Just fyi - a viewer has notified me that the mini iron I showed has been recalled so please don’t purchase (you probably can’t anyway) www.gov.uk/product-safety-alerts-reports-recalls/product-safety-report-steam-iron-for-clothes-handheld-garment-steamer-portable-travel-mini-iron-machine-2201-0144

My favorite safety pin is one of the big plastic headed diaper pins from the 60s when people used cloth diapers. It's super heavy duty and has lasted decades! I found it in my mom's sewing stash after she passed away. I buy self-threading needles that have a sort of notch at the top where you can pull the thread into it. They also have a tiny regular eye as well. The only downside is that if you pull too hard, the thread will come out, but it's easily rethreaded.

@foxynannabev

9 ай бұрын

I’ve got the self-threading needles 🪡 as well 😁 there a god send I could sew 🪡 without them cause even with my glasses 👓 on I still can’t see the eye 👁️ so I highly recommend these needles 😁 xx

I cannot do without my tweezers. I don't mean the long angled ones that come with your overlocker. I mean normal eyebrow tweezers. They are so good for pulling out tailor tacks, tacking stitches and unpicked seams.

@dshe8637

9 ай бұрын

Good idea. Saves making fingers sore, I bet.

As you were going through them I kept saying to myself "I've got that--oh, it's in storage!" I've almost finished getting my sewing area set up and I can't wait to get my sewing "stuff" out of storage. Love you, Claire!

I wanna hang out for a weekend and sew with Claire❤

When he was 15, 30 years ago, one of my sons bought me an 18” ruler. One of the best presents I’ve ever had.

In the US you can buy freezer paper (Reynolds) cheap, about $4 for a massive amount. It’s only 18” ride but is great for patterns, the plastic film side irons on to other stuff - great to toughen up tissue paper patterns! Also lines drawers, kids can paint on it, it’ll do a bit of Swedish tracing paper work.

@Zan823

9 ай бұрын

That's a great tip.

@MishaMishaSoprano

8 ай бұрын

Yes! My mom and I use for applique patterns. Iron to the fabric, outline with frixion pen, then peel and cut fabric.

I wouldn't be without my mini iron, so useful. I learnt to sew in school in the 1960's, and we always had red or white tacking thread, easy to see when it contrasts with the fabric, I still have some, several decades old now though. You do sound as though you are still a little poorly, so I do hope your virus clears up soon.

@Penguinandpear

10 ай бұрын

Thank you

You really are a breath of fresh air! Happened upon you recently. Really enjoy your cosy chatting style, giving lots of helpful advice. Hope you’re feeling better soon. I haven’t sewn for years, ie garments, as once my kids got older they preferred store-bought😩 I then got into patchwork and quilting but haven’t touched my machine in 3 years, as I wasn’t able to access my sewing area. However you are motivating me to get into doing what I used to love! The first dress I ever made for myself was when I was 16, and made a shift by hand, sewing. I learned drafting in a home ec class when I was 12, and loved that aspect. Thankyou for enabling me. 🇦🇺❤️

I also like the one about the frog tape. I love my small round magnets . They work great to hold down patterns to my fabric. Also when I’m tracing patterns I no longer use tape or pins I use magnets. I just got this new hem guide off of Amazon which is fantastic for holding my fabric together. Also I can use it to mark my fabric on back of hem and then turn it over and sew on front where the stitches look better. My son just got home this past Sunday from Israel. Yeah Israel! He had gone over with a church group right before the turmoil. So he gets back and gets Covid. I hope you feel better very soon.

@virginiaomalley

9 ай бұрын

God bless your son for going to Israel, and so thankful he and his church group made it back without being kidnapped. Those terrorists probably hate Christians as much as they hate Jews.

I also love 4 matching overlocker cones!

@roseannsilvestri3276

9 ай бұрын

I don’t know anyone who doesn’t buy 4 cones of overlock/serger thread of the same color..

@Penguinandpear

9 ай бұрын

@roseannsilvestri3276 I’ve had lots of people comment in the past about what they do so they don’t have to buy 4

Thanks for sharing your "must haves." I use many of the tools that you mention. Now I just have to start seriously sewing again 🤭 One thing that I learned when I participated in a quilting group was to use "bed risers" for your cutting table or whatever they may be called in the UK or whatever country. I live in the US and that's generally what they're called here, but you can use them under almost anything. They will absolutely save your back while you're standing and then bending to cut fabric or to do whatever task you do at a table. The 4 risers that you place beneath each leg of the table will give you an extra high table that will lessen the amount that you have to bend over your work. If you have a weak lower back and have problems working at regular table heights, like me, they are a lifesaver!👍 (of course you can DIY your own with wood or bricks or whatever.)

