Tips: April 2008 Archives
Good lighting is always a concern for quilters.
I was recently asked about the overhead lighting I have for my longarm:
We purchased the overhead wiring feature (the basic framing/rails, etc.) from APQS
as an "add on" when I ordered the machine. But, the lights are separate
components that Jeff added by attaching them with clamps to the frame.
He purchased the lights from Home Depot. There are two light units. So...two pieces of rail/track with 3 lights in each. More individual lights can be purchased and added on to each track. The feature I like best is that you can turn each individual light to the direction you choose (within the limits of it's turning capability). I think we paid around $40 per unit.
Thanks to Stephanie for asking for clarification. Happy quilting to all...
I was recently asked about the overhead lighting I have for my longarm:
We purchased the overhead wiring feature (the basic framing/rails, etc.) from APQS
as an "add on" when I ordered the machine. But, the lights are separate
components that Jeff added by attaching them with clamps to the frame. He purchased the lights from Home Depot. There are two light units. So...two pieces of rail/track with 3 lights in each. More individual lights can be purchased and added on to each track. The feature I like best is that you can turn each individual light to the direction you choose (within the limits of it's turning capability). I think we paid around $40 per unit.
Thanks to Stephanie for asking for clarification. Happy quilting to all...
I have a tall (for me, but I'm short) table that Jeff built for me years ago when I started machine quilting on my domestic sewing machine. I always preferred to quilt larger quilts while standing up. Standing is less stressful for my back.
Jeff--being my hero--came to my rescue and built the tall table and it was wonderful. But, now that I have the longarm I don't intend to quilt anything very big on the domestic machines anymore.
So...what to do with this great table? I love recycling items into other functional items so I decided to turn it into a quick and dirty pressing table. The top is approx. 44" wide, so it's perfect for pressing cotton fabrics. Picture below shows side view.
How did I make my quick & dirty pressing table? I grabbed my staple gun, some Insul-Bright and some fabric stash. First I staple-gunned the Insul-Bright, then I tacked down the "skirt" which consists of 3 stash pieces/panels around 3 sides (there was no edge finishing here because it's simply QUICK & DIRTY).
The under side of the table will be for storage and the skirt hides the stash/storage from the side views. This is my front/"working" side of the table showing the "under storage" area. You really can't see this area unless you are in the working area. I may add a skirt panels to this side later...if it starts looking too disorganized or messy.
It's a true quick & dirty pressing table and I LOVE IT!!! When the top "cover" fabric is in need of changing, I'll simply pop out the staples and wash it or replace.
Jeff--being my hero--came to my rescue and built the tall table and it was wonderful. But, now that I have the longarm I don't intend to quilt anything very big on the domestic machines anymore.
So...what to do with this great table? I love recycling items into other functional items so I decided to turn it into a quick and dirty pressing table. The top is approx. 44" wide, so it's perfect for pressing cotton fabrics. Picture below shows side view.
How did I make my quick & dirty pressing table? I grabbed my staple gun, some Insul-Bright and some fabric stash. First I staple-gunned the Insul-Bright, then I tacked down the "skirt" which consists of 3 stash pieces/panels around 3 sides (there was no edge finishing here because it's simply QUICK & DIRTY). The under side of the table will be for storage and the skirt hides the stash/storage from the side views. This is my front/"working" side of the table showing the "under storage" area. You really can't see this area unless you are in the working area. I may add a skirt panels to this side later...if it starts looking too disorganized or messy.
It's a true quick & dirty pressing table and I LOVE IT!!! When the top "cover" fabric is in need of changing, I'll simply pop out the staples and wash it or replace.
If you've ever used those "hard" U-shaped handles in your handbag making, you may have experienced the little screws coming loose on you. In the picture below, I'm referring to the silver U shape and the screw that attaches it to the handle. I know it has happened to me...so I bet it has happened to others.
A very quick, inexpensive and invisible "fix" is to fully tighten the screw and then dab a bit of clear nail polish (on head of the screw and on the threaded side if you can reach it) to seal it the screw. It has been at least two months since I tried this fix and it is still holding beautifully.
I mean...wow...it's no fun to be shopping and one side of your handle pops off your gorgeous bag! I was especially bummed because it happened to me about the 2nd week I was carrying my Miranda Bag (the bag I made is pictured below -- click here to read my review of The Miranda Bag pattern & see more pictures):
Are you looking for some handles or hardware for your next handbag project? Click here to check out some ideas at Sew Thankful.
Are you looking for a fabulous new handbag pattern? Click here to see what's available at Sew Thankful.
A very quick, inexpensive and invisible "fix" is to fully tighten the screw and then dab a bit of clear nail polish (on head of the screw and on the threaded side if you can reach it) to seal it the screw. It has been at least two months since I tried this fix and it is still holding beautifully.
I mean...wow...it's no fun to be shopping and one side of your handle pops off your gorgeous bag! I was especially bummed because it happened to me about the 2nd week I was carrying my Miranda Bag (the bag I made is pictured below -- click here to read my review of The Miranda Bag pattern & see more pictures):
Are you looking for some handles or hardware for your next handbag project? Click here to check out some ideas at Sew Thankful.
Are you looking for a fabulous new handbag pattern? Click here to see what's available at Sew Thankful.
