Which leads me to multiples of sewing supplies...see I realized the other day that I own quite a few basic sewing tools. 5 or 6 sewing gauges, 4 magnetic pin holders, 3 pairs of duckbill scissors, 3 tweezers, about 100 bobbins, etc.
It got me to thinking...do other sewists collect as many supplies as I do? Or am I really just a hoarder...an organized hoarder...but a hoarder just the same!?!
So this is the Question of the Day - do you collect multiples of sewing tools? And if you do which ones do you hoard/collect the most of? Inquiring minds and all that so talk back to me people!
...as always more later!
I can not have enough rulers & seam rippers ! But I also have multiples of many other tools, patterns ,books etc ...
ReplyDeleteI confess that I have multiples of a few things - seam rippers and little scissors - because they are constantly disappearing. Then I get another one. And then the "lost" one re-appears. It's a vicious cycle. But right now I am down to only one seam ripper. The others have taken off!
ReplyDeleteI own multiple rulers and seam rippers (the same model of each) for this very reason. Do they hop or crawl away?
DeleteI am weak for scissors and shears, and then marking tools. I can also say, I hoard interfacing....lol that is funny to me. Especially, since just yesterday I was trying to buy more from a fellow sewist. I discovered of course, that I already had what I needed. Then of course there is the almighty pattern drawer. whew!!! This hurts just talking about it.
ReplyDeleteDepends on how many places you sew. I prefer to have pins, seam rippers, measures, small scissors etc by each machine I own-have 4, to save sewing time. I also have a basket with more in for when hand sewing/mending etc by the fire or in the sunshine.
ReplyDeleteI have lots of Tools, but only have multiples of seam gauges and magnetic pin holders. Three gauges and two pin holders. I have several pairs of scissors but each is different NAND have different uses: shears, pinking shears, appliqué scissors, thread nippers and a small sharp embroidery pair. I have lots of different colors of thread, but I have been sewing for many years.
ReplyDeleteWell, I just ordered 50 bobbins fr ebay, I have about 30 seam rippers, 10 scissors, 10 rulers, a 100 yd bolt of black interfacing, ditto for white, along with my 11 machines (mostly vintage) 1serger, 1merrow, 1 blindhemmer
ReplyDeleteI'll finish now--guess you could say I'm just passionate about what I do! And definetely in a good way
ReplyDeleteI have at least 5 seam rippers, 3 tape measures, 3 pairs of shears, over 50 bobbins , and couldn't tell you how many rulers! I feel panic that I might need something and not have it like elastic or zippers so I buy 30 yard rolls of the usual elastics or a bunch of random zippers from WAWAK. I could probably teach a sewing class with all the stuff I have lol
ReplyDeleteI do have plenty of tools, but I do not have tons of multiples. I have a large tiered Plano fishing tackle box that I keep most of my frequently used sewing tools in. I do have a lazy Susan from Pampered Chef on my cutting table that holds scissors, seam rippers, pencils, pens, gauges, etc. Tools that I use less often are in a chest of drawers.
ReplyDeleteThe only things I've got duplicates of are chalk wheels and small scissors. I wish I had more than one seam ripper as it keeps walking! I don't count bobbins as duplicates, I can't imagine how I'd work without a large supply unless I wasted a lot of thread.
ReplyDeleteI have currently five seam rippers on my work table. But I still buy a new one every month because those suckers flat out escape to the wilderness never to be seen again. I swear, one of these days I'm going to find a hundred seam rippers outside of my window, all have jumped to their death to escape from me.
ReplyDeleteI also have quite a few bobbins and I'm thinking of getting more as I'm lazy and like to have a spare bobbin always available without the need of unwinding one.
I also have a lot of rulers, three tape measures and a few odds and ends. I do have duplicates of most of the tools I have merely because I don't want to waste time on trying to find one. I also like to keep a pair of snips on my sewing machine, a pair on my overlocker and a pair on the work table. It just saves time and time is priceless.
I love this topic, but have one more to share: If you want to feel better about how many tools you have, go watch Adam Savage (of Mythbusters) on You Tube walk through his shop and his multiple tool boxes. I am taking a tip from him as to how I store my tools (upright, easily accessible) and reorganizing the sewing desk. I have access goals more than destashing ones. (just search on 'Adam Savage toolbox')
ReplyDeleteScissors are one thing I tend to hoard and have multiple pairs but most other things I am content to have singles of. I cannot do with out my magic gauge for measuring and my lovely bone point turner which is a family heirloom. Lately I have purchased just about every foot available for my machine as I have been converted to how easy a purpose built foot makes the job,
ReplyDeleteInteresting topic-I have several variety of scissors-regular, duckbill, embroidery, some of my grandmother's scissors. I have numerous gauges as I am always misplacing them during the sewing process, lots of bobbins, numerous plastic boxes to hold threads and a variety of marking tools. Plus at least four measuring tapes.