In our town, you can go to the newspaper office and buy the paper end rolls very cheaply, to use for altering patterns.

I like guttermann thread

You would benefit by using self threading hand sewing needles. Many options such as YEQIN 48Pcs Self Threading Needles

@Penguinandpear

10 ай бұрын

I hadn’t heard of those. Have put them in my basket thank you

Thank you for sharing your 30 best sewing purchases. I have always wondered how the. ‘Self-healing mats’ could be called self-healing…now I know that I am not alone! Good to see that you are recovering from Covid. It’s a nasty virus 🦠

@Laydera

10 ай бұрын

with self healing mats i believe they come with instructions on how to refresh them. I have a really bad headache and cant think straight but i believe its soaking them in warm water for a bit. not perfectly but works wonderfully.

The one thing I will definitely buy again is a properly fitting thimble. I bought one about 35 years ago, made from an aluminium alloy, which has never rusted. I am utterly lost without it. A few months ago I misplaced it somehow. I nearly lost my mind in search of it, luckily I found it in a bundle of fabric scraps left over from my last project.

I use a surgical scalpel to remove stitching. The blade is curved, allowing me to get under the thread, lift and cut. Laying the piece flat and then cutting. every 4-5 stitches, makes it very easy to pull out thread sections with a surgical tweezers. After removing threads, I always clean my area, brush out the inside of the machine, and then use an inexpensive link roller on myself and on my surroundings. Thread and dirt in the bobbin case can cause malfunctioning and lead to a costly repair, so housekeeping right away after removing seams is important.

Love this Claire. I love the 18”x2” ruler so much. I’m so glad your recovering. Covid is a bear. ❤

Your linen top is beautiful and the color is great.

The one tool I reach for everyday is a razor blade instead of a seam ripper. Learned to use it years ago from a bridal maker. I did alterations on gowns and it became my best friend!

@jojosewist8921

8 ай бұрын

Nancyhurt1745: I am with you, I use single edge blades ( safer in my shaky hands) but having trouble finding any right now, 1 will last a very long time, but mine are 40+ yrs old, and getting dull.

Hello friends - I'm back with a new video, I hope you like - if you do consider buying me a kofi www.ko-fi.com/penguinandpear 😍 Also, if you are wondering why I am back home, I published a new chatty updates video on @lifebyclaire talking about my current situation here: kzread.info/dash/bejne/d6Oko8p8YpyXk9o.htmlsi=zauG3ULT8UqppkLM enjoy xx

Hi Claire Bear, Thanks for the chatty update video, I watched it when it came out. Thank you for remembering the test of the crayola pens, I did not imagine you would remember it with all that is going on for you. I will certainly get myself a set soon. Don't feel bad about buying 4 overlocker cones - I purchase 7 when I am making stretch knits; 4 for my overlocker and 3 for my coverstitch machine and that way I can go from one machine to the other without the need to unthread one machine and thread up the other. One suggestion, Try getting one of those extendable magnetic rods from a car shop - they are amazing. When I drop pins, I just extend my magnetic rod/pen thing and sweep it round and I don't even need to bend over to pick up the pins. I got mine in a pack with a magnetic dish and magnetic tray and I keep those by my sewing machine and they are amazing as they are much more magnetic than the dishes sold in sewing shops. Thank you for your videos, I enjoy them very much. As always, (((( Hugs )))) to you.

Lots of great ideas sometimes you need reminding of what you have take care 😊

I'm so sorry you have had Covid. Take care of yourself and don't push yourself right now. Rest is best when you are recovering.

My hands and fingers do not work right anymore. (Helps me to change needles, threada needle , buy it , you’ll see) I use a Hemostat everyday in my sewing room. You can get one for under $5.00. Cheap ones work just fine.

I can’t live without my walking foot! It has three interchangeable presser feet, which (surprisingly) I use. I do regular maintenance on it. It is a lifesaver when my shoulders hurt because the walking foot keeps my fabrics together…I don’t feel like I have to do anything other than make sure the fabric is not pulling (just from the weight of the project) or catching on anything on my sewing table.

