Tuesday, March 17, 2015

New Sewing Toys or Souvenirs

                When I go on vacation, I usually try to visit a fabric/quilt store and find myself a souvenir which is something on my "sewing room wish list." I've usually brought home 1 item per trip. I over did it this time, but as Mr. G noted, we were gone an extra long time- 4 weeks! 
               One of the many reasons I love Florida: Many, many sewing/quilting shops!
          This little baby wasn't really on my list, because I really didn't need another iron. However, when I actually saw it, my hand automatically felt relief. Sure enough, this little iron feels much better in my hand and for my wrist. I used it yesterday to make some doll clothes, and oh, it felt great!  I know it will work great on quilt squares.
Meanwhile, I will still keep my cordless iron available for larger projects
and 2 ironing boards.
Oh, the baby iron is also a steam iron.
I still use my big chalk blocks, but wanted a multicolored marker.
I chose this chalk holder that came with different colors of chalk.
Again, easy for my hand to hold.
It is hard for me to cut in different directions with scissors or rotary cutter, so I've had to start turning the fabric which isn't always an accurate process. Consequently, this item has been on my wish list a long time. Finally, found it at a store that was priced less than online.
          I've started taking Mother & Dad's clothes and creating memory quilts. I have several blocks made from Dad's shirts, and had gotten to the point where I needed to square the blocks. My 12 inch square ruler was a bit confusing with all it's marks. I decided I would like a smaller ruler. Even though this is a "Twist & Stitch" ruler, I thought it would easily accommodate squaring different size blocks.
Notice the cut lines inside the ruler.
 Yes, I did already have plenty of rulers.
This is the reason I never started scrap booking. I'd probably go nuts.


I had bought one of these last spring, and apparently never made it home with it.
I suspect I will find the first one now.
Got frustrated getting my ironing surfaced messed up with residue from iron on interfacing.
I probably could have found a better deal on thread online, 
but found an independent sewing store I wanted to support and price wasn't bad.
I had used the white embroidery thread far faster than any other color.
     This book was on my "Splurge list", because I had downloaded a ton of FREE 18inch doll clothes patterns & acquired a few marked down patterns at the store & yard sales.  Being on the "splurge list" means I was expecting not to pay full price, but find it in a used bin someday.  So why did I pay full price for this book? Again, I wanted to support that independent dealer & I had never seen this book, not even at the major book store. I had decided it may take a very long time before this shows
ed up for a $1 somewhere.  After using it yesterday, I'm SO happy I bought this book. 
     The tube turner has probably been on my wish list for about 12 years. I hadn't bought it, because I hadn't been able to find it.  The online price was breathtaking. I know they come in at least 3 different sizes, but for the price, I can manage the larger straps using my knitting needles as a turner. The very small size was hard for my hands to manage.
         A store in New Smyrna even had a basket offering up to 5 free used publications. I found 2!  One of them is still being sold at a famous chain store.

         Bringing home all of these items, and finally putting them away yesterday made me feel like Santa Clause had visited me.
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Thanks to the FREE programs:
possibly used for this post
GIMP for cropping & other digital effects
 Photoscape for downsizing & watermarking photo
PicMonkey creating collages used on this page
 Attending these Linky Parties:

12 comments:

  1. Thanks for sharing all your new toys! I just bought that iron last month, OMG i LOVE it!!! Like you I still keep my big one ready for big projects.
    I too am a doll clothes maker, so fun!

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  2. Wow! Lots of great new goodies!!! I just bought that iron too, but haven't used it yet. Also have the same chalk marker thing and LOVE IT! Looks like you've got lots of new toys to play with! Visiting from Sew Cute Tuesday and new follower!

    ~ Jess ~
    Everything Is Coming Up Rosie

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  3. what fun toys you have ! I have that twister ruler and have used it for many things, not just twisting! Have fun with your new toys!

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  4. Thanks for sharing your new stuff. It must have felt like a quilters shower!

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  5. Oh my gosh did you have fun shopping!! I want one of those little irons too! I have had the fasturn in all the sizes for probably 20 years and still use it all the time. I originally bought it when I was sewing clothes. Have fun with all your goodies!

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  6. Now that is a lot of 'toys'! Love the idea of that little iron! I recently got the rotating cutting mat ~ so handy! I love it!

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  7. Looks like you had fun! I don't understand what half of it is used for though, lol. The little iron looks cute, I would like one of those for ribbon and lace! Glad you had fun ~Diane

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  8. Oh it sure looks like you had a good time!!!

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  9. Your idea of vacation shopping is right up my alley! Thanks for sharing your new toys...

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  10. Oh goodness, you almost make me want to start sewing just so I can go shopping for all these neat new tools (toys)!!

    Thanks for visiting to link and share on the Oh My Heartsie Girl ww this week!!!
    Hope you will enjoy your week, Karren

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  11. Oh how exciting I love new toys to play with when it comes to hobbies.
    Julie
    Thank you for linking up with #wordlesswednesday
    co-host - http://www.julieinthemaking.com/

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