tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post6339345049173893645..comments2024-03-15T06:24:43.983-04:00Comments on Diary of a Sewing Fanatic: Question of the Day...Carolyn (Diary of a Sewing Fanatic)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02204627216540667980noreply@blogger.comBlogger60125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-25375363705211102862009-09-03T18:48:09.633-04:002009-09-03T18:48:09.633-04:00I sew hundred's of yards of fabric using my tr...I sew hundred's of yards of fabric using my trusty little metal bias tape maker. I was looking for something to save me time and maybe let me daughter help. (she wants to iron, but she's only eight and I'm not comfortable with that) I actually got to use one of these today and found it to be very frustrating, by the time you roll the fabric around the spool,unhook the metal bias tape maker from the base, force feed the fabric through the metal bias tape maker, then put it back on and reattach the heating element cover, you could have ironed several 3 ft long strips. I wish that I could find a heavier duty one that you could do different sizes in. You can only do one size on this one. Oh well, it was a nice thought for someone like me who makes yards and yards of this, but I wouldn't waste my money.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-61915519989322963922009-07-26T17:18:38.476-04:002009-07-26T17:18:38.476-04:00When I first saw the bias-tape maker at my local H...When I first saw the bias-tape maker at my local Hancock's, my thought was, "If my sister lived closer, we could split the cost of that..." but upon reflection, I really don't need even a time share with one of these. My sidewinder, which I got for $20 on a super sale, I love and wouldn't want to part with it!Marthanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-28342246933369651362009-07-25T05:01:54.224-04:002009-07-25T05:01:54.224-04:00I think to make these things viable, you have to d...I think to make these things viable, you have to do an awful lot of bias-tape making and cutting to make the products work for you. I sew professionally and I just use the old-fashioned manual method of making bias tapes....pulling it through a bias tape form, and ironing it. It works splendidly and it doesn't take up that much room in my studio. I really can't afford the space for more equipment in my studio. When the blind-hemmer came out a while ago, I resisted that, although look like fun. <br /><br />More gadgets, more things to go wrong.<br /><br />I sound like my old fuddy-duddy elders!!!ClaireOKChttp://clairekennedydesign.typepad.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-66286418897289402752009-07-24T01:49:53.717-04:002009-07-24T01:49:53.717-04:00Nope, myself, I like making do with using the simp...Nope, myself, I like making do with using the simple tools I already possess. I remember when I got my rotary matt & cutter as a gift, I didn't even use them for several years but do now! and I consider them as part of my 'simple tools' which also includes a simple Bernina machine, really nice scissors, lots of fabric abd threads...AlaskaBerninaGirlnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-53113577768783347492009-07-23T09:16:45.104-04:002009-07-23T09:16:45.104-04:00Just one more thought - is it possible to make you...Just one more thought - is it possible to make your own iron-on bias in 1 step with this? If so, that would be a point in it's favor. I know I've see the original style of tape makers with an extra slot to line up the adhesive, but I haven't seen anything on whether it's possible with the new gadget.<br /><br />JustGailAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-88676983204141058112009-07-23T09:07:14.583-04:002009-07-23T09:07:14.583-04:00I agree they are not needed, but they might make t...I agree they are not needed, but they might make the job easier for some. I don't know that the bias maker is more suitable for quilters. Someone earlier pointed out that the binding on a quilt is folded differently. Where it could be useful is for making a lot of bias tape for use in applique, like "stained glass" quilts. As far as the cutter, it could also be useful for other crafts, such as cutting many yards of fabric strips for crochet, knitting, rug making, etc. If you had to buy a rotary cutter & mat or a *good* pair of scissors, you could end up spending about as much as the cutter.<br /><br />For me - bias tape maker - no, the fabric cutter - I'm considering it.<br /><br />JustGailAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-88486274454114365492009-07-22T23:50:30.562-04:002009-07-22T23:50:30.562-04:00Carolyn, as a"hard-core quilter," mentio...Carolyn, as a"hard-core quilter," mentioned in one comment, I can honestly say that I wouldn't want either gadget. For one thing, the binding on quilts isn't folded the way those things fold it. Properly done quilt binding is folded in a way that results in two layers at the edge of the quilt (where is receives the most wear). As for the cutter, I'd much rather use my rotary cutter, ruler and mat. They are like my big skillet in my kitchen; they handle lots and lots of jobs and store in a small space.