Thread Catchers

Instead of doing what I was supposed to be doing, I decided to stitch some thread catchers!

This one was inspired by this photo; I loosely followed this tutorial to create my version.  I used fusible interfacing on the outer fabric to give it some shape, then used boning inside the rim so it would hang open nicely.  The boning wasn't the easiest to work with, but I like that it keeps it open.

To anchor my catcher to my sewing machine table, I simply needed something that would sit under my tool caddy on the table.  

I stitched a piece of fabric covered cardboard to to the catcher; it seems to do the trick.

Then, I stitched these simple twin reversible, portable thread catchers.  They were inspired by this pattern.

I interfaced both layers of fabric so they would have enough body to stand up on their own.

They are designed to fold flat for storage or for travel.

Twins!

Love them, love the fabric!

Let me know if you're interested in a tutorial or the dimensions; I'd be happy to provide that info.

(Just so you know, once I got these stitched and out of my head, I was fully motivated to do what I was supposed to be doing in the first place - altering a strapless junior bridesmaid dress that was so big around the bust that it fell off the poor girl!  After I did my part, the dress fit perfectly, and mom and junior bridesmaid were pleased.  :)  )

New Cutting Mat

This HUGE box arrived today...

with my new 24x36" Olfa cutting mat.  I have no idea why I waited over 20 years to upgrade to a larger mat.  My original mat held up so well that I could never justify replacing it...until the grid lines disappeared from all the cutting I've done over the years, and until I saw how cheap they are through Wawak.  It's a great source of sewing/tailoring supplies - quick service, good pricing, and reasonable shipping.

Should have done this years ago - the larger size is way more practical!!

Rotary Cutter for Pinking Blade

 

 

OK, I'm back from JoAnn's with the correct rotary cutter for use with the pinking blade I had purchased yesterday!  It definitely made things go a lot easier.

 

Here's the item number;

 



 

the package should specifically say that it will fit a pinking blade.

 

This model has a spacer that allows for the pinking blade.

 

 

OK, I'm back to prepping fabrics for preshrinking!



 

Pinking Blade

 

 

OK, I picked up a pinking blade today at JoAnn's, but didn't realize that the regular cutters aren't designed to work with the special blades.  Oh phooey!  I was able to limp along (the blade kept falling off!) and pink a few more fabrics, but I'll plan to run back to JoAnn's tomorrow for the appropriate cutter for this blade.  Even though I'm going to end up spending more money than I intended, it still is way quicker that using pinking shears, and it does save all that time trimming raveled threads.