Because I reuse pattern, I iron my patterns, fuse the interfacing to the back side then cut out the pieces. This significantly extends the life of each pattern.  Now that the kids are done growing, we only need to make small alterations on an as needed basis.  Affiliate link
Fusible Interfacing
 
Ailsa Thomas profile picture
I have several shapes and sizes. Used to connect lines when altering patterns, they're really come in handy over the years. Affiliate link
French Curves
 
Ailsa Thomas profile picture
These are beautiful and "feel fancy" (as the kids said when they were little). Great for tiny areas - affiliate link
Gingher® Stork Embroidery Scissors
 
Ailsa Thomas profile picture
Grandma had a bunch of these. Now that I'm older, I can see why!  Great for small hand sewing jobs when threading a needle may take longer than my repairs!  I can say if they'd be good for large projects.  Affiliate link
Self Threading Needles
 
Ailsa Thomas profile picture
I'm either burning, pricking, or nicking myself.  I keep bandages on hand. It's not sewing if I don't bleed!  Affiliate link
Bandages