<br /><br />Sherry in Little RockAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-76885092603770891042009-07-22T17:48:30.862-04:002009-07-22T17:48:30.862-04:00Don't think so! I'd rather make my own th...Don't think so! I'd rather make my own than have another one job only gadget. My rotary cutter and mat are wonderful multi-taskers and cutting and making bias strips really isn't that hard. Just another gimmick if you ask me.Summersethttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00364235843222794829noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-49797446636049071902009-07-22T15:33:24.694-04:002009-07-22T15:33:24.694-04:00this is really not a needed item. If I was given o...this is really not a needed item. If I was given one I would probably try and use it often, but I can not justify the cost. <br /><br />I do however love the bobbin winder. It is great for the old machine that my kids use which does not have the "pin" for the thread to be held onto while winding the bobbin.Carolynhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07796707418802409299noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-89494895448350451142009-07-21T21:06:25.609-04:002009-07-21T21:06:25.609-04:00I have considered this purchase,but I rarely finis...I have considered this purchase,but I rarely finish my sewing project so I would not purchase, mainly due to the price. I have noticed that many of the newest patterns require bias tape. I would then make it, you can never find the one in the store to make your project not look homemade and match your fabricAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-21217587152555121902009-07-21T19:31:54.378-04:002009-07-21T19:31:54.378-04:00You know me, what ever floats your boat.
I can&#...You know me, what ever floats your boat. <br /><br />I can't justify the amount I would LIKE to spend on shoes, so if dropping a hundred on a sewing thing-ma-gig makes someone happy...go for it. <br /><br />It just won't be me though.Deihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03562697818407106209noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-62623363327410324292009-07-21T19:23:58.746-04:002009-07-21T19:23:58.746-04:00In the gadget vs. tool category, I'd call this...In the gadget vs. tool category, I'd call this one a gadget. So no, I won't be buying this.NancyDaQhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00609215745927535353noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-56285637137548879402009-07-21T14:09:08.656-04:002009-07-21T14:09:08.656-04:00No way! I'm definitely from the old school of...No way! I'm definitely from the old school of dressmaking and quiltmaking. That being said, I was won over to use rotary cutters and find that investment of numerous rulers and large mat to be very worthwhile and time saving. With those tools making bias binding is a snap.Karennoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-16174946914056002012009-07-21T13:33:27.286-04:002009-07-21T13:33:27.286-04:00I almost bought this last week with my Joann's...I almost bought this last week with my Joann's 50% off coupon. I really have to say that I detest making bias binding. Call me lazy (I know it's the truth), but I just don't like to do it. I quilt and sew and I think this gadget has a big draw. The binding makes the difference in the professional look of my garments so I know I need it for most of my projects. <br /><br />Of course with that all being said, I didn't get it at 50% off, either. lol.Susanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13658613964862931960noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-86251757091575060862009-07-21T13:20:16.402-04:002009-07-21T13:20:16.402-04:00They're useful if you have the money to spare ...They're useful if you have the money to spare and the space to hold it, but they also remind me of the hot dog cutter!<br /><br />http://www.liltulips.com/feeding-11/dinnerware-51/toddler-bites-sandwich-hot-dog-cutter-580.html<br /><br />I mean, who, WHO buys that?Junehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02807743649365159492noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-4845124594754553302009-07-21T12:00:36.231-04:002009-07-21T12:00:36.231-04:00Hi Carolyn... you know, I quilt and sew clothing. ...Hi Carolyn... you know, I quilt and sew clothing. But I don't really need either of these to gadgets to get the job done! Now if I were making bias to sell maybe to get it done faster... but when I'm sewing I'm into the enjoyment not the rushing thru to get it done! <br />Cooking has gotten to be the same way... you have to have this gadget to make sandwiches and this one to make hotdogs, coffee, popcorn.... it goes on and on. But, that is our American Enterprise... people figure something out or invent a new thing and away they go. People who are practical aren't going to buy this "gadget".... unless they really see a need.Jean C.http://dougjean.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-43498101431419699252009-07-21T11:26:26.869-04:002009-07-21T11:26:26.869-04:00All the comments are very interesting. I particula...All the comments are very interesting. I particularly liked Llama's thoughts.<br />As with most questions, it depends on who you ask. Most of the responders (I think) are garment sewers. I'm a garment sewer. So, for me, no, I don't see the need. But, this is a garment sewers' blog. Try asking hard core quilters what they think, and perhaps, I don't know, perhaps the answers will be the opposite. <br /><br />This kind of question is at the heart of what matters to everyone. Pointing fingers at 'stuff' and making derisive comments just because it doesn't matter "to you" doesn't make the thing any more or less valuable to someone else.<br /><br />I have an older model sewing machine. I love that thing. I wouldn't think of spending ten thousand dollars on a sewing machine, even if I could pay cash for it. But that doesn't mean that those who have purchased them are making unwise purchases. <br /><br />It's the old adage of one (wo)man's trash is another (wo)man's treasure.sewsynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-72390615863039719932009-07-21T10:50:22.189-04:002009-07-21T10:50:22.189-04:00Initially I was ga-ga over it and just knew I need...Initially I was ga-ga over it and just knew I needed it. Then thought I'd only used my clover bias tape makers a few times and with that scratched it off my list. <br /><br />Now I need to justify why I need a full fledge embroidery machine...hehe.Sheilahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03688900287732221253noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-13630605796222495662009-07-21T10:39:36.223-04:002009-07-21T10:39:36.223-04:00Once upon a time, someone said the same thing abou...Once upon a time, someone said the same thing about sewing machines. ;-)<br /><br />Are they strictly *necessary*? No. Can they make life easier? Yes.