Sew What’s Up Presents
The Sew What’s New Archive
This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and
quilting message board “Sew What’s New,” which was
retired in August 2007. It is being provided by
“Sew What’s Up,”
which serves as the new home for many members of “Sew What’s New.”
From: MaryW
Date: 10-05-2005, 12:24 PM (1 of 35)
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What is the most useless notion you have ever bought? Some of the stuff on the market today is really kinda out there if you know what I mean. I was reading on another list where someone bought something to stretch elastic before it is sewn to the fabric. They said it was the most useless thing they had ever bought. I can't think of anything right now that I have that is not used. My notions are all pretty basic but I betcha I can come up with something later. MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542 
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From: carman
Date: 10-05-2005, 01:02 PM (2 of 35)
i don't know if you would call this a gadget or not, but, now all you paper piecers out there don't get mad at me now  but those patterns that tell you to paper piece a log cabin style quilt, i can not wrap my brain around that one, they are just straight seams around and around. OK i am running from the pp'ers that are about to whack me 
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User: carman
Member since: 04-17-2000 Total posts: 692 
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From: debsews
Date: 10-05-2005, 01:23 PM (3 of 35)
| I just had this one out not too long ago and tried to use it again! It's a Easy Loop Turner. Totally worthless! But then I bought another kind and I love it. It's called Turn in All and it really does! As a novice sewer I fall into love with gadgets and then find out there's an easier cheaper way. The other one is the things to thread the elastic through the waistband casing. Well a safety pin works the best for me. Usually I'll get the elastic halfway through with the threader and then it comes off and I need to start over. |
User: debsews
Member since: 09-16-2005 Total posts: 254 |
From: mamahoogie
Date: 10-05-2005, 01:39 PM (4 of 35)
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I'm like Mary in that most of my notions are standard ones that have been around for years. The only dud I can remember buying was one of those thread snips from Fabricland. Thread snips that won't cut threads are pretty useless so they went into the garbage real quick. Violet I've decided to live forever - so far, so good.
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User: mamahoogie
Member since: 12-25-2002 Total posts: 461 |
From: vickki
Date: 10-05-2005, 02:57 PM (5 of 35)
I think a thimble is only good for an ornment....I have several given to me by my mom and needless to say they have sentimental value...However as for sticking one on my finger and trying to sew with it,I find very uncomfortable. : 
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User: vickki
Member since: 08-21-2005 Total posts: 374 |
From: grammyC
Date: 10-05-2005, 03:47 PM (6 of 35)
| Not even sure what it's called, but it's a roller thing for tracing patterns-a pen or pencil has it beat by a mile. Another one was the Elastic Wizard. Pat |
User: grammyC
Member since: 07-17-2003 Total posts: 8 |
From: DorothyL
Date: 10-05-2005, 06:09 PM (7 of 35)
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I agree with debsews. Those plastic things for threading elastic are a waste of time and money. I use giant size through regular size safety pins and they work just fine. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: paroper
Date: 10-05-2005, 08:40 PM (8 of 35)
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I love the loop turner...I guess there is one odd ball in every crowd (forgive me). I've never been able to use the THIRD HAND though.
pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: allie-oops
Date: 10-05-2005, 10:38 PM (9 of 35)
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Ugh...mine was a basting gun for quilting. Left huge holes in the quilt, it jammed on every other punch, it was awful. It went back the next day. Allie "onward through the fog"
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User: allie-oops
Member since: 10-25-2002 Total posts: 282 
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From: sable
Date: 10-06-2005, 01:46 AM (10 of 35)
| Those expandable buttonhole gauges. I've checked mine when expanded and each point seems to be a different distance from the others. I'm better off measuring each one individually! |
User: sable
Member since: 01-10-2005 Total posts: 76 
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From: Sewhappie
Date: 10-06-2005, 04:30 AM (11 of 35)
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I'm with Allie, I have one of those basting guns for quilting and it is worthless. The needle broke on it, I tried to put in a new one and it will not stay in the gun!!!!!!! |
User: Sewhappie
Member since: 10-27-2001 Total posts: 1427 |
From: bridesmom
Date: 10-06-2005, 06:58 AM (12 of 35)
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Thimbles. My mom had about 20 of them which I inherited and they still sit there. And scissors that can not be sharpened. Never again will I buy scissors that can't be taken apart and sharpened properly.
Laura
Tickled pink with my Innovis 4000D |
User: bridesmom
Member since: 01-21-2004 Total posts: 2026 |
From: Cowen
Date: 10-06-2005, 08:32 AM (13 of 35)
I once had a notion to get married! That was a useless notion. 
