Sunday, April 1, 2012

April's Tool Day!

ModaLissa from Moda sent out an email asking people about their favorite quilting tools. I've seen the list and there are some awesome tools on it. Most are basics, things we use every time, but lots of variety.

For me I have two I use pretty much on every project.
First is Mary Ellen's Best Press. This stiff gets EVERY wrinkle, crease and fold out of fabric. This is especially useful with Fat Eighths which has some pretty stubborn ones, even more so then fat quarters.

 It also gives fabric just a little bit more structure, nothing like starch but a little extra. It also works to true size cuts, which often have a little more or less then they should.
The scent is fairly light, especially in comparison to some other sprays, like Niagara (which also works but has a bit more build up and heavier smell, and thanks to Ruth who gave me some to try!)

The second is my seam ripper. Not the little dull one that comes with a machine but the awesome Clover ergonomic one. This is sharp as a scalpel and easily cuts through a missewn seam, though if you're not careful it will also cut your fabric.

There are lots of sharp seam rippers out there, the thing I most love about this one is the fat, tapered handle. It doesn't cramp my fingers, it's easy to hold and control.
Also pretty sure it could give you enough control to stab someone, but I don't recommend trying that.
I also like this Dritz one, it helps that it also has a hard cap, which makes it safer for me to carry around.


So I know they're not very sexy but those are my two favorite tools! What about you?

7 comments:

Melody said...

I haven't tried the Mary Ellen's but will now. I love my seam ripper. Hated spending money on it but it was so worth it! I have a small plastic hinged box I use for small projects to take along and love my seam ripper in it as well as a small bottle cap pin cushion I made to take along.

Anonymous said...

I love the best oress. It also comes in unscented for those of us who can't do scented. Love it!

Anonymous said...

I love the best oress. It also comes in unscented for those of us who can't do scented. Love it!

Anonymous said...

I love the best oress. It also comes in unscented for those of us who can't do scented. Love it!

Rebecca P said...

I agree with you, Best Press is the best. I simply love the lavender scent.
What more praise can I say about the clover seam ripper.

Beth said...

I'm glad to read your review of Mary Ellen's Best Press. I've heard that starch will attract bugs, and so have been hesitant to use it, all the while knowing I could use some extra stability in some of my blocks.

For me, the tool I adore is my titanium-blade rotary cutter. It made a huge difference in my cuts--a tremendous reduction in the amount of fuzz or loose threads.

Today I realized I am still using my mom's old seam ripper; I inherited it eleven years ago and it is simply too dull to be effective. Talk about stabbing someone--with the effort required, I look like I'm trying to stab someone! ;) Tomorrow I may make a run to Joann's, coupon in hand, and move on up to the Clover.

Thanks for the review.

Beth said...
This comment has been removed by the author.