I thought I would share a few things I have been enjoying lately that are quilting related. Just this week I found the organizer box above at Home Goods. The box is solid wood, and is divided into five compartments-two wide and three small. This box is meant to be a desk organizer but I find it perfect for holding the rulers I grab most often, rotary cutters, markers etc. This came in several color options. I saw sage green, white, black, bright pink, and the grey I chose. Best of all? It cost only $19.99!
This is the second Bloc Loc ruler I have purchased. My first was a 1 1/2" x 3" flying geese ruler. I love using it so much that I bought a larger size as well. The one in the photo above is 2" x 4 1/2". I think those two sizes are the most common sizes that I make in my quilts. I love the snug way the grooves in the ruler fit up against the seam line. And the best feature is, it makes cutting go really fast. After cutting the top and right side, you leave the ruler in place and just flip your mini cutting mat around and trim the bottom and other side. No repositioning the ruler and moving your unit all over the place. I cannot believe how fast I can crank out perfect flying geese units. These little rulers are expensive (well over $20), but I am so enjoying using them that I am considering purchasing a couple of half square triangle rulers as well.
Recently I caved in and bought a pack of these cute little "Alphabitties" at Fatquartershop.com. If you are doing a project with multiple pieces, they are essential for keeping you organized. I didn't think I needed them, but have really been putting them to use. They are great for my Moda BlockHeads blocks, as well as a new project I started. (More on that later!)
Triangle papers. A must for projects with tiny half square triangle units. Two different brands are shown in the photo above, both of them for 1" half square triangle units. The one on the left is by Primitive Gatherings, and as you see, you stitch on the diagonal line all along the strip. You do have to stop and reposition your needle after each diagonal line of stitching. The one on the right is by Star Singles. I like using those because you can stitch continuously all around the square, getting eight finished half square triangles when you cut apart on the solid lines. Perfect tiny little HSTs every time.
A pin is not just a pin. If you haven't tried Little House pins, you might want to try a box of them. I bet you will become a convert. They are finer, shorter and way sharper than regular quilting pins. If you are a stickler for accurate piecing, these little guys will help you get your points and seams to match up beautifully. 100 pins comes in this cute little metal tin (which I find is super cute, but I have no use for). Love love love these pins.
Last, but not least, I purchased a new iron awhile back, and I love it. I go through irons awfully quickly, with most of them lasting me less than a year. I have always liked the Rowenta irons, but at over $100 for the German made ones, it was getting too expensive. And those pricey irons did not last any longer than the cheaper Shark or Black and Deckers I have tried. I read about the TFal iron online and ordered one for under $40 on Amazon. The sole plate has tons of steam vents and has a non stick surface. It gives me plenty of steam, glides over my fabric and doesn't spit or leak. At $40 if it only lasts me a year, I will cheerfully repurchase.
How about you? What notions or accessories are you liking right now?
48 responses to “Quilting Accessories”
Thanks for all the hints. I need a new iron and now I will have one in mind. Also the pins. ALways looking for good pins. I love the blue and yellow ones but they bend so fast. Have a good day!
Mary
Thanks for all the hints. I need a new iron and now I will have one in mind. Also the pins. ALways looking for good pins. I love the blue and yellow ones but they bend so fast. Have a good day!
Mary
Thanks for all the hints. I need a new iron and now I will have one in mind. Also the pins. ALways looking for good pins. I love the blue and yellow ones but they bend so fast. Have a good day!
Mary
You are brilliant! I have one of those desk organizers that has been sitting unused for years. I do have a ruler holder with grooves in it, but that holds my “not often used” rulers. This would be great for the tools I use regularly! My favorite accessories are two 13″ tall Bisley filing cabinets I got on sale at The Container Store. I have little drawers for everything…one for needles, one for scissors, one for applique stuff, etc. Keeps me organized and they are light blue and adorable! I have a few specialty rulers, etc., but rarely use them. Maybe I should?
You are brilliant! I have one of those desk organizers that has been sitting unused for years. I do have a ruler holder with grooves in it, but that holds my “not often used” rulers. This would be great for the tools I use regularly! My favorite accessories are two 13″ tall Bisley filing cabinets I got on sale at The Container Store. I have little drawers for everything…one for needles, one for scissors, one for applique stuff, etc. Keeps me organized and they are light blue and adorable! I have a few specialty rulers, etc., but rarely use them. Maybe I should?
