tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post2933313029152656838..comments2023-10-20T08:27:40.314-04:00Comments on male pattern boldness: The 14 shirtmaking tools you won't want to live without!Peter Lappinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05109154527996679077noreply@blogger.comBlogger39125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-91789849661019305732012-02-05T10:52:08.764-05:002012-02-05T10:52:08.764-05:00Late addition, but I put a large open safety pin i...Late addition, but I put a large open safety pin in the top of my Fray Check. I'm going to have to check out Fray Block. Does that mean I have to use up my Fray Check first? ;-)SueC56https://www.blogger.com/profile/06056215287306068267noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-55122371940740121102012-01-06T15:29:51.895-05:002012-01-06T15:29:51.895-05:00Great post. I done my first buttonhole the other d...Great post. I done my first buttonhole the other day after several tests. Used a seam ripper. Will try a craft knife and see which I prefer. Ultimately, I will be wanting a buttonhole chisel, as am in awe of the finish. I understand it works by pushing the fabric out to give the sharp finish. Although yours do look great.Sassy Thttp://sassytinacreates.wordpress.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-11889157464856538432011-02-18T23:13:01.886-05:002011-02-18T23:13:01.886-05:00it just brought back memories for me. My mother ha...it just brought back memories for me. My mother had a singer treadle sewing machine and that is what I learned to sew on. I now have i tin my spare bedroom.(doesn't have a bobbin shuttle now). anyway my mother had that singer buttonhole attachment-- haven't seen one in years until seeing yours. BTW love your blog.Judyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17674806469182116882noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-59881125111741220532011-01-16T17:23:37.713-05:002011-01-16T17:23:37.713-05:00Nice list, and great blog, Peter!
I would like to...Nice list, and great blog, Peter!<br /><br />I would like to suggest an alternative to #2, that bamboo point pusher, which I've always found far from ideal, if not actively harmful, when it comes in contact with a collar point. I suggest a hemostat.<br /><br />In fact, I just wrote up a new blog post describing the hemostat as the perfect turning tool, inspired by your list. <br />http://tinyurl.com/4t7kqwa<br /><br />I can't imagine that any sewer who buys a hemostat will be sorry to have one handy, and not just for point turning, game-changing as I think they are for that. <br /><br />But then I thought the same about the felling foot; sorry to all who regret buying one of those! I still think that must be due to not quite getting how they're used (I've encountered many a sewing-machine demonstrator who hadn't a clue but went ahead and "showed how" anyway), but obviously different hands feel happiest with different tools. I'd love to see your no-felling-foot felled shirt seams, Peter! I can't imagine ever stitching as straight and parallel without one. And a princess-seamed shirt front without one? Truly daunting. With one? Easy.<br /><br />Off to read more posts… Thank you, google, for pointing me here!David Page Coffinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05538959960447063231noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-82523834093519580302011-01-12T04:38:53.471-05:002011-01-12T04:38:53.471-05:00I'm another fan of buttonholes chisels- and of...I'm another fan of buttonholes chisels- and of your writing Peter!Cleverclogsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-15455008831666357222011-01-11T23:08:14.663-05:002011-01-11T23:08:14.663-05:00Roll a towel very tight, tie it with a wide ribbon...Roll a towel very tight, tie it with a wide ribbon or strip of cloth. :)Treadle27noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-84635944577834182412011-01-11T22:51:01.991-05:002011-01-11T22:51:01.991-05:00For holding down paper patterns, I bought a bag of...For holding down paper patterns, I bought a bag of clear green glass things that I think are used for in the bottom of flower vases. They are about 1 1/4" in diameter and about 1/4" thick. $1 at the Dollar Store. They are so pretty to use!<br />I will have to get by without a pressing ham. Options?Debra B.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-56918256543151333922011-01-11T10:27:58.562-05:002011-01-11T10:27:58.562-05:00Kelepso, it's the foot you find on a straight ...Kelepso, it's the foot you find on a straight stitch machine, though you can also buy one for a zigzagger. If you google it you'll see pictures of one. It's worth having.Peter Lappinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05109154527996679077noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-37008360377224397612011-01-11T09:59:20.551-05:002011-01-11T09:59:20.551-05:00Please explain more about the straight stitch walk...Please explain more about the straight stitch walking foot. I've never seen or heard of that foot before.kelepsohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16570225051315489527noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-73735179662205727962011-01-11T06:23:56.902-05:002011-01-11T06:23:56.902-05:00I used to think buttonhole chisels were a cheap gi...I used to think buttonhole chisels were a cheap gimmick until I used one. Fantastic.