Looking back, I wanted to blog about what were my six favorite things in 2017. I originally wanted this to be five, but couldn’t stop there! These are six things I couldn’t or wouldn’t be without in my studio.
The first is one I’ve had for years. I use this padded portable desk when I’m sitting in my recliner working on stitching, painting, or drawing. I did a lot of that this past year. I have no idea how long I’ve had it or where I bought it, but it’s always next to my chair ready for me to use.
Since I’ve been stitching quite a bit, this set of Thread Art Perle Cotton #8 threads I bought several years ago have really come in handy. I remember buying them on sale and I wasn’t sure how much I’d use them, but I have really enjoyed sewing with them since I got into the wool applique.
Something I’ve not used since I was a kid is a needle threader. After changing thread colors frequently, I realized that I needed help threading. I bought this online through Amazon and it has two different size threaders. I’ve only used the small one so far. I’m amazed how strong it is even though it looks pretty flimsy. While looking for something else in my sewing supplies the other day, I came across one from years ago. So now I have a backup to this one!
One of the biggest help with working in my recliner is this flexible Ottlite. It comes with a clamp which I attached to a leg of my sewing table. I bought it at Tuesday Morning, but I’ve seen them also sold online. I like that I can direct the light where I want it to go. I love it so much I’ve thought about buying another one to use with my sewing machines.
Another great buy this past year is Karen Buckley’s 6-inch adjustable ruler.When I’m working small, which is most of the time, it’s nice that I don’t have to get out my long ruler to cut. I just make the ruler as long as I want it. It comes with a nice case to store when not in use.
Lastly is Superior So Fine #30 thread. I bought a set of their #50 Sew Complete thread and it works great. However, when I want to see those beautiful stitches, this thread is the one to use. I spent a lot of time trying to figure out why my top stitching wasn’t “perfect.” It was because I wasn’t using the right thread. I only bought a few to get started. However, if I continue to sew I will definitely buy more of it.
Well, that’s my roundup of my six favorite things for 2017. I’d love to hear what some of your favorites are.
Never saw an Adjustable ruler. Definitely need to see this in action.
A useful tool is a set of bed risers that I put under the legs of my kitchen table when I do any cutting or tracing of patterns. My table is brought up to a perfect back-saving height.
Kathleen, You are so right! I have them on all of my tables in my dye studio. Since I do everything standing up out there, they do save my back. My cutting table in my studio doesn’t need them. Thanks for reminding me of them as I wouldn’t want to live without them.
Dawn, They are so neat. I’ll have to find the video and send you a link. Thanks for dropping by.
What a well thought out post! I enjoyed seeing your favorites, and a few of them are also my stand by tools. My little laptop desk sits next to the couch and I couldn’t be without it in the evenings when I am doing hand work. It was FUN to see your favs!
LuAnn in Western Oregon
luannkessi.blogspot.com
LuAnn, Thanks. Yes, that little laptop desk I couldn’t create without. Thanks for all of the inspiration on your blog. Happy New Year!
I also bought a light similar to that one. One of my best purchases of the year!!!
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Marie, As I said, love that little light and it is so flexible. Thanks for dropping by.