ReplyDeleteIm convinced seam rippers & socks hide in the same place....so I have multiple seam rippers but thats the only thing Id say I stock pile. I do love me some sewing gadgets so I try to buy the sensible ones that just make life easier.
ReplyDeleteBut it's so necessary!!!
ReplyDeleteI don't know how many bobbins I have but there are a lot!
I have 4 or 5 seam gauges. 3 pair of thread snipper scissors (one at the sm, one at the serger, one at the ironing board). I have several measuring tapes. I have 4 seam rippers. I have 4 pair of scissors. I have three Chaco chalk liners, 3 clear rulers...
Lots of tools. But they all get used!!! :)
Just got a new machine so I know I'll need to get more bobbins. Have multiple seam rippers, pin cushions, rulers and a ton of measuring tapes.
ReplyDeleteAh yes, the tools of the trade. I found, organizing my sewing room and putting things in their new places, that I have an affinity for scissors, and an abundance of tape measures, rulers, hem gauges, and other measuring devices. What I don't have, that I think I"ll order today - a Simflex buttonhole gauge. I also need some more empty bobbins! I just noticed I have 4 irons, but they're all different shapes and sizes, different purposes.
ReplyDeleteOn another note, you'll be happy to know that I've been sewing! It's boring stuff as far as blog posts go, but basics that I need, and I'm getting tthe fit issues solved! whoo - hoo.
I have loads of bobbins (I hate needing to unwrap perfectly good thread if all the bobbins are filled and I need a color not filled.)
ReplyDeleteI collect thread in all sorts of colors to ensure I have just the color I might need someday.
Lots of needles, both hand and machine.
A boatload of pins. (where do they go? Seriously?)
Buttons...coz you just never know
hair elastics (I use them as button loops so I pick up packs of different colors when I see them)
most everything else I think I only have one of (or maybe 2, like cutting shears since I recently bought a new pair but did not get rid of the old pair)
I have 5 or 6 each of my favorite thread snips and 2x18 inch clear rulers so that, where ever I am in the room, one is always within arms length reach. I also have multiples of magnetic pin holders, seam gauges and tape measures. I could probably use more bobbins.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great post. Now I have a lot of supplies but not as many as you Carolyn. I have always considered myself a hoarder when it comes to sewing fabric and sewing supplies. So I am not sure what that make you ummm maybe uber - hoarder. Keep posting as I love reading what you have to say.
ReplyDeleteI have quite a few items that I collected when teaching sewing. Those will be given away to 4-H sewing students as I don't use them at all. I have lots of scissors and use 1 pair for cutting and two pair hang on the peg board. I have small scissors for at each machine to cut thread, and lots of other small items that I use. I have less than 50 bobbins though and will use the thread on them for basting. I do buy sm needles in a container of 50. I am trying to keep the tools to a certain number as I don't need any more.
ReplyDeleteme, i am just a hoarder :-) and not nearly as organized as you!! but i have 100 bobbins, and trays of pins everywhere, and 3 or 4 pair of good scissors, and, like, 4 seam gauges and seam rippers and tailor awls and quilting rulers, 2 or 3 thread snips...i just like to have a small stash ready wherever i might work, so i even keep a little dish on my television ottoman!
ReplyDeleteIn training my Dear Husband to look out sewing items at local thrift stores, I may have created a monster. My new mantra is "no more sewing machines, honey!" He has an eagle eye for vintage patterns, and hem markers, and buttonhole attachments, and notions and such. I give away what I can, but at present there are ... five electric machines (three in table/cabinets) and one treadle machine from 1914 in the house.
ReplyDeleteI have three pair of good sewing shears, and two pair of scissors for paper. I have 6 seam rippers, because I want to be able to throw them away when they get dull (except for one fancy one that I send away for sharpening). My favorite new tool isn't for sewing at all. It is a jeweler's loop that I use to see the teeny tiny numbers on sewing needles! Worth it's weight in gold. The first time I saw the magnified point of a dull needle was a revelation!
ReplyDeleteI have sewing needles in all different types. There is nothing worse than getting ready to sew and realizing you are all out of the necessary needles. I have quite a few tape measures because my child went through a stage where he thought they were for him to cut into individual inch pieces. Three irons sit at the ironing board. I only have one seam ripper though (because they all keep disappearing).
ReplyDeleteMultiples: scissors, bobbins, threads, variety of pins, tape measures, rulers, fabric markers, machine needles, hand sewing needles, sewing reference books...need I go on?
ReplyDeleteAbout 20 tape measures in both standard and longer lengths. Where they go when you need one I don't know? Probably my handbags. Also rulers and French curves and 100's of bobbins. I have loads of machnes and they all seem to take different types.
ReplyDeleteI, too, recently bought a new-to-me machine, so I get to start over with the different feet. My Janome is well stocked with feet, but can my Bernina Series 8 do without a walking foot or rolled hem attachment (and many more)? I think not.
