New Gizmos
I’ve recently discovered/rediscovered some products that are making my quilting life easier. The most significant is Roxanne’s Glue-Baste-It.*
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The great thing about this glue is the long skinny nozzle. This allows me to add glue under fabrics that are already in place. A BIG improvement over ALL THE PINS I’ve used in the past!
I’ve also been on the hunt for the perfect marking tool for dark fabrics. I think I’ve found it with the white Sewline mechanical pencil.**
Finally, I recently had to quilt on a slightly slick fabric. In search of a better way to control the quilt, I pulled out the machine quilting gloves I already owned – but wasn’t in the habit of using. They really helped.
BTW, does anyone know the best way to wash these? Mine are beginning to look well loved.
It sure makes me happy when I find things that make life’s tasks easier!
Ellen Lindner
P.S. * I tried Roxanne’s Glue-Baste-It many years ago. Although the glue worked well, the nozzle continually clogged. A recent recommendation prompted me to try it again, and I’m SO glad this problem has been corrected! (I’m not sure, but it might be important to buy the version that has the blue cap on the nozzle attachment.)
P.P.S. **The newest Sewline pencils have white lead, but the outsides are generally red or pink.
I can’t live without my bottle of glue! The application tip is awesome!
I handwash my gloves in warm soapy water. I let them soak for a bit, then handscrup the fingers. If you wait too long between washings they don’t get quite as clean. But who has time to wash when we have so much sewing to do?????
Chris from California
Thanks for the suggestion, Chris!
I either hand wash the gloves, rubbing a bit, or if I’m not using them while washing clothes, they get tossed into the washer and dryer and don’t seem to mind a bit. The “real” quilting gloves are much more expensive than gardener’s gloves with rubber fingers–which work just fine.
Happy to know I can toss them in the washer! I’m going to try it. Thanks, Martha.
I don’t have these gloves, but I use Machingers. I tried a little Murphy’s oil soap on the rubbery tips. You can scrub a little with the gloves still on your hands. Massage the lather into the rest of the glove. Then they go in the washer.
Hi Ellen,
I have found bottles with nozzles like that and use Elmer’s slightly thinned with water – same results but less expensive. They don’t seem to clog, although I store the bottle with a pin inserted into the nozzle.
Instead of gloves, which I find clunky, I use those rubber finger tips you can buy at an office supply place. I cut off the ends, so I can do fine motor things, but my finger pads have all the grip they need. They seem to last a long time and a box of 12 is way cheaper than a single pair of gloves. I blogged a bit about them here: http://quiltingclimber.blogspot.com/2012/09/finally.html
Thanks for the suggestion, Michele.
Monica, that goat still cracks me up! (Click her link to see what I mean.) Your solution is a good and inexpensive one. Thanks.