SEWING DILEMNA? Ask Londa's FREE advice!!!

Yes...as a sewing educator for over 35 years, designer, and author with experience as a sewing machine dealer/fabric shop owner, custom dressmaker and more...I'm most happy to answer ANY and all questions to the best of my ability. Just contact me HERE with your question.

Monday, June 20, 2011

Londa's Must Have Starter Sewing Notions

Londa's 'Must Have' Starter Sewing Notions

If you've decided to give sewing a try --- more than just stitching up rips and sewing on buttons --- these are the notions that I think you should invest in.....

  • Seam Ripper - I like this one for the big, easy to grip handle.
  • Water Soluble Marker - select fine or thick point
  • Applique Sharp Needles - Black/Gold from Clover sizes 9-12 - perfect size here for most hand sewing uses
  • Point Turner - my absolute favorite, simple tool to safely push out corners once you turn something right side out
  • Loop Turner - inexpensive, loop on one end for holding, hook on other...handy to hook onto elastic lost in a casing in addition to turning a tube!
  • Protect & Go Thimble from Clover - my favorite new thimble! Select size.
  • Double Needle Threader from Clover - one end fine, other side heavier
  • Steam a Seam 2 - paper backed 1/2" wide fusible web - a 'strip' of glue that bonds 2 fabrics together
  • Schmetz Needle Collection - Londa's favorite needles that will cover most any type of need based on fabric and threads
  • KAI 5135 scissors - small, but still large enough for quick clipping and trimming
  • KAI 5220 Shears - my favorite for cutting garments - invest in these to last a lifetime! Once you get 'hooked' you'll want to add a rotary cutter, cutting mat, etc.
I simply would NOT allow a student to 'fish' pins out of a tin in my classes...what a waste of time! AND, a 'pin' is NOT defined as those things that hold men's shirts together or a corsage on your jacket! Treat yourself to these wonderful PINS and a Pin CUSHION so you can easily and quickly retrieve them and store them as needed!
  • Ewesful Pincushion - sets flat, lubricates pins and needles at the same time. Saves time grabbing instead of in a 'tin'
  • Glass Head Pins from Clover - EZ to get hold of - won't melt with iron - perfect strength, yet fine enough for silks