@annewhitney8809

9 ай бұрын

I leave the walking foot on my machine most of the time too.

Love you Claire❤ glad to see you’re recovering from this latest challenge - COVID! Ugh!

Love your videos ♥ I can't go without safety pins, needle threader or my sewing scissors. Real paper for patterns, lots of thread in many colors either. The one thing you didn't mention is the rubber no skid for under my sewing machine peddle is a must. Just use a piece of carpet no skid backing. ,,,, no more chasing my machine peddle around, hallelujah 👍 ♥

a travel iron is great and works just as well as mini and it costs under ten pounds,

@Penguinandpear

10 ай бұрын

I thought they were the same thing.

@jojosewist8921

8 ай бұрын

@@Penguinandpear they are, "a rose by any name" but sometimes you pay for that special name.

@Penguinandpear

8 ай бұрын

@@jojosewist8921 that’s true lol

Claire I find your videos really inspiring. ! I am retired now and I was finding threading my old singer hand machine a real challenge, so I did some searching and found a brother 16 novis machine with an automastic need threader and a good basic range of stitches on it. It is an absolute JOY to use and the manual is so well presented with good illustrations. I am only a basic sewer but since having this machine I have even had a go at freehand embroidery on it. Its the bottom of the range of computerised machines but so easy to use.

Really good to see you are looking so much better, I had covid the same time you and this variant is a bad 'un for sure. My pick would be extra wide tracing paper on a roll as it lasts years and saves so much time and pennies long term.

@Penguinandpear

10 ай бұрын

I picked up some d-ribose and it helped my Covid fatigue.

@klbybee69

9 ай бұрын

Great video. Glad to hear that you are getting over covid.

I use “ W onderWeights” that I purchased but other have made them by purchasing the covers for toilet bolts- filling with quick cement- finishing off with a felt bottom. If i can upload a picture I will.

I wouldn't be without microserrated scissors for cutting fabric. They hold it as they cut. Magic! Tim Holtz does some long ones too. I love those wonder clips. I sometimes use a kids' gluestick to hold seams while sewing. And I do sharpen my needles instead of throwing them away. I use some Autosol polish on a bit of cardboard and stroke the needle on it a few times while rotating it. You can use a bit of toothpaste instead, or just cardboard dry. Gets them honed and ready to sew, good as new

I am so glad to see you! My most comfortable shirt is linen/cotton. So nice and cool, but layers well over tanks or long sleeve t-shirts. The one I have isn't my best color, so when I figure out a good button up shirt pattern for me, I'm looking for linen.

@Penguinandpear

10 ай бұрын

I’ve also been looking for such a pattern. I’m thinking of the ilford jacket but as a shirt by Friday pattern co or maybe the kalle shirt by closet core but not decided yet.

Love the frog tape idea Claire. I agree about the walking foot, as I bought one this year when I started sewing knit fabrics. Linen is wonderful to wear, especially during menopause. ❤

@foxynannabev

9 ай бұрын

ooh I didn’t no Linen was lovely to wear especially during Menopause - thanks for letting me no 😁 xx

I have Guttenheim shears, and Gutterman thread. They make a difference. I have 4 matching spools and rotate them through loopers and needles to keep the amount of thread on each thread about even so I don’t run out of one color early.

My tip for rulers with measurements printed markings cover the printed side with clear contact... this protects the marking increasing the life of the ruler

I agree with you!

I'm with you on the serger thread. I always buy 4 matching cones when I need a new color. Thanks for your list!

I use four cones too. I try to combine others, but I just prefer all matching.

Oh, and a desk lamp!

I love that you and I share so many opinions! Glad you're recovering. Thank you for your videos.

I love my schmetz needles, tried others but I find the schmetz are the best

Another great video, thanks again! I have quite a few of these items, and many of them are ones I can't do without now. I do love my rulers, markers, magnetic pin dishes, snips, and so many more. All sewers should have these things! So sorry you have had Covid, and I hope you feel well now. I have pneumonia right now, so resting and watching your videos is just what I need to keep my mind occupied! ❤ I hope you're having nice weather where you are, that's a morale booster!

I have just ordered a pair of 10" fabric shears. I'm enjoying your tips, I was using a pair of 6" shears and you mentioned that with the longer blade I would have to make fewer snips I was on the Amazon site right away, can't wait to get them!