ReplyDeleteAnd I'm with those who say "more bobbins, more bobbins, my precious, my bobbins." Especially with the Jumbo bobbins - who can justify unwinding a half- or more ful jumbo bobbin? The cost, though, is giving me pause.
Is it hoarding if you use things? I think we're clear that getting multiples of scissors, pins, rulers, presser feet, bobbins, thread, interfacing, fusible and water-soluble web ... is require, and it's definitely not hoarding.
Yep, I have multiples of some things. I keep thread clippers and magnetic pin cushions next to every machine and by the ironing table. I need to pick up another pair of duck bill scissors. When JA has their next 50% off sale I'll buy a new surgical seam ripper since I broke the tip on one of them. I try to keep sewing tools in the area that they are used so I don't have to stop to go get them. It makes me more efficient.
ReplyDeleteImma seam guage, magnetic pin holder, seam ripper, small scissors/duckbill scissors, ruler kinda girl.
ReplyDeleteI really don't have a lot of multiples, and the ones I do have are for a good reason. I have a 2 story house, have to use a chair lift to navigate between floors, and my studio is upstairs. Machine sewing gets done in my studio, but lots of hand sewing is done downstairs while I "watch" TV in the evenings. It's very convenient for me to have a seam ripper on each floor, pins, and little orange handled Fiskars in 2 locations. My specialty scissors live in my sewing studio though.
ReplyDeleteMy fabric collection is rather extensive, and I don't feel one bit of guilt about it, or count it as "multiples", after all, each piece is a different pattern. ;-) What I don't use in my lifetime, will be donated to a local organization that teaches women who have left abusive situations to use sewing as therapy, and a creative outlet.
I like having multiples of my favorite tools next to every seat that I frequent in my house. I've recently found a new favorite (http://fruitfrommyhands.com/2014/09/23/p97/) and I hope to purchase a couple more soon. Then I will never be without one.
ReplyDeleteSigh. It's *not* hoarding if you intend to use all of it, right?
ReplyDeleteI used to purchase a lot of random stuff from garage/estate sales, so I have multiple scissors, seam gauges, thread snips (including one pair at work for those loose threads that I overlooked). I have enough bobbins, thread, needles, and rotary blades, all purchased at local chain fabric stores when they were 50% off (so I shop my stash when I'm working on a project). I'm being more selective of my notions and tool purchases (the last major purchase were some sewing hams, ham holder and a soft pinnable arm from an estate sale. My favorite tool is my wrist pin cushion (I made it :) ), thread snips, and seam ripper. I think that I need a pair of duckbill scissors, but I'm also enjoying the feeling of *wanting* something.
Acquiring sewing notions is collecting for me. I love them and am always on the lookout for something new. I have multiples of seam rippers, sewing gauges, stilettos, small scissors, and tweezers. I have a supply of these at each of my four machines that are set up around the room. Of course these things often get "lost" from their original places and must be retrieved as they are found and put back. I also have two french curves (one inherited from my grandmother), a hip curve, a variety of other quilting type rulers, several types of larger scissors, about 4 tape measures, 4 pincushions, multiple bobbins for each machine. Need I go on? Rest assured, you are not alone.
ReplyDeletehello, this is goldie (enabler, from S.C.), I would like to e-mail you. how can I. goldiefish9@comcast.net please
ReplyDeleteI was with you until I saw "100 bobbins". So no, not there at all. I probably have 100 spools of thread, though!
ReplyDeleteYes and no... maybe lots of multiples, but I keep seeming to buy more stuff! Stash fabric, thread, needles, patterns, trims, and yes tools. Some of it is trying to find the perfect... name it.
ReplyDeleteI don't have that many bobbins, but I've got more than a few. I've got multiples of thread in colors I use, which is admittedly not all that many but still quite a few in their own drawers. I have 4 magnetic pin holders and one fancy wrist pin cushion. I must have 5 seam rippers and of course have trouble finding one when I need it. I've got 4 or 5 sewing gauges too A new sewing tool is almost as much fun as buying new fabric. Good tools make work or in this case sewing, so much easier and fun.
ReplyDeleteAll my income comes from sewing, so I guess I am a "professional" sewer. I work with what I need and no more. I have 3 scissors, 1 snips, 2 rulers, chalk, invisible marker, pins, set square, 2 tape measures, pattern drafting card, I buy all my thread in large spools, I have about 20 bobbins although I have to be honest and say I do need more. I have the usual bowl of coloured threads and needles for hand sewing. I have 3 seam rippers. Vital is a small tool box with a variety of screw drivers, tweezers, needles etc. I have lots of zipper tape and locks of course. The iron and board are never put away. I almost sew with the iron on as I use it a lot! The most essential tool is my glasses. Can not work without them!
ReplyDeleteOh, how I agree with that last post! I went to my last class furnished with all necessary kit and more (my duplicates mirror everyone else's) but found I had forgotten my spectacles. I really can't work without them.
ReplyDelete