STITCH LINES...... Ramblings on life as a quilter, stitcher, traveler, photographer, gardener and lover of books, cats and fine chocolate....

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

The Top Five...

A while back, I picked up what I thought looked like an interesting book at Winners. It was titled "The 10 Best of Everything - An Ultimate Guide for Travelers". That intrigued me so I brought it home. It contains lists of 10 bests under many categories such as Sports, Places (islands, gardens, museums and galleries, national parks, etc.), Travel (landmarks, cruises, drives, vistas, etc.), Foods (coffees, chocolates, steak houses, ice creams, etc.). Interesting reading, for sure....
As I was sitting at the sewing machine the other day, I thought- What would I choose as my 10 best or favourite sewing tools or equipment? I pondered this as I was working on my teeny tiny blocks. I decided 5 might be an easier number to start with as 10 seemed a bit daunting... So after some thought, here are my Top Five. (Perhaps I'll add five more later, for a total of The Ten Best... )
1. Bernina - without a doubt the one thing I would never want to be without is my Bernina sewing machine. I have sewed on a Bernina for almost 20 years now and I would have no other. Their slogan is so true: "Nothing sews like a Bernina. Nothing." I love it's perfect tension, it's beautiful satin stitch, it's workhorse attitude.. I love everything about it. Yes, it's heavy, but that's a sign of quality. Metal parts as opposed to plastic. The Swiss know what they're doing... Swiss Chocolate, Swiss watches, and Bernina...
2. Bendable Bright Light - this is probably the best light I have ever used for sewing. I have Ott Lights, both floor and desk, and they are great too. But for a bright light exactly where you want it, you can't beat this little gem. A non-magnetic bracket attaches to your machine with a strong double sided adhesive, and the light snaps into the bracket easily. The gooseneck allows you to adjust the bright white LED light to exactly where you want it. It makes sewing at night and/or with dark fabrics a breeze...I don't know how I ever sewed without this light.
3. Micro Tip Fiskars Snips - I love these little babies. They are SO sharp; I love their spring action (easy on the hands) and small size. With their sharp points, they are great for snipping into small corners or curves.... I've been using these for quite awhile now and they are still very sharp. Just love 'em. Just sayin'
4. Fons and Porter marking pencil - I have tried out many marking pencils over the years but I do believe Fons and Porter have come up with the best! The leads that come with the pencil are white but you can also buy a package of dark leads. The leads are made from a water soluble ceramic material; they give a nice fine line that is very easy to remove - either with the eraser (extras also available) or with water. What more could a gal want? Read more here.
5. Travel Case - I have been lugging my machine around for years, between taking workshops and teaching.... Don't know why I didn't get one of these years ago... A travel case on wheels, similar to luggage. It holds my machine, foot pedal, power bar, all cords and lots more. Pockets on outside can hold extra items. Just makes travelling to teach SOOO much easier....
Good equipment makes this hobby so much easier and more enjoyable. What would you count in your favourites?
Piece,
Linda
"Buy the best you can afford. It's money well spent and better than buying cheap and having to continuously replace..." (good advice from my Mother)

7 comments:

Karen said...

I am interested in your table, Linda - is that an actual Bernina one? I am still deciding on mine.
Your machine looks brand new - easy to see it has been well loved.

Linda H said...

Karen,
I have had this model for over 10 years, 11 or 12 I think. I purchased the table from our Local Bernina dealer at the time (She is no longer here). But it isn't a "Bernina table". If I remember correctly, it was manufactured by someone in the north of the province. I can certainly find out if you are interested. It is angled, with a drawer one the left side. I love it. I will send you a photo of the whole table, if you'd like. The legs are detachable.

Karen said...

Linda, that's very kind of you to offer - I would love a photo. Is the front section (in front of the bobbin)hinged? It looks like it may lift up. Hubby is an experienced cabinet maker and ready and willing to begin building once I decide what I want.
I really don't need a drawer, it's the design - and size - of the top itself which interests me. Would appreciate any suggestions you have to offer!

MissesStitches said...

Very good list, Linda. I'll have to try those Fiskars snips. I certainly agree with you on the rest. Maybe I'll have to start on my own list.....

Anonymous said...

I recall those words of wisdom a few years back, "buy the best you can afford". I wish i felt the same way about the bendable light. At your suggestion, I purchased one and it does not stay placed where i bend it. I have been tempted several times to return it. The sticky things mostly came off the machine. Any suggestions? I would also love to have information about your sewing table. Lucy

GailM. said...

I agree with all your choices. I feel the same way about my Pfaff as you do your Bernina. :)

Linda H said...

Lucy, I am so sorry you have not had success with your Light. Where did you purchase it? You must have got a dud- I would definitely take it back for a refund or replacement. The only other negative comment I have heard about them is one person found it too bright...

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