Products That Make Sewing Easier As I Get Older

I'm not ancient but I am getting older. Fifteen years of living with rheumatoid arthritis has taught me to look for ways to make my life easier so I can continue to sew the beautiful heirloom garments I love so much. Today I want to share with you some of the products I use to help me aid me in making these garments.

gloves

Hoop Stand 

It is made from hard beechwood and sanded to a fine finish. It can be used as a table stand but I position it between my legs and sit on the base. The adjustable knobs help to get the embroidery hood in the best position for working on the embroidery. Handsfree eases the pressure on my joints plus I think my stitches much neater.

Hoop Stand

Electric Scissors

If I am cutting more than one layer of fabric, I use my electric scissors. They will cut multiple layers at a time speeding up the cutting out process. Batch cutting my pattern pieces is a real time saver. The electric scissors come with two rechargable batteries so there is always one charged to use when the other is getting slow. The scissors are not heavy so they are easy to hold. Plus, they are cordless so there is no cord to get in the way or get cut through. Mine were purchased on Amazon. Click on the link below to find the ones I use. The ones I use are out of stock at Amazon but here is a link to a similiar set.

Electric Scissors

Here is a short video demonstrating how I use the scissor to cut out the hoods for my towels.

Honestly, my GrabbIt magnetic pincushion has been a staple in my sewing studio or over twenty years. It holds my pins securely and makes cleanup a breeze. I don't use the pins that came with it. 

Grabbit Pincushion

The Oliso Iron ProPlus Smart Iron 

I first saw this iron on a You Tube video. It think it was a video by Sarah Ward with Sarah Classic Sewing. The Oliso has a clever auto-lift function. With a gentle touch on the handle, the iron effortlessly descends, poised for action. Release your grip, and the innovative scorch guards, a patented feature, gracefully raise the iron, safeguarding your fabrics from scorching. Leaving the iron in a horizontal position not only enhances safety but also optimizes efficiency, while providing relief to your wrists and shoulders. It also available in some fun colors!

Olisio Iron

I made a short demostration video on the smart touch handle.

Compact Iron

The Steamfast Mini Iron is the compact iron I use everday. It stays on my sewing table while I sew. The grip on the iron is very comfortable for my hand. It's light weight is easy on my hands and arm. The steam function is great and it even has a burst of stem feature. Click on the link and you can see the features of the iron and purchase.

Steamfast Mini Iron

There is another mini project iron I would like to try. It is by Oliso -same brand as my full size iron. I will link it below and provide a picture.

Oliso Mini Project Iron

There are other products I will purchase in the future as I see the need so I can continue doing what I am so passionate about - Heirloom Sewing and Hand Embroidery.

Have a fabulous day,

A small commission is earned off the sale of a product linked in this article.

Sewing Essentials Part One

 As a sewing enthusiast, I have my cherished notions and equipment that I rely on time and time again.Today, I want to share a selection of my personal favorites, some of which I consider essential and others that have proven to be valuable additions to my sewing studio. It's worth noting that these items represent just a fraction of my collection, and in future posts, I will delve into greater detail about all the different items within each category.

To start, let's talk about my trusty iron. Given the amount of ironing and pressing I do with sewing, I tend to go through irons rather swiftly, experimenting with various brands along the way. Since my iron tends to be in use for most of the day, I always opt for one equipped with an automatic shutoff feature. Allow me to introduce you to my latest iron, which has quickly become a favorite in my collection. Its performance has impressed me, and I truly appreciate its features!

As you can see from the picture, it is by Oliso and it is a smart iron. It's unique feature lies in the soleplate, which is capable of ascending and descending with a simple touch of the handle. Click here to go to Amazon and purchase. https://amzn.to/3ABpLyu

Nest, is my favorite and most used scissors. In my humble opinion, Gingher brand scissors are the best on the market for sewing. I really like this pair with the lock on them. They are so comfortable to use and cut with precision!

They are spring action. I purchased mine off Amazon and here is the link: https://amzn.to/427zYOH

Next up on my list of must-have sewing essentials if a seam ripper. I've owned different brands but my favorite is by Bernina. 

Several places sell them online and I don't remember where I purchased mine but here is a link to a place online that sells them. I buy multiples!

https://stitchinheaven.com/products/bernina-seam-ripper-006993-52-1?variant=39728155328572&variant=39442612781116&currency=USD&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&gclid=Cj0KCQjwgLOiBhC7ARIsAIeetVAY1Gly3_Ad-nUwcjQamv6QuGLjnxNmivu5lggr7Gm3Iak4zJWcJdcaAvcFEALw_wcB

My cutting table is where all projects start. I purchased it and the mat many years ago from JoAnn fabric store. 

https://www.joann.com/sullivans-home-hobby-table/13132808.html

The cutting mat is sold separately.

I found this one on Amazon that I like better and it has a grid top. It looks like you have to purchase a self healing mat separately. https://amzn.to/42dnMw9

Don't you just love the shelf and cute baskets!

Here is a self healing mat that should fit the top of the table.

There may be better options for the mat. Mine has lines for bias that I use often. Anyway, here is the link in case you want to check it out for yourself: https://amzn.to/3HqJTqS

Thank you for reading my blog. I will continue with Sewing Essentials Part 2 soon.

Note: I am an Amazon affliate and make a small commission of purchases.

Click on the buttons below to LIKE & FOLLOW me on social media.