Loved your idea of organza ribbon to stabilize seams. That it doesn’t add extra bulk is perfect. I also like your suggestion of woven interfacing. I had never thought about the aspect of flexibility in the finished garment.

@Kakkydidit

10 ай бұрын

Shops sold taffeta seam tape years ago. I don't why that's hard to find now.

@lisajoborchers

11 күн бұрын

Woven interfacing! This is will try! I make shirts, and am always unhappy with the fusible or sew-in.. Thank you!

If you don't mind the $ prices... then the TULA PINK notions are fantastic. I have 2x awls, 3x tweezers, 2x embroidery scissors, 1x applique 6" serrated scissors, 1x 8" fabric scissors and 3x gripping pliers. The only things I don't have of her collection are the rotary cutter and the seam ripper as i already have favourite brands of those. I highly recommend TULA PINK hardware if you can find them. They're still around but you have to search. 🍀

Thanks Claire,

Agree with all your selections. I think I have them all!!! Great vlog. I would never be without my LDH shears and snips.

Great video! You covered so much that I need to watch again to digest it all. Thanks!

100% agree with #18. I love how aurifil comes in different thickness and thinness. I've found it to be a dream for hand-sewing. I love using the thicker aurifil for hand-sewing eyelets. It's wonderful to have an option for very, very thin thread for darning very thin garments, too.

I have serger thread I bought when I bought my serger, over 35 years ago and it’s still going.

New subscriber here, although I do not make clothing I want to give some simple pieces a try, like summer jackets (without lapels). You are so efficient with your tips, for this sometimes impatient video watcher, I am impressed, thank you so much

I got a Cam Snap Press & made some strips to keep cords snapped together. I don't make many bags, but here in States they are making plastic bags obsolete & even charging for paper ones so having several totes w/flaps/snaps & reinforced bottoms is wise. I like cotton everything...interfacing, thread, fabric, batting, etc. It's not easy to find cotton PJ'S (pajamas) anymore so that's a great item to make. I've been on a clothesline cord fabric wrapped bowl, coaster & trivet frenzy. Everyone loves them. ❤

I’m part of the shaky Jane club too, it can be a real bummer. I would do just about *anything* for one of those hydrolytic tables though! I’ve got quite a messed up back & can’t sit for long at all but they’re something I can’t even consider ($$$). I’ve pined over them for literally *years* .😢

4 cones in 1 purchase is a wonderful idea. I will adapt that practice. especially sewing solid white fabric.

I’ve got Covid. I managed with vaccine and isolation to avoid it completely. Went through chemo too. Went to a sewing weekend at the V&A last weekend. My husband came too. We think he picked it up in a museum. I have been really unwell for three days. I hope your experience was not as bad as mine

@Penguinandpear

9 ай бұрын

Sorry to hear this, it’s pretty bad isn’t it. I’m still suffering a bit a month later. Probably the fever and joint pain was the worst. Feel better soon.

With you on using 4 same colour thread reels for my overlocker. For soft furnishing making it is amazing how many plasterers rulers are useful.

Thank you for this, it was great! The frog tape tip was my favourite. But I agree with all your best buys! I would add a press stud press. Those pliers are terrible to use (Prym) and ruin so many press studs. I’m going to invest in a proper vertical press as I really like press studs and hate, hate, hate sewing them on! I hope you are all better now and over the Covid x

Thank you Claire as always really good advice. I love your style of presenting and the fact that you are not saying we need all the expensive things. I am so sorry you have the panini bug as I call it you, are a trooper doing a video. I hope you feel much better soon. Looks like you are setting up a lovely stitching area. Look forward to more sensible and useful videos. Take care.

My 1 X 6 in ruler is my most used!

You are a joy to watch and listen to. Love all your tips. Going to buy some of that tracing paper.

If you have made a tutorial on how to adjust a pattern to your size, I haven't seen it and need one. I know the French rulers are supposed to be great help so I bought one and don't know what to do with it. I love your honesty and personal opinions! Great videos. Thanks from Indianapolis, Indiana, USA

@Penguinandpear

10 ай бұрын

Do you mean grade a pattern bigger or smaller? I have a really old video on that, if you go to my oldest videos youll find it. If you mean how to adjust a pattern to specifically fit your body that would be impossible to create for everyone - however if you watch any of my makes videos i show how I make adaptions. There’s also a compilation video where I put all the adaptations in one video.

My favorite is rotary cutter

outstanding content! well done.