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User: Cowen
Member since: 10-06-2005 Total posts: 1 |
From: mommydionne
Date: 10-06-2005, 08:36 AM (14 of 35)
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I have a giant useless thimble collection, I keep buying new types and none of them work for me , I also don't like my fast-turn set, I like to make longer strips than it can handle, I use a thread chain and a yarn needle or my loop turner (the very long metal thing with a mini latch hook on the end).
Jeanette
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User: mommydionne
Member since: 01-08-2004 Total posts: 838 
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From: sewingrandma
Date: 10-06-2005, 09:09 AM (15 of 35)
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I have a collection of thimbles also. I get one everytime I go on vacation to someplace I've never been! Lets see, I have one that is an Otter head, one with the Venice on it, another has the Golden Gate Bridge, get the picture? Best use of thimbles I've ever seen! Like Mary, my notions are very basic and I use them all. I do love my point turner. Since it joined my collection my points and corners have started looking like points and corners. Brockie
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User: sewingrandma
Member since: 03-06-2003 Total posts: 432 |
From: MaryW
Date: 10-06-2005, 09:17 AM (16 of 35)
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Hi Cowen and welcome to Sew Whats New. You gave me my giggle for the day. Thank you.
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: LadySloPokes
Date: 10-06-2005, 09:28 AM (17 of 35)
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Hi Cowen, and welcome! You made me giggle along with Mary...but here's another one... I once had a notion that I could be a good sewer....yeah, right, who am I fooling? 
Cookie
LadySlo...yes am I, but hey, I'm gettin' there! Are you sure it's supposed to look like this?! Proud owner of Singer Quantum Decor 7322 & Singer Quantum Futura CE 200.. "A balanced diet is having chocolate in both hands!" |
User: LadySloPokes
Member since: 08-15-2005 Total posts: 198 
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From: TammyE.H.
Date: 10-06-2005, 09:45 AM (18 of 35)
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Here's a good one: Electric scissors. (I didn't buy them, they were a gift.) And I agree with those useless snips. Garbage! Transfer paper rollers with teeth... Just tears holes in the tissue.  Happy sewing! Tammy |
User: TammyE.H.
Member since: 08-28-2004 Total posts: 51 
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From: MaryW
Date: 10-06-2005, 09:50 AM (19 of 35)
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LadySloPokes, you are too impatient. Nothing good comes fast. The only way to become a good sewer is to keep on sewing. Practice and patience help a lot!
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: patti2
Date: 10-06-2005, 02:30 PM (20 of 35)
| Thread snips, by far the most useless. I am a notion-a-holic, so I am always on the lookout for a new gadget. Oh. I forgot another one is the tracing wheel. I use a pencil and a huge roll of translucent paper now and it,s much easier. |
User: patti2
Member since: 05-28-2005 Total posts: 78 |
From: pucktricks
Date: 10-06-2005, 03:08 PM (21 of 35)
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The quilt as you go lap quilting frame. For some reason I had it in my head that I would hand quilt something, I got about 10 stitches in and realized that I don't like hand quilting or to some extent hand sewing. So, it now sits in a neglected corner collecting lots and lots of dust. Ticia |
User: pucktricks
Member since: 03-31-2004 Total posts: 570 
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From: bandwife
Date: 10-06-2005, 04:02 PM (22 of 35)
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My most un-used notion is ny ball winder for knitting. Sales lady said I had to have it to make my knitting stiches even. May I say thimbles are GREAT for tailoring. I will say that your fingernails have to be short or the thimble hurts.  Kat |
User: bandwife
Member since: 10-13-2001 Total posts: 22 |
From: mommgsews
Date: 10-06-2005, 04:44 PM (23 of 35)
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Most useless would have to be the plastic elastic guides that are supposed to help feed the elastic through a casing. I have a drawstring threader that works much better! Never could get the plastic things to work... I have a collection of thimbles as well. The only ones that work for me is the leather one and the one that has a cut out for the fingernail. Most visited notion? The notion that I need to finish one thing before I start another. 
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User: mommgsews
Member since: 03-15-2004 Total posts: 73 
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From: Mom of Six
Date: 10-06-2005, 06:18 PM (24 of 35)
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The Ham I bought for ironing. I think I have used it 3 or 4 times. I have had it forover 25 yrs. I know that if I get rid of it though I will need it the next day.
Barb
Happiness is having time to sew!! |
User: Mom of Six
Member since: 11-03-2001 Total posts: 1115
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From: DorothyL
Date: 10-06-2005, 07:48 PM (25 of 35)
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Wow -- I use my ham and seam roll EVERY SINGLE DAY!! I use them in the morning when I iron the clothing I am wearing that day. I can't believe you don't use the ham for sleeves and and other curvy places. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: carman
Date: 10-06-2005, 10:11 PM (26 of 35)
electric scissors are good for cutting chenille 
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User: carman
Member since: 04-17-2000 Total posts: 692
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From: Mom of Six
Date: 10-06-2005, 11:18 PM (27 of 35)
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I used it a few times in the 70's when I was making & wearing blazers to work, but being a stay at home Mom when a construction working husband We don't wear a lot of clothes that need ironing. The ones that do I don't need to use the ham. I have thought about buying a sleeve roll though but when I need one I roll up a towel & it seems to work fine.
