{Michelle Patterns}

Sewing Machine Oil in Syringe Applicator

Yesterday afternoon I took the "DIY Sewing Machine Maintenance" class at PDX Seamsters and they had these handy syringe style machine oil applicators.  On my way out the door I bought two of them--one for me and one for my mom. 

They work great!  The needle applicator is perfect for getting the oil in just the right spot, without using too much.  You just squeeze the bottom and a drop comes right out.  I'm pretty sure the other class attendees bought them too.  We all oohed and aahed over them and vowed we must have one. 

The class was very good.  I learned some things I didn't know, and we took our machines apart and oiled places I didn't know existed. 

I'm not having much luck finding these things online, so link finders do your magic.  If you can find these for sale online, please post a link in the comments.

 

Tip for the Sew n' Sharp Needle Sharpening Pad

I just sharpened my machine needle and wanted to share this tip if you also sharpen your needles with the Sew n' Sharp needle sharpening pad: sew through it with thread in your machine (at least a few times in the beginning). 

You can use it without thread, which is what I was doing, but I discovered it gets easier to fit under the foot if you sew with the machine threaded.  I wanted to keep it all neat looking, which is sort of silly.  It is a purple needle sharpening pad that serves a useful purpose.  It doesn't need to look good! 

Rotary Blade Sharpener

The company that makes the Sew-n-Sharp needle sharpening pad also makes a rotary blade sharpener that looks interesting. 

I don't cut much with my rotary blade, but when I do go to use it, it is always slightly dull.  But then when I go to the fabric store, I always get distracted by a million other things and forget (maybe my brain is slightly dull too...?) to buy more blades! 

I might try the rotary blade sharpener out.  Has anyone else tried it, or maybe something similiar?  The needle sharpening pad is wonderful, so now I'm curious whether the rotary blade sharpener is just as fabulous.

 

Superboard - It Really Is Super

I just got a new Superboard and wanted to share my love for this cardboard cutting surface. 

The Superboard is great because you can make a bed or table into a cutting surface, and then you can fold it up and stash it away when you're done.  I consider it a sewing room staple.

Here are some highlights:

• The entire perimeter displays measurements.  It really useful when cutting out long straight pieces for straps, or measuring off yardage.  

• A metric equivalency chart is included.   

• It is made of Kraft board and will last for years.  My old one is a bit banged up on the corners, but I've had it for about 10 years.  I will continue to use it, but wanted to have a fresh one.

• There are bias guidelines, scallop & circle patterns.

• It folds up neatly for storage and can be tucked into small spaces to keep it out of the way.