You are brilliant! I have one of those desk organizers that has been sitting unused for years. I do have a ruler holder with grooves in it, but that holds my “not often used” rulers. This would be great for the tools I use regularly! My favorite accessories are two 13″ tall Bisley filing cabinets I got on sale at The Container Store. I have little drawers for everything…one for needles, one for scissors, one for applique stuff, etc. Keeps me organized and they are light blue and adorable! I have a few specialty rulers, etc., but rarely use them. Maybe I should?
I definitely love the Block Loc half square triangle rulers – you will too! Try the one for strips too. I love the triangle papers from Primitive Gatherings (well… to be honest, I love everything from them). And I’m in the market for a new iron and with my Mother’s Day gift card for Amazon from my daughter I just might order that iron!
I definitely love the Block Loc half square triangle rulers – you will too! Try the one for strips too. I love the triangle papers from Primitive Gatherings (well… to be honest, I love everything from them). And I’m in the market for a new iron and with my Mother’s Day gift card for Amazon from my daughter I just might order that iron!
I definitely love the Block Loc half square triangle rulers – you will too! Try the one for strips too. I love the triangle papers from Primitive Gatherings (well… to be honest, I love everything from them). And I’m in the market for a new iron and with my Mother’s Day gift card for Amazon from my daughter I just might order that iron!
Is the iron T-fal FV4446 Ultraglide Easycord Steam Iron Ceramic Scratch Resistant Non-Stick Soleplate with Auto-Off, 1700-Watt, Red ???
Is the iron T-fal FV4446 Ultraglide Easycord Steam Iron Ceramic Scratch Resistant Non-Stick Soleplate with Auto-Off, 1700-Watt, Red ???
Is the iron T-fal FV4446 Ultraglide Easycord Steam Iron Ceramic Scratch Resistant Non-Stick Soleplate with Auto-Off, 1700-Watt, Red ???
I purchased an almost identical desk organizer from Pottery Barn several years ago and have used it for my small sewing accessories also. It is perfect for smaller rulers, marking pens, scissors, seam rippers, etc. Mine has the same three front openings that I put photos of family and pets in. Oh, and I also purchased a second desk organizer and use it as a charging station for our cell phones, lap top, and other items that get charged overnight. My husband drilled a few holes for the cords so they all come out the rear of the desk organizer. Additionally, I purchased a rattan/wicker “recycling station” from Pottery Barn that is perfect for my larger rulers and sits alongside my sewing table. It is on wheels and is longer than taller, with sections to compartmentalize all my items. I have loved the T Fal irons for years… they are workhorses. Right now, I am loving the Reliable Velocity iron… a bit pricey but puts out great steam. Loved seeing this post with so many great ideas!!
I purchased an almost identical desk organizer from Pottery Barn several years ago and have used it for my small sewing accessories also. It is perfect for smaller rulers, marking pens, scissors, seam rippers, etc. Mine has the same three front openings that I put photos of family and pets in. Oh, and I also purchased a second desk organizer and use it as a charging station for our cell phones, lap top, and other items that get charged overnight. My husband drilled a few holes for the cords so they all come out the rear of the desk organizer. Additionally, I purchased a rattan/wicker “recycling station” from Pottery Barn that is perfect for my larger rulers and sits alongside my sewing table. It is on wheels and is longer than taller, with sections to compartmentalize all my items. I have loved the T Fal irons for years… they are workhorses. Right now, I am loving the Reliable Velocity iron… a bit pricey but puts out great steam. Loved seeing this post with so many great ideas!!
I purchased an almost identical desk organizer from Pottery Barn several years ago and have used it for my small sewing accessories also. It is perfect for smaller rulers, marking pens, scissors, seam rippers, etc. Mine has the same three front openings that I put photos of family and pets in. Oh, and I also purchased a second desk organizer and use it as a charging station for our cell phones, lap top, and other items that get charged overnight. My husband drilled a few holes for the cords so they all come out the rear of the desk organizer. Additionally, I purchased a rattan/wicker “recycling station” from Pottery Barn that is perfect for my larger rulers and sits alongside my sewing table. It is on wheels and is longer than taller, with sections to compartmentalize all my items. I have loved the T Fal irons for years… they are workhorses. Right now, I am loving the Reliable Velocity iron… a bit pricey but puts out great steam. Loved seeing this post with so many great ideas!!
