Sewing Essentials Part 2

This is the second part in the series Sewing Essentials. In part one, I talked about my iron by Oliso. Today I want to share with you the other irons and ironing essentials I use in my sewing almost every day. You might ask, "Why do I use more than one  type iron?". Different irons are for different projects and I will explain how and why I use them.

First, is my Mini Cricut Press. Yes, it isn't just for ironing on vinyl! 

It is great for ironing open seams. It is 110V. Power: 150W. Heating plate size: 1.9"x3.3". Auto power-off after 15 minutes no use. I love the auto power-off feature and the pretty raspberry color. Mine is blue!

Cricut Mini Heat Press

My June Tailor Cushioned Mat make a great small ironing surfacesurface beside my sewing machine. I can quickly press open a seam or block my smocking pleats. The one I use has a smocking block guide on one side and a diamond and scallops shape guide on the other side. It is no longer available but this one Amazon will also work. 

It took me thirty years of sewing before I discovered the Clapper notion. Jeanna Hannah from Blue Ribbon Heirloom Designs used her Clapper in a video and I knew I had to order one from her website.

I will link the Clapper in the picture and then underneath I will type the link to her video. In her video she demonstrates how to use the Clapper.

https://blue-ribbon-heirloom-designs.thinkific.com/courses/tailors-clapper-instructional-video

It is a challenge to short puffed sleeves beautifully ironed. There are several methods I have sed in the past but I achieve the best resulted with my Vin Max Puff Iron. It is no longer available but I found one on Ebay and will link it below for you.

Be very careful when using this iron. Always keep your fabric moving or it will scorch your fabric!

Occasionally I use this tiny iron when sewing. It is the Clover Mini Iron.

The iron I use in my camper is a mini steam iron and it is great. There was a recall on some of the older models but mine was not listed in the recall. I purchased it off Amazon.

It doesn't take up much space and I also purchased a handy travel case for it.

How did I sew for so many years and not know I needed a sleeve pressing board? I use this all the time when sewing during camping trips. It is lightweight, folds flat, and is easy to store. I first saw a demonstration using this board on a Facebook video by Jeanna Hannah of Blue Ribbon Heirloom Designs. A link to this video is posted below the image.

Jeanna Hannah Ironing Demonstration

Click this link to my Instagram reel demonstrating my use of the board and iron.

Sleeve Board and Iron Video

There are many more notions I use while sewing. I'll talk about pressing cloths in another post. All images have a link where you can purchase the item shown in the image. Have a great weekend! 

Note: As an Amazon affiliate, I make a small commission of anything you purchase from an Amazon link.

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.

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