The Juki Industrial PLC 1690 high post-bed machine makes author Anna Mazur's wish list.
In #182, Threads authors, editors, and staff members shared their sewing tools wish lists for this holiday season. While we were working on that issue, we had a few more ideas and thought we’d share them.
Industrial high post-bed sewing machine
Someday I would love to own a post-bed and cylinder-arm industrial sewing machine so that I can sew more elaborate leather bags made of heavier leathers. Although all the handbags featured in my book, Handbag Workshop, were sewn on my old Singer 6268, all along I kept dreaming of creating the designs from heavier leathers. The Juki Industrial PLC 1690 high post-bed machinemakes it possible to sew with the heavier materials and is capable of sewing the tight, intricate areas effortlessly within a three-dimensional bag, as well as sew smaller tubular accessories.
-Anna Mazur, author
Juki.co.jp; call for prices
Pattern curve drafter
I want a good design curve ruler. I borrowed a pair of SA Curve Pattern Drafters when I was making a dress for my sister, and I found them indispensable as I transferred multiple alterations from muslin to pattern. The pattern-drafting tools are transparent and have recently received several improvements over the original versions. SA Curve Pattern Drafters are ideal for marking stitching lines on patterns, adjusting or adding seam allowances to patterns, and for accurately drafting curves. A 12-inch-long straight ruler is built in. The tools come in 1⁄2-inch, 3⁄8-inch, and 5⁄8-inch ruler widths.
-Jeannine Clegg, Threads Senior Copy/Production Editor
Etsy.com/shop/sacurve; $17.50
Fine glass-head pins
I’m looking for quality, fine glass-head straight pins, and Collins Glass Head Pins by Prym USA seem like a great choice. At 1-3⁄8-inch-long, they’re just the right length to use easily without getting in the way; the glass heads are heat-resistant; and the sharp, very fine 0.50-mm steel shafts slip smoothly into even a tightly woven silk’s weave.
-Jeannine Clegg
VogueFabricsStore.com; $6.39
Fabric depiller
There are many more fabric blends on the market these days, and that means more fabric pilling. I found a nifty tool that’s the best at removing pills. What’s great about the Gleener Ultimate Fabric Depiller is its three detachable heads. There’s one each for large bulky pills, medium-to-large pills, and delicate pills on fine fabrics. The heads click into place; just push the release button to change them. The head doesn’t cut the fabric, just catches and removes pills. It’s also got a comfortable ergonomic handle and attached lint brush. I love mine!
-Ruth Ciemnoczolowski, author
Gleener.com; $25.98
High-capacity steam iron
The Pro Iron Station 3000IS is Reliable’s heaviest, highest capacity home ironing station, and it’s a good option for the home sewer in search of a commercial-grade, pressurized steam iron. Its water tank holds 6 cups of water and delivers up to 2 hours of continuous steam at a pressure of 35 psi. As long as I aim for an ironing station, why not go for one I’ll refill half as often? Plus, it’s got a 6-foot-long steam hose for maximum reach.
-Sarah McFarland, Threads Editor
ReliableCorporation.com; $449.00
What is on your sewing wish list? Let us know by leaving a comment.
My sewing wish list includes another great year of Threads Magazine (oh, the day it arrives!!! There have to be other readers who can actually put that feeling into words. Best I can say is that Threads is the plasma which connects and fuels us far-flung creative-types. We're out there, others are out there, and we now have a way of finding our herd, and learning new things.)!
The on-line content is outstanding. Video clips and tutorials are always a must see.
Then there's the comment sections - fun to read, and contribute to.
FriXion gel pens! I have some and want more! They disappear with heat and are my all-time favorite way to mark fabric. Not only that, they are erasable on paper and write very smoothly.
All good, but I don't see the point in those glass-headed pins. And they cost 7 bucks? That's a rip-off
The "point" (haha) of the glass head pins is that they can be ironed over without melting onto your project! Anyone who has had little bits of plastic left on their fabric knows what I'm talking about. A total disaster! I don't use anything else unless I'm doing home-dec, and try not to even then. For heirloom sewing they are a must-have. Lace shaping is simply impossible without being able to iron over the pins! And for anyone with sensitive fingertips, using those plain little steel headed pins is just too painful.
Reallly useful for women's