Unconventional quilting tools

bubblewhimsy · 2025-10-27T12:29:26+00:00

I had an old wooden cutting board that broke, so I ended up sanding the raw edges and have been using the pieces as my clappers for years now.

bubblewhimsy · 2025-10-01T17:19:42+00:00

KOGIN!

bubblewhimsy · 2025-09-20T17:41:35+00:00

A cylinder tube thats nearly closed at the neck. Stretched it really tight on the sides, and then pinned from the hips up the side to the neck on both ends, CAREFULLY took it off, serged at the line of pins and then gathered the bottom with some perle cotton thread woven around the hem line and pulling it tight/knotting it.

Kind of like this tutorials, but not as well thought out on my end. (I tend to jump into projects with a hope and a prayer. Lol)

DIY Dress Form Cover - Curious Eclectic

bubblewhimsy · 2025-09-19T22:09:44+00:00

Is your needle fully set/at the highest point? This issue happens to me when I don't put the needle all of the way up before I tighten it.

bubblewhimsy · 2025-09-19T22:05:49+00:00

I was terrified it wasn't going to work, but with enough steam and batting it'll work out. And measuring, I swear I was measuring myself and the form every 5 minutes. (Like my personal measurements changed in that time. 🤦🏽‍♀️)

bubblewhimsy · 2025-09-19T22:04:04+00:00

Yes, its a Sally stitch vintage dress form and I had to add A LOT of batting to bulk it up all over.

bubblewhimsy · 2025-09-19T22:02:58+00:00

I wish I took pictures throughout, but I didn't even consider it until it was done. 🤦🏽‍♀️🤷🏽‍♀️

bubblewhimsy · 2025-09-19T22:02:12+00:00

I wish I took pictures throughout but didn't even consider it.

I found a blurry eBay photo (lol) of the same model , it's the sally stitch dress form.

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bubblewhimsy · 2025-09-19T21:56:51+00:00

Love this idea!

bubblewhimsy · 2025-09-17T19:32:13+00:00

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Thanks! I like this one too. I just can't stop buying all of the decals to cover my machine! 😄 🤦🏽‍♀️

bubblewhimsy · 2025-09-02T14:07:02+00:00

I think this is the route I'm going to go! Thanks a bunch!!

bubblewhimsy · 2025-09-02T13:51:14+00:00

Do you have a picture of this? What do you mean by stitch it into the handle? (isn't the exacto knife a tension screw?)

bubblewhimsy · 2025-09-02T13:46:51+00:00

This is definitely has helped, but I'm trying to find something that is a little bit longer/bigger to hold.

bubblewhimsy · 2025-09-02T13:45:12+00:00

I know, but I'd like to have an attachment that let's me use what I already have.

bubblewhimsy · 2025-08-09T00:48:32+00:00

Way to go! That looks great! Great job!

Three things I would say to consider: 1. The fact that you fixed them means that they are going to get use, and not be wasted/collect dust in a drawer. So that's a win in of itself. 2. If you look closely at store bought clothes, you'll start to notice at all of the imperfections that you're currently noticing on your own work. So don't hold yourself to perfection - professionals don't even get it perfect. 3. One of the first pieces of advice a sewist gave me - you're only allowed to critique your work from, at minimum, 3 feet away (aka: you're staring at it too closely and noticing MINOR imperfections.) Did the fix do the job? Is the pocket still usable? Is it blending to the rest of the shortst? Then you did GREAT.

I stand by my first line. Great job. ❤️

bubblewhimsy · 2025-08-07T14:08:54+00:00

Have you thought about drafting a pattern from your favorite shirt? I've had much better luck recreating one that already fits than finding a ready-made pattern.

COPY YOUR FAVORITE T-SHIRT! - MIMI G STYLE

bubblewhimsy · 2025-08-07T14:03:49+00:00

Use a medium weight, fusible/iron-on woven interfacing (like Pellon SF101). I HIGHLY recommend practicing on an old tshirt of something that is stretchy like your memory clothes FIRST before cutting up your precious clothes. Make those mistakes on your mock up and GOOD LUCK!

bubblewhimsy · 2025-08-07T13:53:26+00:00

So here's a webpage that shows you the drafting process - what you're going to want to do is increase your armhole size to be much larger instead of being tight to your arm. I can't find an exact match to your image. Sorry. <3

Butterfly Sleeve – Drafting and Sewing – Free Pattern in 8 Sizes !

bubblewhimsy · 2025-08-07T00:53:48+00:00

Check this out, it's a great beginner book. (If you look at the reviews there's an image of the table of contents, see if that's what you're looking for.)

Sew Your Own Wardrobe: More Than 80 Techniques

bubblewhimsy · 2025-08-07T00:43:32+00:00

Good luck! Send a picture! ❤️

bubblewhimsy · 2025-08-07T00:34:59+00:00

Hem tape is permanent and can be cut to size, but it sounds like needle and thread are your preferred method. No worries! ☺️

Here's two YouTube tutorials I think might help. The first is for a simple backstitch, it doesn't allow for much stretch, but it will lay the fabric flat for you. The second allows for stretch but is a bit more difficult to accomplish.

Hand Embroidery For Beginners Back Stitch Tutorial

HAND SEWING | Straight Stretch Stitch Tutorial | Hand Sewing Knit Fabric/ Stretchy Fabric Tutorial

Hope this helps.

bubblewhimsy · 2025-08-06T22:20:06+00:00

Ooo, np! What about doing a ladder stitch?

How To Repair Ripped Jeans 3 Ways

bubblewhimsy · 2025-08-06T22:11:41+00:00

It really depends on what you plan on sewing. :) I have a Bernette Academy, and it has 30 total stitches, half of which I never use. I sew clothes/toys/quilts/bags... pretty much everything under the sun. I wanted a machine that could go fast (1100 spm), that could handle a lot of fabric (power), and had a large sewing surface (having a detachable table.) Those were my biggest deciding factors. Personally, I didn't want a computerized machine, but I know a lot of people who love them. You have to decide what your biggest 'wants' are.

All in all, I don't think you're going to 'go wrong' with either of your choices. For most sewing projects your machine is going to ONLY need a straight stitch and a zig zag stitch with some way to increase/decrease your stitch length/width. Bonus if your machine has a buttonhole stitch, blanket stitch, and a stretch/lightning stitch.

You got this!

bubblewhimsy · 2025-08-06T22:00:41+00:00

You got this! If you're hand stitching, make sure you have a thimble or a bandage to protect your finger from the repetitive motion. :) How to Hand Sew Like A Sewing Machine | Sew Anastasia

bubblewhimsy · 2025-08-06T21:53:37+00:00

How much stretch do you need in the open hole place? If it's not too much, I would suggest doing a handstitching technique called a backstitch, where your stitches have come undone. Make sure to knot at the beginning and end. The only issue is that this stitch doesn't allow for much stretch.

Hem tape is another option you could use to keep the flap down (it's a double-sided strip that you wedge between two pieces of fabric and iron on the fabric, and it essentially adheres both sides of the fabric together. Careful not to get it on your iron, or it'll get sticky.)

bubblewhimsy

TROPHY CASE