50 Sewing Things I No Longer Buy!

In the vibe of deinfluencing, I am sharing with you 50 sewing things I no longer buy. I hope you enjoy the video.
Dumbest sewing purchases • 🤪DUMB SEWING PURCHASES...
The brutal truth about plus size sewing • The BRUTAL truth (and ...
Unboxing my lovely serger • Let’s unbox my new AFF...
How to make your own tailors ham • How to make a tailors ...
How to make your own bias binding • HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN B...
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[@Penguinandpear]

Hello friends - a fun one for you today! I hope you enjoy! Let me know what you wont buy in the future?! xx

[@kitterzy]

Glass head pins are what I use. The heads don’t scratch my iron if I need to iron something while pinned. I will admit I’m a scissor addict, but I actually use them because I do much more than sewing and quilting. I do embroidering, beading, etc. I’m a tool addict as well, but I do my research first. Most of mine are functional (rotary cutters, seam ripper, bodkin, snag repair, telescoping magnet wand). I don’t even know how to sew my own clothes yet. Subscribed hoping I’ll figure it out. I’m a size 30/32 US.

[@abmac58]

Hi just a small tip if it's any help about the tracing paper you use when I do my patterns I use rolls of lining wall paper it's just plain paper I find it's ideal for doing my patterns when I make them hope this helps.

[@historygradstu]

Plastic sewing machines!! They may have features that are convenient, but they break down in a few short years. Give me those old cast iron singers, they can still get the job done!!!

[@jkonstott]

@@historygradstu My best sewing machine was my old all-steel Brother. After 30-plus years, I decided I wanted an embroidery sewing machine, and I traded in the Brother, but all sewing machines are plastic now-a-days. Blah!!

[@historygradstu]

@@jkonstott yes we have entered to age of " shoddy"! Manufactures are a pathetic spectical of their former selves. Singer and all the other former quality brands are in a completive race and promote " plastic- fantastic" at the detriment of a consumer who is dialed into a name that once represented quality....but dont realize its all manufactured at the same kung-fu factory.

[@ImaMes888]

I like glass-headed pins. They look like the plastic heads but don’t melt when touched by an iron. They are easier for me to grasp than the self-headed pins. Also, easier to see with my old eyes. 😊

[@hartsarah12]

Finally someone who agrees with me about polyester. 😊 I dislike this fabric with a passion. I am all about sustainability and breathability. That is one of the reasons I choose to sew my own garments.

[@Penguinandpear]

I wish I could give you ten hearts for this! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ there you go! Couldn’t agree more I HATE poly with a passion!

[@cliftonmcnalley8469]

I'm a bit older than you guys, and I have despised 100% polyester since I was a kid. Back then, mostly little old ladies wore it and it came with a foam backing glued to it. Dreadful stuff. However, the cotton and polyester blends 9f the 70's and 80's were fabulous! A thousand times better than today's cotton. A 65/35 blend was perfect. The cloth would still breathe, wrinkle much less, reduced shrinkage, and remain colorfast. A shirt would look great for at least 3 to 4 years with regular wear. Today's fabrics are mostly manufactured to self destruct in the wash, mandating frequent replacing of clothing.

[@lindalai9092]

I LOVE polyester

[@socorromedrano7399]

I'm not about sustainability or breathability, but my body is repellent to petroleum, and garment labels no matter how soft they are. I'm glad some manufacturers decided to stamp the size of the garment instead. ❤

[@sharonrimsza7960]

Agree…I have to breathe and so does my body!

[@meacadwell]

That button hole spacer can be used to mark pleats, gathers on curtain tops, where to sew lines on quilts, and for graduated ombre markings for cutting out quilts pieces too. You don't need to get one but if you already have one you might as well utilize it fully. I no longer print out patterns - I got an inexpensive projector and attached it to my ceiling. LOVE using it! The only use 4-way stretch polyester in my sewing room is the cover for my dress dummy. Otherwise I hate it! I only use Swedish Tracing Paper for toile's or slopers that I know I'll use more than once - that makes it a good investment. The magnetic seam guide works fantastic on my vintage Singers...not so much on my modern machines (don't think there's enough metal to keep it in place). Duckbilled scissors really help with applique and trapunto quilting. The plastic headed pins you showed aren't great and I don't like them - they melt horribly when ironing and it's hard to get that plastic off your iron. I went to the flower headed quilting pins which can withstand a little bit of pressing and they're easier to grip for someone with rheumatoid arthritis. Chalk wheel pens are HORRID! As you said, the chalk line disappears quickly and it leaves chalk dust everywhere. Wha...? Can't live without my retractable tape measures. Glad you found something that works for you. Subscription boxes are a big no-no at my house. I'd rather spend my money and know exactly what I'm getting. I use beeswax all the time for my hand sewing - it does help with preventing tangles and making the thread easier to glide through fabric. Hate that stupid loop turner with the latch! My loop turning sticks and tubes work so much better. Gotta have my stash - I shop in it all the time. But if no stash works for you then go for it. :)