Enjoyed your tips especially the iron and Bloc Loc for flying geese. I have a Bloc Loc for hsts and find it most helpful so I should definitely add the geese ruler. Lately I have been thinking about a bobbin winder. Do you have one that you might recommend?
Enjoyed your tips especially the iron and Bloc Loc for flying geese. I have a Bloc Loc for hsts and find it most helpful so I should definitely add the geese ruler. Lately I have been thinking about a bobbin winder. Do you have one that you might recommend?
Enjoyed your tips especially the iron and Bloc Loc for flying geese. I have a Bloc Loc for hsts and find it most helpful so I should definitely add the geese ruler. Lately I have been thinking about a bobbin winder. Do you have one that you might recommend?
I love those Bloc Loc rulers too. My latest fave was their triangle in a square. It comes with templates to make it that are oversized and then you trim to perfect 🙂
I love those Bloc Loc rulers too. My latest fave was their triangle in a square. It comes with templates to make it that are oversized and then you trim to perfect 🙂
I love those Bloc Loc rulers too. My latest fave was their triangle in a square. It comes with templates to make it that are oversized and then you trim to perfect 🙂
The FQS Alphabeties are on my wishlist and will land in my cart the next time I’m putting in a order from them.
My favorite new item are some scissors I’ve bought recently after seeing them on @yardgrl60 instagram site they are so cute and good to use. And shipping was fast too.
The FQS Alphabeties are on my wishlist and will land in my cart the next time I’m putting in a order from them.
My favorite new item are some scissors I’ve bought recently after seeing them on @yardgrl60 instagram site they are so cute and good to use. And shipping was fast too.
The FQS Alphabeties are on my wishlist and will land in my cart the next time I’m putting in a order from them.
My favorite new item are some scissors I’ve bought recently after seeing them on @yardgrl60 instagram site they are so cute and good to use. And shipping was fast too.
Loved reading your list of favorite notions. I have tried to repurpose things around the house for my sewing room so it’s not all plastic containers. Crocks for pens etc., small baskets for scrap paper. I do need a new iron so especially appreciated the iron review! Will check the TFal Iron out next time I need one. Irons don’t last like they used to!
Loved reading your list of favorite notions. I have tried to repurpose things around the house for my sewing room so it’s not all plastic containers. Crocks for pens etc., small baskets for scrap paper. I do need a new iron so especially appreciated the iron review! Will check the TFal Iron out next time I need one. Irons don’t last like they used to!
Loved reading your list of favorite notions. I have tried to repurpose things around the house for my sewing room so it’s not all plastic containers. Crocks for pens etc., small baskets for scrap paper. I do need a new iron so especially appreciated the iron review! Will check the TFal Iron out next time I need one. Irons don’t last like they used to!
yes……I seem to go through irons and I love the T-Fal….one of my quilting friends had one and if you get a high watt one, it heats up well…..I think I have that same one and I too used Amazon. Love it………affordable……and good. gg in Wellborn, FL
yes……I seem to go through irons and I love the T-Fal….one of my quilting friends had one and if you get a high watt one, it heats up well…..I think I have that same one and I too used Amazon. Love it………affordable……and good. gg in Wellborn, FL
yes……I seem to go through irons and I love the T-Fal….one of my quilting friends had one and if you get a high watt one, it heats up well…..I think I have that same one and I too used Amazon. Love it………affordable……and good. gg in Wellborn, FL
I bought a Daylight rechargeable lamp to use with my Featherweight. It sits behind it & brightens up the sewing area of the machine really well. It was a bit of a splurge, but I know I’ll get plenty of use from it. I’ve also gone to less expensive irons because they all seem to have a fairly short life. Plenty of heat & steam along with NO leaks are my main criteria!
I bought a Daylight rechargeable lamp to use with my Featherweight. It sits behind it & brightens up the sewing area of the machine really well. It was a bit of a splurge, but I know I’ll get plenty of use from it. I’ve also gone to less expensive irons because they all seem to have a fairly short life. Plenty of heat & steam along with NO leaks are my main criteria!