<br /><br />I own a 19th century Willcox & Gibbs treadle machine in near mint condition. It works well, so I don't technically *need* my 1970s vintage Singer Athena 2000 with umpteen special stitches. Come to that, I don't even *need* a machine at all. I've got needles and thread.<br /><br />No tool will make you *better* at what you do for the tools do not the artist make. Or as my dad says, "just because you stick a paintbrush in someone's hand, doesn't make them an artist".<br /><br />That said, I probably wouldn't buy the bias tape maker in this economy, but if money were no object, I would.<br /><br />Think of all the things today that we consider normal/not a luxury...<br /><br />Cars, dishwashers, washing machines, vacuums, crockpots, televisions, etc. Once upon a time - and even today - some of them were considered frivolous or luxuries or unnecessary.<br /><br />There's not enough money in the world to have me try to make my own bias tape. I've nearly sliced my fingers off with my rotary cutter SO MANY TIMES that I don't even reach for it anymore. To put it in perspective, I can buy the bias tape maker or pay a copay at the ER... They cost the same.Nina Suluhhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08616884472638151080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-87911103440776709712009-07-21T10:32:06.290-04:002009-07-21T10:32:06.290-04:00I saw those and thought, why? I make my own bias ...I saw those and thought, why? I make my own bias tape and don't even use the little Clover maker, just do it like my Grandma did, iron it by hand. I quilt, too, small items and do that by hand, too. I have a serger and don't even use it as much as I could to keep in practice of french seams and other finishes. Sewing is, for me, a learning process and I like doing some of it old-fashioned. I agree with others, looks pretty flimsy, too. Bobbin maker, toss-up. Mine won't keep the thread spool on it well, but I have never gotten good at making bobbins on the Bernina. The old Kenmore, no problemo. So it is a necessity for now...Myrahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16163175961766563965noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-3610786466516911792009-07-21T10:22:51.020-04:002009-07-21T10:22:51.020-04:00I would so rather spend the money on fabric. I am ...I would so rather spend the money on fabric. I am a sewing notions girl, but I don't use enough bias binding to make these gadgets worth buying. A good, long metal ruler and a fresh rotary blade are enough for me.Nancy Khttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02235347323004026695noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-27005152021653047902009-07-21T10:16:55.183-04:002009-07-21T10:16:55.183-04:00Perhaps the value of these machine varies dependin...Perhaps the value of these machine varies depending on whether you are a "process" sewer or a "product" sewer. For many, it's the process of sewing that they love. Coming out with a great garment at the end is a perk but not really the reason they sew. Others want a great garment but want the process to be faster so they can spend their time enjoying that finished product. <br /><br />I would not purchase either of these machines because I am developing a nagging concern about the reliance on "gadgets" in our society in general. We're losing the knowledge and skills of those who came before us because society views them as obsolete and unnecessary. Being self-reliant and making do aren't things we do well anymore. I suspect that all those "old-fashioned" skills would come in pretty handy about now!The Slop Queenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15016975240602344883noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-88354454163336074932009-07-21T09:56:18.210-04:002009-07-21T09:56:18.210-04:00I don't see the need for this; bias tape is so...I don't see the need for this; bias tape is so easy to make. I suppose if you needed hundreds of yards at a time, but you know you can just send the fabric off and have someone professionally cut it if you need an obscene amount.Mardelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04850551308931710502noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-85501788684227589662009-07-21T09:48:17.903-04:002009-07-21T09:48:17.903-04:00I echo what the others say about not really needin...I echo what the others say about not really needing something like this unless you're a professional quilter. But I do see the value of the right tools. The two teens I am teaching struggle more than they need to now simply because they don't have a lot of the tools—like a rotary cutter, different sewing feet, pressing hams, etc.—that make sewing so much easier.Meghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16245730088359572839noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-38832427861446935092009-07-21T09:14:46.415-04:002009-07-21T09:14:46.415-04:00Well, I don't need one, but to each his own. I...Well, I don't need one, but to each his own. I wouldn't give up my serger, or my bobbin winder, or my sewing machine.<br /><br />What do you think women said when they first saw a machine that sewed? What kind of gadget is that? Does a homesewer really need such an expensive piece of equipment? Think of all the lovely fabric I could buy.<br /><br />If people are buying these things, more power to the manufacturers. Do I need one? Nope.Lindanoreply@blogger.com