<br /><br />Also, thanks for the tip about taping on the button. I usually just sort of faff around until it's in the right place, I think the tape will make the whole process quicker.Stephhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08235341738044433500noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-15388616171061133882011-01-11T00:42:51.918-05:002011-01-11T00:42:51.918-05:00I got a bunch of hand woodcarving tools at a garag...I got a bunch of hand woodcarving tools at a garage sale for a quarter each, and discovered that the flat ended blade was perfect for opening buttonholes. Essentially, it's a tiny delicate chisel. <br /><br />At another garage sale I got these very useful objects, I don't know their proper name: a description: two and a half inches of steel, about two millimeters in diameter, pointed on one end and with the other flattened into a fan shape for the last half inch to a quarter inch width. I use them as stilletos; but they're even more useful with my bullet shuttles for my long bobbins the fan end is extremely useful to push the thread into the proper place. I use them all the time to move fabric around my presser feet too. I have two, and treat them like gold as I have no idea whatsoever how to replace them.<br /><br />I also like my little metal oil can, it's nose goes everywhere so much more easily than the Singer bottle does.<br /><br />And while I don't use it as frequently, I have a little gizmo for making the holes in my treadle belt that is amazing. I had gotten a pair of treadle belt pliers and was disappointed because the piercing part was too large and mangled the belt rather than making a nice hole in it for the staple. Then I remembered this odd thingumbob I'd gotten in a mix of stuff. It's got a metal thing to place the belt end into, with a closed end so you can't put it in too far, then a little handle rotates a screw with a long thin point down through the belt and a little hole on the other side so you don't blunt the point. Again, a nameless gizmo as far as I know; but so very handy! It makes the treadle holes quickly and cleanly and safely, much better than the cordless drill with a small bit I had been using.Treadle27noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-81795566775790161042011-01-10T21:32:43.627-05:002011-01-10T21:32:43.627-05:00Interestingly, I own most of the items you mention...Interestingly, I own most of the items you mentioned... they just haven't seen much use for a significant period of time.<br /><br />I guess this means I will need to be in the 'Search and Recovery' mode for the next few weeks to locate a couple of the items, i.e the Ham and Point Presser.<br /><br />I agree the rolled hem presser foot requires practice and in many ways isn't that useful. I haven't attempted to use the flat fell presser foot so I can't say how that would work but the instructions that came with it seemed backward.<br /><br />Should I be haunting the local thrift store for a nice used sheet? If so, what size do you recommend?Bryan_in_Indyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06737911435160334669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-64998978494171374762011-01-10T20:57:46.286-05:002011-01-10T20:57:46.286-05:00Peter-
Maybe it's all the art school training...Peter-<br /><br />Maybe it's all the art school training? :) I'm a trained 3D artist, and I've been using stuff like exacto knives for years before I went back to sewing.Laurahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07717835382469677601noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-52572788863380741012011-01-10T19:13:55.364-05:002011-01-10T19:13:55.364-05:00Peter, how DO you write AND sew every day, and do ...Peter, how DO you write AND sew every day, and do both so well?? Honestly, if for no other reason than it's so fabulously written, your blog would be a must-read for me every day... that it's about sewing-and-life is a lovely bonus. Many thanks from a new-ish fan!Pamnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-26549629797409957542011-01-10T17:33:59.295-05:002011-01-10T17:33:59.295-05:00I was afraid you were going to say that. ;-)I was afraid you were going to say that. ;-)Debbie Cookhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03601675304884019607noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-58410714672680592652011-01-10T16:25:40.890-05:002011-01-10T16:25:40.890-05:00^Peter you're most welcome :)
I had all those ...^Peter you're most welcome :)<br />I had all those links saved to my bookmarks - because I'd been searching for weeks for a Point Presser & Clapper - at a good price inc. the shipping. In the end I got one from the seller fabricsandtrimmings on Etsy.com 9as per link above) they were extremely helpful & shipped the item to me here in the UK quickly & very, very well wrapped - I'm a happy customer (plus Hubby paid for it - 'twas part of my Christmas Presents list!)Claire (aka Seemane)https://www.blogger.com/profile/05175575205044308437noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-56566607856918271272011-01-10T16:14:18.270-05:002011-01-10T16:14:18.270-05:00Katie, whenever I need to press a narrow raised ed...Katie, whenever I need to press a narrow raised edge the point presser is helpful. I use the blunt heavy clapper part more.<br /><br />Debbie, I think flat-felled seams are called for, don't you?<br /><br />Claire, thanks for the links!<br /><br />Squirrel, we will start with a muslin together, not to worry.Peter Lappinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05109154527996679077noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-66459645000376059442011-01-10T15:33:27.493-05:002011-01-10T15:33:27.493-05:00I have many of the items on your list. I have to s...I have many of the items on your list. I have to say though, number 5, the wood point presser, what is that? I have never seen one before. How do you use it? When do you use it?<br />Thanks.KatieBhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09490816270587466977noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-16149407506443534912011-01-10T15:25:24.498-05:002011-01-10T15:25:24.498-05:00I do not know why, but till today I can not get us...I do not know why, but till today I can not get used to rotary cutters! I preffer a good sharp scisor. But I do like to use a patchwork ruler to set or fix straight lines, before I cut the fabric.Andrea Cornellnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-71390665524308879612011-01-10T15:24:34.648-05:002011-01-10T15:24:34.648-05:00Great list Claire!
