Happy New Year!  I’ve been in the process of reorganizing my sewing room.  One issue I have, and I’m sure you may too, is how to store my fabric stash.

Granted, I don’t have a lot of fabric in comparison to many people I follow on social media but still it’s a problem I want to solve.

While looking online for cardboard fabric bolts I discovered mini-bolts.  The only problem I could foresee was they were too short for my 60” wide fabrics.  The ones I saw were only 12" long.  That's great for 45" wide fabric but most of my stash is 54" -  60" wide.  Folded in fourths is at most 15".  

My shelves in my sewing room each measured at 8” deep and 35” long.  I really wanted my mini-bolts to be at least 18” long and 6-7” wide.

Many of the mini-bolts I found on Etsy were sold by lots of 50 which cost $64.  Although a little over $1 each was not an issue I simply didn’t need that many.

I have a solution! 
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 1.  Scissors - I recommend you get 3 pairs. 

• One for cutting fabric
• One for cutting paper and a
• Small pair for cutting small threads. 
• I also like to use a rotary cutter and a mat to cut fabric from my patterns. 

Don't mix the functions of the scissors.  Absolutely do not use fabric for anything other than fabric.   They will dull quickly.  

3.  Fabric Glue - Sometimes you just need a helping hand to help hold things together without pins.  Why not use a little glue?

• Fabric Glue Stick
• Steam a Seam 
• amzn.to/2KN7BQJE6000 - to adhere rhinestones and other embellishments without sewing

4.  Magnetic Seam Guide - Where has this been all my life!  I just purchased one recently and it sure helped guide my fabric and get the stitching straight!  

If you have a fancy computerized machine you may not want to use it.  Check with your sewing machine manufacturer and see if this will work fo you.  It worked great for my Pfaff Passport 3.0.

5.  Pattern Weights - I've discovered pattern weights use use to hold down my pattern while I cut with my rotary cutter.  You don't have to buy the expensive ones at the fabric store.  Be creative!  Even soup cans work!   I use these:

• Large washers found at a hardware store
• Heavy coasters

6.  Rulers - Drawing straight lines are essential in sewing.  I use a variety of rulers depending on my project.  A curved ruler works will for blending sizes too.

• 6" Seam Gauge
• 12" - 24" quilters ruler
• Measuring tape
• Yard Stick

7.  Point Turners - Achieving that perfect point in a collar or any corner sets you apart from a "homemade" look to a professional ready to wear look.  Some people use a pencil or even the point of scissors.  These leave a lot of room for errors.  These two are my favorites.

• Tong Tube Turner
• Point Turner and Seam Creaser

Share your favorite sewing tool that I haven't mentioned.  Do you have any favorites?  Comment below and share your favorite brands and experience.

Happy Sewing!

Penni

Creative spaces can be any size.  I recently moved my sewing room from an upstairs bedroom to a room on the 1st floor that was designed to be an office.  I don't need a home office so it's been repurposed. 

The "office" was previously my grandkids playroom.  But honestly, they play all throughout the house and didn't need a dedicated playroom.  Yes, I kicked them out and turned it into my sewing room.

I love my sewing room now!  I've rearranged it a few times but this time I took out an extra table.  The extra table took up room which made it feel more cluttered than it needed to be.

I have a lot of space in this room and need to use the space wisely.  Whether you have a small closet or have to convert your dining table into your sewing space the goal is to find a space you love and make it yours.  

I love my new space because it gives me a place to create and sew things I love to wear.

I've realized I'm not a quilter.  My mother makes beautiful quilts and love everyone she's given me.  I know she spent HOURS planning, cutting and sewing each one.  They bring joy to my home.  That's her gift of creativity that she loves.  

Mine is garment sewing.  I've always loved to design and create clothes.  With two new machines it does make it more fun!

A few months ago my 40-year old Juki serger bit the dust.  I could have taken it to a repair shop to have it fixed but instead I bought a new Juki serger.  It finishes seams like a dream that gives my garments the professional touch I always long for.

Then a few weeks ago I was making a jacket and noticed my Viking Rose sewing machine wasn't making nice buttonholes like I was expecting.  Granted it's a 20 year old machine and knew there was new technology that could help me with my craft.

I went to the sewing machine shop and the sales lady guided me towards a Pfaff Passport 3.0.  The thing that sold this machine to me was the fact that she sewed through 7 layers of denim with ease.  The machine didn't miss a beat. 

So I made my purchase and have been happy with my decision.  It looks very basic from the outside but I can tell you it's a workhorse of a machine.

Two items are on my list to purchase.  One is a new iron and the second item is an adjustable dress form.  My current iron is a standard Black & Decker and does the job.  I'm looking for something that has more power.  So maybe I'll look for a dress-form first.  

You can rest assured this winter when I'm not working my "day job" I'll be in my sewing room having a great time!

Take a look at the video I created to begin my new journey as a sewing blogger by starting with a tour of my sewing room.

Be sure to subscribe to my channel and let's go on the sewing journey together.