Great idea number two is not my brainchild either. I have taken to taping Fons and Porter lately. I probably just delete most of the shows, but did manage to watch a full one the other day. At the end of their program is always a "tips" section with usually some pretty clever ideas. I loved this one:
On top you can see how I store my sewing needles. They are in a little plastic box and I try to maintain some sort of order. They inevitably mix up and fall out of the box all of which drives me bonkers. Below you see a days of the week pill box. If you have elderly parents, you know these well. Well, one of F&P's viewers figured that you could put Schmetz needles in one of these. Brilliant. So here is my attempt.
Its pretty obvious I passed a sheet of solid label paper thru the printer and Word and then stuck them on each day of the week. I think this is a pretty cool tip. I have this right near my sewing machine now. Thank you Fons and Porter. Now, if you are going to try this, you really need to bring your Schmetz needle cases to the drugstore with you. While the needles fit this case, I can't stack them very deep, because of the blue tabs you push to spring up the lid. This whole endeavor cost me all of $4.59.
Do you have any really neat, clever tricks up your sleeve that you may have picked up in the blogosphere, on TV, or even from your very wise Mom? If so, please share in your comments. Thanks!
******************************************************************************
Great tips. That Mr. Clean sponge is a miracle worker, I use it for everything but never thought to try it on the iron. THANKS!!!
ReplyDeleteThe tip about cleaning the iron is wonderful! Thank-you! I always gag from the fumes of cleaning a hot iron with (love your name for it) "toothpaste". And it seems that whenever I fuse lots of interfacing, despite presscloths and my best efforts - the iron is always gummy.
ReplyDeleteBunny - I'm going to remember both of those tips because they are so helpful!!!
ReplyDeleteJust did some fusing with my Singer press today and I bet those sponges will clean it, too. Thanks for both these tips. Ingenious.
ReplyDeleteMr. Clean sounds like magic! I love making bags and love the ones in your pic, curious abt the one you made!
ReplyDeleteBunny, Bunny, Bunnny....elderly parents...is that what I have become. I have four of those boxes...three for daytime pills, and I prepare three weeks at a time, and one for nighttime pills. Oh, my, Oh, me, I feel so bad...or is it old???? Or Just, Plain Fat and Unhealthy??? and need all those pills for lets see--Cholesterol, Blood Pressure, Fluid Retention, Keeping the blood thinner, memory, Good Bones...Yipper, I've turned into my parents???? LOL
ReplyDeleteOh thank you!! I love the needle tip! Or, should I say the tip for the needles. Perfect!
ReplyDelete"elderly parents" LOL Who you calling "elderly"??? I have one exactly like that!!! Never even thought to put anything but drugs in it.
ReplyDeleteLoved your tips on sewing the faux leather. I have several pieces of it, just draped over my quilt rack, because I've been too afraid to even THINK about working with it. (they were gifted to me) I may get brave after all your tips.
Hope your lungs are clearing. Cough-Cough-Deep Breaths!!!
Wonderful tips! My iron is always in need of cleaning. I will try the Magic eraser today!
ReplyDeleteOh thanks! I have those magic erasers upstairs and downstairs in the laundry room. Need to clean the iron, and today I'll try this.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to clean my iron! thanks for the tips!
ReplyDeleteFirst of all I am a new reader of your blog, and I just love it!
ReplyDeleteI store my needles and my sewing machine feet in plastic embroidery floss organizers ...which works well for me.
Thanks for the tips!
I'm going to buy an Magic Eraser today to try it out. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteBut that elderly parents comment, sheesh! I use those pill holders. They really save a lot of time,
I clearly have struck a nerve here and I am so sorry. Taking care of my deceased Mom was a very intense period for me that I know some of your are going thru now with your parents. Maintaining her pillbox was one of my duties, one I only wish I could do for her today. It is the only experience I have had with a pill box so that's where my thoughts came from. Hope you all take this in good faith and enjoy the tips too. It probably won't be long before I have my own pill box, one without needles, at the rate I am going!
ReplyDeleteGlad that you are doing well and sewing again. Thanks for the tip about cleaning the iron. That was on my list of things to do today.
ReplyDeleteNot only would they be great for needles, but I think the very large pill holders might also be good for storing presser feet.
ReplyDeleteI haven't tried that eraser spongie thingie on my iron, but it really works in my bathroom....and I have that tempered glass stuff that shows just one little spot of water residue. Can't wait to use it on the iron - and love your needle organizer, might have to use that one too!!!
ReplyDeleteBunny, love the tips, and I know about preparing the pill box for an elderly parent. Did it myself for a couple of years. But lately I've thought of using it for myself....I'm almost 60 :(
ReplyDeleteIndeed it looks like a great organizer for lots of small items. I have one of those Magic Erasers around somewhere, but have a brand new iron and haven't needed to clean it yet. Know I know what to do, thanks!
dear Bunny, I love your tips, whether they are original to you or not! Thank you for your continued generosity.
ReplyDeleteGreat tips, thanks for passing them along!
ReplyDelete