5 Tools of the Trade

I know they say “a poor workman blames his tools” but having quality tools really does make a difference.   I have a drawer full of tools, but these are the ones I couldn’t manage without.

1.Scissors: Fiscars 4inch blade

This pair is my favourite.  I’ve had them 10 years or maybe more, and for the past 3 years have used them most days.  I’ve had them sharpened once.  They are still really sharp and glide through even the thickest fabric, like butter.  I have a bigger pair, which are brilliant for large scale cutting out jobs, but only having small hands, I prefer these for general use. 

2.Set squares

This old wooden T-Square was my grandfather’s.  I’m not sure what he used it for but it’s perfect for measuring out fabric.  I also have a couple of large plastic set squares.

3.Thimbles

I don’t do a lot of hand-sewing.  The thimbles get used more often when I’m fixing metal clasps.  All these are inherited and are a perfect fit for my thumb.  Thumbles !

4.Steel Rule

Essential for accurate measuring.  I battle with my son over this one, because he “borrows” it when he’s lost his own rulers, which seems to happen a lot.  It’s a bit bent; I need a new one really.

5.Sewing Machine: Bernina 801

Lots of people have fancy-dan all singing all dancing machines, and if someone offered me one for free I wouldn’t turn it down, but I’d not be without my 1980s Bernina.  It  just has  functional stitches, and I guess it looks quite primitive next to modern machines.  But it is an old workhorse, and I fully expect it to outlive me !  This one belonged to a lady called Audrey, who left it in her will to my aunt, and then on to me.  I also have my Grandmother’s 1960’s Bernina, but it needs a couple of repairs, so I haven’t used it for a while.  At least once a month, I take my machine apart and give it a good clean and I get it serviced by a professional once a year or when I remember !   I’m not the sort to name inanimate objects, but sometimes when I’m using it I think of Audrey and the lovely friendship she had with my late Aunt.  

That's it.  No magical machinery, just very functional tools.  That's how we roll round here !