60 mm Rotary Cutter – I have been wanting a larger rotary cutter for a long time. From quilting, you immediately learn how to use the standard 45mm rotary cutter. I finally bought one and fell in love with using it. The handle is more comfortable and the larger blade is more effective on the heavier weight fabrics. I tried Olfa and Fiskars and literally returned the Fiskars after one use. Olfa is my all-time favorite and will remain that way for a while.
Pegboard – I finally got a pegboard this year. No, it wasn’t the Ikea Skadis board. I leaned away from the Skadis board for several reasons. First, the board is expensive for what you get. Second, the board is wood and technically, needs studs in the wall. Third, the holes in it were oval which is not standard for many of the board accessories. So, I chose WallPeg’s pegboard kit. There are four 16″ by 24″ hard plastic pegboard with the standard holes.
Pegboard Accessories. I then purchased a 101-piece accessory kit with baskets, hooks, etc. In my current studio, I’m only using two of the pegboards. I can grow into the other pegboards as I need them.
Standing Desk – I use two 35″ wide Ergonomics. The top is in two pieces but they lay perfectly flat together. These tables are less heavy and more manageable than the larger ones that come as one slab.
I love that I can raise these to any height I wish. In my studio, they serve as additional sewing space and space for framing finished works.
Folding Tables – I used to have 36″ square card tables. I found that the padding on them makes the sewing machine bounce while sewing. I recently changed to two 36″ square hard top folding tables. These tables are foldable and can be packed up quite easily. I store containers under them while the tops function as my main cutting space.
Seam Tape – I attach these Honeysew pieces of the seam tape on my sewing machines. This tape comes on a roll and helps with 1/4″, 1/2″ and 5/8″ measurements.
Rotating Cutting Board – Before getting this board, I use to walk around the table cutting fabric blocks. Now, my 12″ square rotating allows me to just rotate the board. No more lifting what I’m cutting or walking around the table.
Suction Cup Ruler Handle – I used the Wonderjune suction cups for the first time on my 24″ long ruler. I leave it on one of my 24″ long rulers permanently.
Wood Pressing Stick / Tailor’s Clapper – This year, I worked on a seamed mosaic piece called Autumn Embrace. There were a lot of smaller seams that finger pressing where not work. I purchased a wood pressing stick and a clapper. One press from these did the trick. I didn’t have to always go to the ironing board for these smaller seams.
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