Replies

1. 
   mygaley | Jun 14, 2006 04:47pm | #1

   Dear Susan, thanks for the tip; I'd like to see others.    My favorite invention, by my DH, is a pulley arrangement so that I can raise long dresses and other items towards the ceiling so just the part I am working on touches my machine.  It raises and lowers like a flag and has a heavy duty wooden hanger on it.  Since the weight is supported and most of the bulk is out of the way, sewing heavy and long garments is much easier and the cat can't sleep on it.  Galey

1. 
   Susan -homedecsewing | Jun 14, 2006 05:28pm | #2

   Dear Galey,Thanks what a wonderful idea, I'll definetly be making one !I think I already have the hardware, but I'm thinking to make drapes hang from them . I would have loved this years ago ,when I did wedding dresses .I recently made 8 stands to hold my window treatments as I dress them before they go out the door. I took scrap plywood as base and liquid nailed the cardboard tubes from the fabric cut to the right size in the middle ,taped until dry then liquid nailed a little scrap 1'' x5'' on the top . I can use clamps at each and set up many different ways to hold finished treatments in an upright position ,so I can keep them just so,and make sure the angles are right.It was a real ''John Reardon" moment.Thats my dear departed father,who gave me all my common sense.Mom was an artist and luckily I got a little of her talent too.Happy Sewing to All.

2. 
   Teaf5 | Jun 15, 2006 12:36am | #3

   I keep my thread and bobbins in two "collection/shadow boxes," the kind you'd usually use to display trinkets. I arranged the spools in rainbow order with neutrals on one side; it's a lovely arrangement to look at, and it's easy to find exactly the color I want. Of course, it's hung on a wall away from direct sunlight!

   On the wall just behind my machine, I mounted a spring-clip clothespin to hold pattern instructions and other reminders that I can see while sewing.

   I use film canisters to hold sequins, beads, and other embellishments, labelling each or gluing a sample to the top of the case.

   I use quart-size zipper freezer bags to hold hand made or altered patterns, punch holes in each, and keep them in a 3-ring binder. I label and mark each with permanent marker and can flip easily through the binders, finding just the packet I need for my next project.