Abslutely love your video. Very clear, no sidetracking. Love that you mentioned tools that help sewing with shaky hands. I also need lots of light as my sewing corner is in the basement.

Your video was very informative !!! I like your suggestions!!! Hope you feel better soon!!!

So sorry about the COVID. When I had it, the fatigue really hung on! Good luck, dear girl.

I hope you feel better soon.

Hope you're on the mend!

I hand finish the binding on my quilts and use a tiny needle for that, I find the Clover desktop threader works really well for those. I thread a load of needles at once and store them in a weird little gadget, a Clover dome storage case, (a pin cushion would work too) to save time.

Love my Kia 7000 series scissors

You are very helpful love your show

Thanks for your informative review, great tips.

I use heat erasable pens instead of washable markers. I use almost all of your "most haves". I've actually been sewing for 57 years ... since I was 12 years old!

@moiraberniegatt9491

9 ай бұрын

I’ve used airraisable pens but if you don’t use them on the day…they’re gone 😩

All good choices😊

Prayers for healing. I really enjoyed your video. I have a lot of the things you mentioned already. I want to buy curved rulers. Thank you for sharing. God bless you.

My favorite sewing shears are made by Kai. They have all kinds of scissors, but these have the long blade, are very sharp and are lightweight. If you are doing a lot of cutting, they are a lifesaver. I got mine on Amazon for less than a hundred dollars.

@dcwatashi

9 ай бұрын

Kai scissors are here in Washington state near Seattle. They actually make two kinds of left handed scissors.

@magdavanzyl6141

9 ай бұрын

Kai rotary blades are the best. Can't quilt without it.❤

@deborahosorio553

9 ай бұрын

@@magdavanzyl6141 I didn’t know about their rotary blades. Thank you!

@dcwatashi

9 ай бұрын

@@magdavanzyl6141 didn’t know they even made rotary blades. I found some good titanium ones for a decent price from watching another KZread video.

Thank you for your helpful tips.They are really helping me to sort out my stash of sewing stuff. happy sewing.

I think I have one of everything you mentioned except for #! - a rivet press. Thanks for sharing!

I love them all. My favorite out of your list is, which I do not have at the moment, fortunately it's almost Christmas, is a bias tape maker, a must have.

Hello, From Trinidad all God"s blessings, you are such a beautiful soul do find peace in the beatful things God has made there is such beautiful things in nature enjoy being a part of it take a walk in the park. Shalom God bless......

Girl after my oun heart!

Love your tips especially the rulers, thanks❤❤

Thankyou for this as a quilter there were several things that I will add to my sewing room. Always buy the best quality that I can afford. Thank you from Australia, I use a travel iron that is like an ordinary iron but smaller.

Luckily, the mini iron I purchased was made in 2023 As far as linen goes, I thought it wrinkled quite easily, but your blouse didn’t look that wrinkled

Hope you're feeling better!!! A friend gifted me a Bohin needle threader. It's THE BEST THING EVER!!! It is a bit pricey, but I now have one for each of my sewing kits.

I love every single thing I have to start all over again because my thing went out when my home was Remodel

@Penguinandpear

9 ай бұрын

At least you know what you really need now. I’d love to start over with the bare minimum!

Brilliant useful vid. Thx so much.

A lot of wisdom in that video, thanks very much. You take the best care of yourself you can my dear. ❤

Coming up on 25k subscribers! 💟

I just found you’re channel and look forward to watching the rest of your videos. You’re presentation is lovely. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Congratulations from Canada 🇨🇦. I hope you feel better soon.

This popped up in my feed today, and I'm grateful. I can't wait to Bing watch your channel. I usually make quilts but I wanted to try sewing a few dresses, nothing fancy, just for around the house or going to the store.

@Penguinandpear

9 ай бұрын

Welcome! You can do it esp if already an experienced quilter!

I like my serger cones matching too

I used to have a plethora of seam rippers. I now have only one that I love. The clover seam ripper is the best. It fits in my hand so much better and is sharp. Come on over to the Clover side!

Agree about the 4 cones… I like to buy 5 so I have the same color on the sewing machine. Not the best thread for a sewing machine but there ya go!

I'm pleased I have most of your favs in my sewing room, but I don't have a rivet press, I think I need it! 😊

Thank you for video. Get well soon. 💖

Thank you, very informative! Hope you feel better very soon. Take care.