[@halliehasslinger9663]

Wow! You are so brutally honest about what is worth it and what isn't! So refreshing, especially in this day and age when so many claim they "couldn't live without *insert product here*"! I found myself nodding along to most of your points throughout the video. It's funny how easily we can manage without all of the stuff that's supposed to make sewing easier! 😂

[@babeage]

Great video! Thanks for the incentive to stop buying and "shop my own stash/declutter." Instead of labels, I mark the back of my garments with an embroidery stitch on my machine (it's a row of connecting hearts). I can only do this when there's a facing in the top or something like that. My friends like this personal touch. Appreciate you!

[@Penguinandpear]

That sounds lovely. Usually I’ll joint the band in the channel so that tells me which is front and back ❤️

[@Ninzip]

What a perfect idea!!

[@beckywhite9838]

I bet that looks delightful. A very creative alternative to the label.

[@carolinehill8564]

What a great idea! 😊

[@Bean_Box_Knitting]

I chuckled when you mentioned labels. I've spent my life cutting labels out of everything I wear and it baffles me that anyone would sew a label into a handmade item on purpose. (Diagnosed reasons for sensory issues, definitely explains a lot!).

[@sherryv7341]

Yep, me too. Can't stand those scratchy labels. Snip them too.

[@nadias6435]

That's because most labels are gross plastic ones sewn on to make them itchy. I use cotton for mine and sew them on flat so that they are seamless with the lining.

[@Bean_Box_Knitting]

@@nadias6435 I can see why cotton labels would work for many people, but even that is too much of an irritation to me. My clothes a label-free zone, as a result. 🙂

[@annenewton2950]

This made me smile. I wear my socks and pyjama tops inside out because the seams annoy me. 🤪

[@Bean_Box_Knitting]

@@annenewton2950 you make a lot of sense to me. 😀🎉😀

[@tamaraallen4819]

I live the duck bill scissors for cutting around appliques on my embroidery machine.

[@maddiecedeno8989]

OMG what a comprehensive list…just hearing all of this made feel so convicted because I have bought several of each of all the things you mentioned. I have been sewing for over 50 yrs (shocking to say that number!!!!) and have hoarded many of these things and then some. I have always donated many of the things I don’t use and will continue to do so. I am now facing of dealing with parents that have so much of everything that I get overwhelmed thinking - HOW THE HELL AM I GOING TO GET RID OF THIS STUFF (in my mind I was saying another word)!!!! My Mom has over 1,500 salt and pepper shakers from all over the world that she has collected 😮I don’t want that for my children and am on a mission of evolving in this area of life with my crafts and sewing. Great advice to declutter and use what you need…I would add: FINISH THE PROJECT!!! Thanks again for sharing💋💨

[@45kareen]

I just found you and subscribed. I love how honest and practical you are. You already helped me not to bother getting weights. And I hate thimbles. You go girl!!!!

[@deborahspooner8046]

Hello, love your presentations , you are so funny and engaging, and real. Keep it up.

[@engenulf]

It's so good to see you talking about sewing again , I missed your videos very much. This was really enjoyable 😀

[@Sheri...]

I really enjoyed this one! So glad you're getting back to doing sewing videos again! Sheri

[@komathinc3462]

I appreciate you sharing this video. Thank you.

[@LindaStitches]

I do love my appliqué ( duck bill ) scissors. I use them all the time, especially in places where you want to trim closely without risk of cutting fabric by mistake in the lower layer. I love them!

[@SuperJules444]

As new to sewing I struggle to know what to buy. So thanks for this. I won't be dressmaking as I like quilting. But these videos have helped me to understand it's technique not magic that gets you through. I do like needle threaders though, but as mine is broken, my eyesight is not good so I'm struggling to thread needles. The best thing i got as a hint was to put a piece of white card behind it. But I need mine fixing as it really helps. So personally, I would buy one of those again.

[@angelbear_og]

I see a bunch of ladies using the "buttonhole" gadget to mark eyelet, loop, and hook-n-eye placements (corsets, dresses, blouses). I consider that a staple tool and will absolutely be getting one!

[@Penguinandpear]

Interesting. I’ve been sewing 10 years and have never needed it. I’ve used it a few times but only because I had it.

[@loveinseattle]

Great video! I love the no stash philosophy too. It makes it way more exciting to start and finish new projects.

[@Penguinandpear]

That’s a really good point!

