Replies

1. 
   alotofstitches | Apr 07, 2009 04:15pm | #1

   I saw in one Threads issue to buy large metal washers and wrap in cotton scraps tied with a bow.  4 of the large washers about 1.5 inches in diameter feel the same weight as my plastic covered weights that are no longer available here.

2. 
   sewslow67 | Apr 07, 2009 05:54pm | #2

   Perhaps this link will help, as there seem to be a couple of Website where you can order them by mail.

   http://aic.stanford.edu/sg/bpg/annual/v15/bp15-15.html

1. 
   soie | Apr 08, 2009 07:47am | #4

   Thanks, I saw that site, and Clotilde doesn't carry them as I've checked their latest clotilde. It has an ad for another item but the little weights are pictured in use in the ad. I contacted Clotilde, and a manager told me that these are available somewhere on-line. Then Clotilde did an about face and said I could find them in a craft or fabric store, but that they couldn't help me. It was all very wierd. Anyway, still searching. Thanks for your reply.

1. 
   sewslow67 | Apr 08, 2009 08:22am | #6

   I just checked Nancy's Notions, and this is all she had.  Here's a link, if that might be helpful.  I originally got mine from her, but I didn't see the ones you are talking about (which are the same as what I'm using).

   http://www.nancysnotions.com/product/supplies/pattern+fitting/pattern+weights+12+pk.do?search=basic&keyword=weights&sortby=newArrivals&page=1

3. 
   CarolSewsAZ | Apr 07, 2009 10:40pm | #3

   I saved those small containers that camera film comes in and fill them with rice.  They are very convenient and FREE!

1. 
   soie | Apr 08, 2009 07:48am | #5

   Thanks, that's a good idea. I was going to make some of my own with rice anyway, but these little ones are so handy, and tidily packaged. Such a loss for me, after using them all these years! Thanks for your suggestion.

4. 
   JunkQueen | Apr 08, 2009 07:24pm | #7

   Would the ones available here be what you are looking for?
   http://www.steinlaufandstoller.com/Workroom%20Tools.htm

1. 
   sewslow67 | Apr 08, 2009 07:31pm | #8

   That's it, JQ.  I'm sure soie will be grateful for your help.  And ...I just wanted to add that this is a terrific Website.  Thanks for sharing it!

1. 
   JunkQueen | Apr 08, 2009 07:34pm | #9

   It does have many "goodies", doesn't it? These sites have replaced the Sears and Montgomery Ward catalogs as our 'wish books'....

2. 
   soie | Apr 09, 2009 08:01am | #10

   Yes, thank you sooo much!  Those are it, I'll contact them right away to order a set.  Very cool, thanks for reading and responding.  What a great site this is!

1. 
   JunkQueen | Apr 10, 2009 04:30am | #11

   I can't tell you how many times people have helped me here. I'm happy to have passed on the favor.

1. 
   soie | Apr 10, 2009 08:21am | #12

   I'll certainly keep that site as a resource, but, sad to say, they haven't updated their website and now only carry the same Dritz cloth-covered 4-pack that everyone else has, not the Wonder Weights.  I was seriously bummed!  So, now I'll have to move on to the sewing community to see if anyone's aunt or gramma who doesn't sew anymore has a set in their stash they'd be willing to part with :)

   Thanks again!

1. 
   JunkQueen | Apr 10, 2009 04:38pm | #13

   What a shame. I know you were disappointed. I am disappointed for you. I know many of us here on the forum will keep our eyes and ears open for clues to the whereabouts of these elusive buggers.

5. 
   FunkyMum | May 09, 2009 02:51am | #14

   I bought this kind of weight in another brand at a Fabricland...but I'm in Canada, maybe you don't have this kind of store where you live??

1. 
   soie | May 09, 2009 09:37am | #15

   I'm in Southern California, and we don't have Fabricland here.  Are your weights covered with a sort of white plastic, and have you seen them in the store recently?

1. 
   FunkyMum | May 09, 2009 05:35pm | #16

   Yes, the weights are covered in a kind of non slippery white plastic and they are about 1in. in diameter.  I try to upload a picture, I never done it before, hope it works! I bought them just before Christmas for a really cheap price...

   
1. 
   Cityoflostsouls | May 14, 2009 05:49pm | #17

   I don't have any weights but I believe it was Nancy who said she used only 2 pins to line up her pattern pieces and 2 weights.  I don't think I'm steady enough with the shears or rotary cutter to do this.  However I'd like to do away with my rotary cutters.  Does anyone else out there dislike them, as much as I do.  Maybe I need a better quality but even on television they don't always cut through.  Maybe I'll try the weights.

1. 
   starzoe | May 14, 2009 06:00pm | #18

   Before I found a set of weights at a thrift store for $3, I used anything that came to hand for weights, when I needed them. Nice, rounded river rocks do a good job but even now I still basically use pins.As for rotary cutters. In my opinion they find their best use in cutting quilting pieces but are not best for cutting out patterns. I have much more control with a good pair of shears. To be able to use rotary cutters when cutting out patterns, a very large cutting board is necessary.Blades need to be changed often, some fabrics dull the blades.

   Edited 5/14/2009 11:02 am ET by starzoe

2. 
   JunkQueen | May 14, 2009 06:23pm | #19

   I like rotary cutters for cutting bias strips for piping and other trim.

3. 
   starzoe | May 14, 2009 08:55pm | #20

   Oh yes, I use the rotary cutters for that too, I find though that it is not accurate when cutting out patterns on fabric. Cutting through paper is also a no-no, it dulls the blades very quickly.

4. 
   JunkQueen | May 14, 2009 09:08pm | #21

   I agree with you. Can't cut out patterns with them. I thought I was just not dexterous enough to make it work, since I can manage straight lines only. Fabric cutting tools should never be used on paper, as I so often have told my husband. To his credit, he finally came around and no longer steals my fabric shears. He now has his own, which I might add are dull, dull, dull. I wish I could say I didn't remind him that "I told you so", but alas, I must confess to some gloating.

5. 
   Palady | May 14, 2009 10:09pm | #22

   As to the use of sewing shears vs rotary's - might it be how one is "entrenched?" 

   Like many have said, I work better with scissors cutting out a pattern.  With a Fisker rotary, my result is less than accurate.  Yet my daughter, who began sewing well into her mid adult years, is a master with her Olfa's.  She uses scissors, but far and away in the rarest of instances.

   I'd have to say she was comfrotable using scissors.  As a child we called her Miss Snipsnip because she'd be cutting out all manner of whatever.  Usually using the kitchen shears which she'd fall short of returning to their rightful spot.

   nepa