Barb
Happiness is having time to sew!! |
User: Mom of Six
Member since: 11-03-2001 Total posts: 1115
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From: bridesmom
Date: 10-07-2005, 05:04 AM (28 of 35)
You mean we are supposed to iron our clothes before we wear them?????  I just throw it back into the dryer with a wet cloth for a couple of minutes. I hate ironing, though I must say that it is definitely a necessary part of sewing!
Laura
Tickled pink with my Innovis 4000D |
User: bridesmom
Member since: 01-21-2004 Total posts: 2026 |
From: DorothyL
Date: 10-07-2005, 08:14 AM (29 of 35)
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At lot of people think I'm crazy for this but I iron the clothes I'm going to wear every morning. Sometimes all they need is a hit of steam. But those few minutes working with the fabric in my clothes just gives me a little shot of calm before the day begins. Of course I made them in the first place. I used to carry an iron and small ironing board with us whenever we traveled but my daughter (the lawyer) won't let me take my ironing board home now because she uses it every morning. I don't argue since she used to be my jeans-and-a-t-shirt-spit-on-the-sidewalk kid. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: Linda H
Date: 10-07-2005, 01:38 PM (30 of 35)
| I always wondered if I was missing out with the plastic guide for elastic, nope, I'll stick with my big safety pins. I couldn't do without my ham, though, and Dorothy I also don't mind ironing, just that little time working the fabric is sometimes enough. |
User: Linda H
Member since: 10-04-2005 Total posts: 8 |
From: paroper
Date: 10-07-2005, 01:43 PM (31 of 35)
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For those of you who like hams and seam rolls? I have a GREAT notion for you! It is called a Puff Iron. I first saw it in Clotilde several years ago but I ended up finding it when I was ready to order from Allbrands. It is egg shaped and sits up on a little rod stand. You set the heat setting and run your seam over the egg shape. It is great for sleeve heads and hard to reach areas.
pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: Marlyn
Date: 10-07-2005, 04:06 PM (32 of 35)
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I find the electric scissors most helpful for very thick fabric, and in particular with fleece. It seems to go through like a knife to butter. As to thread snippets, I am very much in agreement. Marlyn 
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User: Marlyn
Member since: 06-11-2004 Total posts: 37 
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From: mamahoogie
Date: 10-07-2005, 04:16 PM (33 of 35)
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I can't imagine hand sewing without a thimble!! I have a cheap 99 cent one from Fabricland and it works just fine. I bought one of those expensive leather ones and hate it....of course, I found out after I bought it that it was made for hand quilting which I don't do but I don't think I would like it for that either. Also the sewing ham and roll - I use them all the time when garment making. I keep looking at those elastic guides and I think I'll pass and keep using the good old fashioned safety pin! Violet I've decided to live forever - so far, so good.
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User: mamahoogie
Member since: 12-25-2002 Total posts: 461 |
From: pucktricks
Date: 10-07-2005, 10:08 PM (34 of 35)
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I love my leather thimble. It's great for the applique work I do, and the Bucilla projects I've done. I was given a pair of rolling scissors, and couldn't figure out how to make that work. But, they were amusing looking. Ticia |
User: pucktricks
Member since: 03-31-2004 Total posts: 570
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From: MariLynnTX
Date: 10-09-2005, 11:18 PM (35 of 35)
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I agree with most of the uselessness, but I use my third hand and my buttonhole spacer, and when I do hand embroidery and such, I use a thimble. I had a sore finger get infected when I didn't use one. I have had my thread snips for 10 years and use them constantly! My long turning hook thing had the little hook at the end break the first time I tried to use it! I have also loved those fine wires with the loop at one end for threading everything, machine, serger, hand needles...they are a multi-use item. One thing I use often for a lot of things is my light box. It's 10 pm in Texas...I need to get ready for bed and read awhile to relax. I awoke at 5 a.m.. unpacked a box and a half, got dressed and went to church with the family, came home and listened to Brandon (age 7, 2nd grade) read to me, then pulled a couple of boxes into Jon's workroom from the main garage, and straightened up some of my stuff...I'm tired. 78 is too old; my daughter Shauna has threatened me with all sorts of things if I climb on a stepstool. MariLynntx
Life is a song...we give it harmony or dissonance.
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User: MariLynnTX
Member since: 08-13-2001 Total posts: 256 |
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