I bought a Daylight rechargeable lamp to use with my Featherweight. It sits behind it & brightens up the sewing area of the machine really well. It was a bit of a splurge, but I know I’ll get plenty of use from it. I’ve also gone to less expensive irons because they all seem to have a fairly short life. Plenty of heat & steam along with NO leaks are my main criteria!
The Little House pins are wonderful. I bought some on a whim (I think they were on sale) ages ago and when I finally got around to using them I was completely hooked. Hope this iron is a winner, I think it’s a battle we all fight.
The Little House pins are wonderful. I bought some on a whim (I think they were on sale) ages ago and when I finally got around to using them I was completely hooked. Hope this iron is a winner, I think it’s a battle we all fight.
The Little House pins are wonderful. I bought some on a whim (I think they were on sale) ages ago and when I finally got around to using them I was completely hooked. Hope this iron is a winner, I think it’s a battle we all fight.
I purchased a reliable iron in January. It been using Rowentas and got tired of them spitting nod leaking. I love my Reliable, worth every penny!! I feel we need good tools like any professional person and have decided to invest my money into good tools. I’m going to order a bloc loc ruler and can’t wait to try it! Thanks for sharing!!
I purchased a reliable iron in January. It been using Rowentas and got tired of them spitting nod leaking. I love my Reliable, worth every penny!! I feel we need good tools like any professional person and have decided to invest my money into good tools. I’m going to order a bloc loc ruler and can’t wait to try it! Thanks for sharing!!
I purchased a reliable iron in January. It been using Rowentas and got tired of them spitting nod leaking. I love my Reliable, worth every penny!! I feel we need good tools like any professional person and have decided to invest my money into good tools. I’m going to order a bloc loc ruler and can’t wait to try it! Thanks for sharing!!
Thanks for the tips. I too love those rulers. I purchased them in the “pack”. Bought the Reliable Iron (not cheap) and only need to start using it. Obviously, I need to go to my Home Goods store.
Thanks for the tips. I too love those rulers. I purchased them in the “pack”. Bought the Reliable Iron (not cheap) and only need to start using it. Obviously, I need to go to my Home Goods store.
Thanks for the tips. I too love those rulers. I purchased them in the “pack”. Bought the Reliable Iron (not cheap) and only need to start using it. Obviously, I need to go to my Home Goods store.
I have that Tfal iron too. It’s easy to clean the soleplate even when you get fusible on it. The wattage is high so you can’t plug it into a cheaper surge protector. Love mine……
I love your small organizer. I use a plastic shoebox for all my little rulers and trimming stuff. I have a round 3 tier spinning organizer for purple thangs,bobbin clips,pencils. etc. So much stuff that I love an armslength away!
I have that Tfal iron too. It’s easy to clean the soleplate even when you get fusible on it. The wattage is high so you can’t plug it into a cheaper surge protector. Love mine……
I love your small organizer. I use a plastic shoebox for all my little rulers and trimming stuff. I have a round 3 tier spinning organizer for purple thangs,bobbin clips,pencils. etc. So much stuff that I love an armslength away!
I have that Tfal iron too. It’s easy to clean the soleplate even when you get fusible on it. The wattage is high so you can’t plug it into a cheaper surge protector. Love mine……
I love your small organizer. I use a plastic shoebox for all my little rulers and trimming stuff. I have a round 3 tier spinning organizer for purple thangs,bobbin clips,pencils. etc. So much stuff that I love an armslength away!
Oh gosh, I have one of those desk top organizers in my basement that I got from my mom’s house. I will pull it out and give it a try. I splurged on a Stripology ruler last week because I needed a lot of 2″ squares from yardage. Holy Smokes, it is such a time saver and very accurate.
Oh gosh, I have one of those desk top organizers in my basement that I got from my mom’s house. I will pull it out and give it a try. I splurged on a Stripology ruler last week because I needed a lot of 2″ squares from yardage. Holy Smokes, it is such a time saver and very accurate.
Oh gosh, I have one of those desk top organizers in my basement that I got from my mom’s house. I will pull it out and give it a try. I splurged on a Stripology ruler last week because I needed a lot of 2″ squares from yardage. Holy Smokes, it is such a time saver and very accurate.