[@qormi1000]

Another excellent video Claire. Thank you.

[@Penguinandpear]

Thank you Pepprina

[@stacyturner8330]

That buttonhole spacer is brilliant for pleats as well

[@nriamond8010]

I think that one-way use products can be VERY useful if the solve a specific problem that you have :) I absolutely LOVE my buttonholer! I'm 5' and always have to rearrange the button positions because the original ones are in the wrong places after shortening the pieces a lot. It was SO much time and effort before I got the gadget! I also make my own patterns a lot and can use it for them, too. But of course it does not make sense for someone who can use the original button positions or never makes their own patterns. With a tailor's dummy, the problem is that it's only really useful for people who have the exact proportions of the dummy (it is only adjustable in certain ways and though you might cushion it up, you can't cut something away). And those are usually people that already don't have to do much fitting anyway ... But mine (I think it's more a display dummy, it's not adjustable) turned out to be quite useful for sewing shoulder pads into jackets or sewing in sleeves! Because for those things, it's helpful to have the jacket hanging in a 3-dimensional way instead of laying around flat. Wondertape is quite nice to fix zippers, braids, appliques or other small/narrow things on the fabric! I love it because those things tend to slip away when I try to fix them by hand, but if they are "glued" in place I can easily sew them :)

[@rosemoore5364]

Hi. I am so happy you are sewing again and posting on the channel. I am hoping you are posting and sewing for yourself with joy and not because you have to. During the pandemic my son showed my KZbin to learn to sew and how to comment (I am 60 and not good with electronics). You were one of the first channels I found. I love the channel and wish you and your husband the best. Have a nice day and thank you for all the videos.

[@Penguinandpear]

Thank you ❤️

[@annetteavery3349]

I always make my own bias binding as I was finding it was never as wide as stated, a 1cm tape was only 8mm, so I use pillow cases or same fabric as my project and it’s better value too. Thank you for your honesty in your video 👍

[@mariaanderson505]

Yes labels, sitting in a drawer in a box. Remnant packs, duck billed scissors and more. Definitely a fun and enjoyable video, thank you

[@inezaultman1850]

Right! Why would I insert some scratchy thing I actually cut out of ready to wear?

[@wowzieee]

I just got a sewing room clean out donation and there were things I have never seen before. Did you know there is a small attachment you can put on your machine bobbin winder and you can make spools from one server spool. This way you only buy one serger spool nd you can distribute them to three sewing spools to use on your server. Who knew?

[@threadsandglue]

There are a handful of items on your list that I definitely use on the regular, but I mostly make bags and quilts. I watch your videos in hopes that I will get the courage to venture out with clothing soon. However, there are a lot of items in your video that I agree with you on - totally clutter. I recently decluttered my space (still a working progress, but greatly improved), and I love that your video gets you thinking about your items and the need (or lack of need) for them....100% on board with you about not buying for the STASH! It becomes where your stash owns you instead of you owning your stash ...I am so glad you have returned to sewing!

[@pmazie]

I use washers for pattern weights. I like them as you can use as many as you need to keep the pattern down and if you need to use your ruler to keep the seam line straight while you cut with the rotary cutter you can put the ruler right over the top of the weights to do your cut.

[@beckywhite9838]

Wonderful video! Finally someone is prepared to poo poo the STASH! I am 100% with you there. Money (which is, for most of us, a very precious resource) sitting on the shelf and not on your body. Lovely, too, to watch a UK based video. I am thoroughly enjoying learning from you. Luckily i haven't yet bought too many things i don't absolutely need but am wavering with the dressmakers dummy.

[@Pippi-Longstocking]

When I was unemployed I started shopping in my stash. Best thing that ever happened to me. I still have stash but I don’t buy it anymore just to stash. I also don’t keep scraps. People say “keep the scraps” ni did that for years but I never really used it. I don’t keep scraps anymore and it’s been fine.

[@beckywhite9838]

@@Pippi-Longstocking that's a lovely way of using a stash. I am just worried that if I had one I would 'feel' it sitting there.....just waiting and saying 'no pressure but when might you be using us'. Then I would fall out of love with it. I have a drawer of scraps and am beginning to wonder if that drawer could be holding something more useful. I have borrowed a few craft books from the local library but I really want to keep my mind on dressmaking. I have a local charity/thrift shop that has a fabric bin. I think i will donate a bag of scraps to them especially as that keeps to penguinandpear's ethos. Thank you so much for your kind reply - we learn as much through these thoughtful messages as we do from the books and vlogs I find.

[@Pippi-Longstocking]

@@beckywhite9838 the one thing I do like to make with scraps are fabric pennants. Toni have a little template and cut them out and stash the pennant cut outs. They are a bit time consuming because I sew them properly (no just along the top) but they are fun. I like your donation idea.

