Replies

1. 
   FitnessNut | Apr 05, 2006 04:31am | #1

   Off the top of my head:

   small, plain buttons in several colours
   snaps in several sizes
   hooks/eyes in several sizes
   selection of zippers in basic colours
   several weights of interfacing - both fusible and sew-in
   short lengths of lining in several colours
   shoulder pads in various thicknesses
   elastic in 1/2", 3/4" and 1" widths
   stay tape
   dressmaker's carbon

   I'll come up with more, I'm sure.....

1. 
   jd1row | Apr 05, 2006 10:00am | #2

   Thanks! I'll start shopping, and check back for any further brainstorms.Jeff

1. 
   mygaley | Apr 06, 2006 12:02am | #3

   Dear Jeff:  quilting pins (long, strong, and sharp), fine, extra-long silk pins (see gatherings discussion), a rigid ruler fastened in front of your machine, white craft glue, whatever you use for stabilizing under fabric while sewing (I use adding machine tape and old patterns), enough pin holders to keep your pins separate, cord to cover from rattail size on up (this is the thing I have had to make the most trips for!) and enough of the best machine needles to last a year (they won't).  Let us see some of your pictures.  God bless you, Galey

2. 
   solosmocker | Apr 10, 2006 01:03am | #4

   Jeff, I would be lost without my plexiglass tailors curve, quilting rulers ( they are great for non quilting), and my rotary cutter and cutting mat. This really speeds up productivity.

1. 
   jd1row | Apr 10, 2006 06:16pm | #5

   Thanks for these suggestions. I've started shopping and stocking up already! Jeff

3. 
   Wunmismom | Apr 10, 2006 10:22pm | #6

   I have a sample of all fusibles that are suitable for dressmaking close at hand. Here's how to do it:

   I cut out 6 x 6 inch squares of fabric in silky, cotton and suit-weight fabric. I then fuse an interfacing swatch to each and pink the edges. I use a permanent pen to write on the interfacing name, i.d. number and weight. I then use binder clips to hold the three swatches together. I then hang them on the back of one of my sewing cabinet doors close to the cutting table. I use these as reference when I am preparing to cut out. I then have an idea of the interfacings to reach for to make test samples from the actual fabric I plan to sew.

   However, to start with, I make certain that I keep a wide variety of interfacings on hand.

   Wunmi's Mom

1. 
   jd1row | Apr 11, 2006 03:19am | #7

   Actually, I've already set up file folders with one for each of about ten kinds and weights of interfacings. I use a variation on your samples suggestion, except that I sew a square of the original fabric to the square of interfaced fabric, so I can compare the two to help me make my interfacing choice.Eventually I would like to narrow down the range of interfacings I use, to make it easier to stock and to make decisions.Jeff

1. 
   Susan -homedecsewing | Apr 11, 2006 05:27am | #8

   How about some fray check, purple disapearing marking pen . I also made a poster with many different types of hem styles , it helped when training help to see how you want different hems for different fabrics done , also to show clients .

                                                                          Susan

4. 
   SAAM | Apr 17, 2006 07:45am | #9

   I would also include a loop turner, a stitch ripper, buttons to cover in various sizes, a variety of marking tools from chalk to pencils to tracing paper. A hem marker is very nice to have on hand, too.

   I buy trims when they are on sale — 5-10 yards at a time so I have enough to play with. I also shop sales for interesting buttons, frogs, and other closures. It's good to have quantities of tracing paper on hand for drafting or altering patterns.

   I also keep a bar of soap near my sewing machine. It's great for sewing on fabrics (like a lot of the metallics) where the stitches skip. I just run a line of the soap down the stitching line on the fabric. It lubricates the needle and no more skipped stitches.

   Sherry

1. 
   solosmocker | Apr 19, 2006 04:17am | #10

   LOTS of black and white thread. I never seem to have enough no matter how often I stock up.