Tuesday Tip #2

I seem to think alot about measuring and trying to make it easier, so my tip # 2 like my tip #1 last week is another little cheater system for measuring.  Here on my table that I use for cutting and ironing, I have placed two pieces of masking tape.  I think sometimes I should get some stock in 3M or whoever makes masking tape, because I have several rolls and I use it for a lot of stuff.  Anyway, one piece of tape is here next to my cutting mat.

The other piece is way down at the other end of the table by my ironing mat.  Nothing really significant about the placement except that they are 36 inches apart.  Sometimes when I have several yards of fabric that I have purchased for backing or background fabric, I want to do a quick estimate of the amount I have.  So I stuck the tape on the front of the table to quickly measure yards of fabric.

I don't know if this will work for everyone, as you need a table or surface that is at least 36" long and you have to be willing to put tape or some other mark on it.  But I can tell you it saves me quite a bit of time hunting down a yard stick and finding a place to measure large pieces of fabric.

I could see using safety pins on the edge of an ironing board or on a design wall if that works better for you.

Stop by Lea Anne's Pondunk Pretties to see some other useful tips.

Tuesday Tip

Lea Anne of Podunk Pretties is sponsoring a day each week of tips for sewing and quilting.  I don't think of myself as too inventive when it comes to sewing, but I do like to be efficient when I can.  So here is my little tip ( and I do mean very little ) :

 I keep a ruler taped to my sewing table right in front of me so I can measure things quickly when I need to.  Sometimes I sit down to sew and I question whether I have cut a piece correctly or whether I have sewn my 1/4" seam well.  I quickly can measure while I am there in front of my machine before I waste time sewing something that is incorrect.

I sometimes have to remember the words on my ruler when I do make a mistake!!

I purposely keep my cutting area and my ironing area across the room to force myself to get up and move vs. having everything in arm's reach of my machine.  It does take a little more time, but keeps my joints happier.

I am linking up to Lea Anne's blog today.  Please hop on over there to see some more good tips and ideas.