Peter, I was just re-reading p...Great list Claire!<br /><br />Peter, I was just re-reading parts of Coffin's book again and I think you *can* blame him for the felling foot. He pretty much orders the reader to get one. It's why I have one too, of course. ;-) Not that I'm actually planning on flat-felled seams unless Michael insists.Debbie Cookhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03601675304884019607noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-11846995509809274842011-01-10T15:14:34.106-05:002011-01-10T15:14:34.106-05:00Oval buttonholes? Oval buttonholes! I can't st...Oval buttonholes? Oval buttonholes! I can't stop thinking about them. I've been sewing for more years than I care to admit, and I never heard of such a thing before. My machine also makes several different buttonholes, but I may have to start looking for one of those Singer buttonhole attachments (in an OVAL case, no less).Hoosiermamanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-18851688128325227652011-01-10T14:37:19.980-05:002011-01-10T14:37:19.980-05:00Nice list there Peter :) - your post is bound to &...Nice list there Peter :) - your post is bound to "<i>enable</i>" spendthrift ways in the sewing community LOL!<br /><br />I've gone down the list & I own everything on it except:<br /><br />2. Collins bamboo point turner<br />4. A tailor's ham (<i>I'm making one at the moment - it's half filled with wood shavings as I speak!</i>)<br />6. A good heavy iron <i>Mine is a normal domestic one, but I'm happy with it</i>)<br />9. A felling foot. <br /><br />So if this were a test I'd score 71% ;) LOL.<br /><br /><b>Re: #5. A wood point presser with clapper being hard to buy these days</b> here's some places in the US that sell them:<br />- <b><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/58210101/point-presser-and-clapper" rel="nofollow">fabricsandtrimmings on Etsy.com</a></b><br />- <b><a href="http://maryjos.com/notions/notions-point-presser-clapper-771" rel="nofollow">Mary Jo's Cloth Store, Item No. GH274($16.49 each!)</a></b><br />- <b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Golden-Hand-Ind-0857-Presser/dp/B003KWBWWK" rel="nofollow">Amazon.com</a></b><br />- <b><a href="http://sewtrue.com/Store/POINT-PRESSER-and-CLAPPER-P2302.html" rel="nofollow">SewTrue.com (Item No. PT250)</a></b><br /><br />And in the UK try theses places :<br />- <b><a href="http://www.sewdirect.com/cgi-bin/sh000002.pl?REFPAGE=http%3a%2f%2fwww%2esewdirect%2ecom%2facatalog%2fEquipment___Accessories%2ehtml&WD=m709&PN=Equipment___Accessories%2ehtml%23a1344#a1344" rel="nofollow">www.sewdirect.com (Item Ref. M709)</a></b><br />- <b><a href="http://www.englishcouture.co.uk/product_details_1.htm" rel="nofollow">English Couture Company (Ref No: ECP3)</a></b><br /><br />Or there are directions on this PDF to <b><a href="www.ca.uky.edu/HES/fcs/FACTSHTS/CT-MMB-214.pdf" rel="nofollow">Make Your Own Pressing Equipment</a></b> from the University of Kentucky - College of Agriculture.Claire (aka Seemane)https://www.blogger.com/profile/05175575205044308437noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-59153111775255720712011-01-10T14:34:35.703-05:002011-01-10T14:34:35.703-05:00I'm in! Bought the pattern today. Peter, will ...I'm in! Bought the pattern today. Peter, will you make up a muslin / calico version first, or should I do this before we start to check the fit?Secret Squirrelnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-17080575852953898082011-01-10T14:19:22.886-05:002011-01-10T14:19:22.886-05:00I truly envy your point presser. Those are terribl...I truly envy your point presser. Those are terribly hard to find and once you do find one, they are terribly expensive, or so I've found. Still on the look out for one. <br /><br />I'll be opening the shop back up at the end of the week. The vacation is over. It's high time to shake off those January blues and bright and cheery Tailor's Hams is just the way to do it.Sunnihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16380215145775412897noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-66152505702163490172011-01-10T14:09:25.000-05:002011-01-10T14:09:25.000-05:00Glad you remembered the seam ripper - I can't ...Glad you remembered the seam ripper - I can't get by without one of those!<br />I'll be tuning in tomorrow to see if you really did get an EP!Sheryllhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17460472835794108787noreply@blogger.com