[@allison2095]

I love my twin needles so much. I don't have cover machine for stretch hemming, and the twin needles help me a lot. It makes the hemming looks really nice.

[@cattuslavandula]

I remember sewing in the 80s, those big shoulder pads made from preshaped foam. As I cycled thru outfits I would save the shoulder pads and throw them in a bag. A few years ago I found a small bag of those things in the dark recesses of my sewing room, they'd been packed and moved to three different homes by then. Looking at them with a modern eye it was shocking to see how huge and stiff and dense they were. They were like shoulder saddles! What were we thinking, lol!

[@dogvetusa]

The distance gauge for buttons can also be used for any repeating distance that needs marked, pleats would be another good use for it

[@kathygann7632]

I have lots of bobbins and love attaching them to the matching spool.

[@GabrielWood-tg7qr]

Hello, I hope you're safe over there? I hope this year brings happiness, prosperity, love 💚 , and peace all over the world . I would love us to be good friends in honesty and in trust so as time goes on it will bring something great for us in the future, hope you don't mind? I'm Gabriel Wood from Brooklyn New York, where are you from if I may ask?❤

[@kathyyoung1774]

I bought 2 “sheets” of 1 1/2 inch ceramic tiles for Pennies at ReStore and took off the net backing. Perfect pattern weights. Cheap.

[@soniatriana9091]

Hello! I am so happy to find your channel -- I love your honesty! I agree with your list, plus you had sooooo many items I didn’t even know they existed!! Anyway - I’m excited to now start viewing your other videos - I want to see what great ideas & tips I can learn from you. Thank you!! I’m happy to subscribe to your channel!!

[@fay8233]

Went on holiday couple years back and instead of buying dresses/fabric, U decided to use the 'fabric i liked at the time, but didnt need, but they look good' stash. I ended up making 6 dresses for my holiday, i didnt even buy thread. Saved a lot of money on buying outfits as some of the fabric was only £1 a yard cotton. Kerching. A lot of the things you mentioned I agree with. Have to admit I do have a sewing journal, its not fancy, just a notebook i wrote in which is very useful to me. I have a Brother sewing machine I bought about 5 years ago. But I also still have my first all singing and dancing Toyota machine which I bought around 1992 it still work (albeit temperamental), but its my back up machine and I will never part with it. Anoth we great videos from you 👌🏿

[@jenniferogden9196]

I absolutely love ❤your channel even though I've been sewing for 40 plus years I've never heard of some of these unwanted items eg. the bobbin thingy!! I love ♥ your top too. I'm so pleased to find your channel and I'm slowly working my way through your videos keep up the good work x

[@jenihansen7201]

I don't sew clothes but I do quilt. Some of the items you mentioned, many people try to get you to purchase the same thing for quilting. Thank you for this video. Great tips. God bless you.

[@thegreenpincushion510]

This was such a helpful video and some parts had me chuckling because I had purchased the same thing and, oh my gosh, rarely if ever used it. It was fun to realize I’m not the only one who bought “all the things.”😂😂

[@millymarmalade7537]

Oh dear. Thank you for the friendly reminder to upgrade my parchment "tracing" paper to real tracing paper. I even purchased the biodegradable variety! LOL! The struggle is real and I have been doing this to myself for years. Taping pieces together and then pinning them because of the slip and slide. In my head it totally made sense to do this but now that I have heard the voice in my head (you explaining the process out loud), I see how utterly ridiculous I have been. It is no wonder that I procrastinate tracing anything out! LOL! This is why I love your videos. Thank you for keeping it real! :)

[@GabrielWood-tg7qr]

Hello, I hope you're safe over there? I hope this year brings happiness, prosperity, love 💚 , and peace all over the world 🌏. I would love us to be good friends in honesty and in trust so as time goes on it will bring something great for us in the future, hope you don't mind? I'm Gabriel Wood from Brooklyn New York, where are you from if I may ask?❤

[@melaniekeeling7462]

I appreciate your knowledge sharing.

[@donnarouse9432]

Things i learned in home ec! Thimble, pinking shears, paper cutting and seperate fabric scissors, my tomato pin cushion, needle threaders, my corner turner, recently misplaced odds bodkin, beat

[@adrianam2157]

LIKE YR VIDEO. I love my cheap dress form. Has helped me make tailored garments.

[@angelbear_og]

For pins that have gone blunt, that's what the little strawberry attached to your classic tomato pin cushion is for. Poke the pins in and out a few times to resharpen them.

[@Penguinandpear]

Or ball up some foil and stab that or use knife stone.

[@margaretdevries8090]

Lots of these I’ve had from the dark ages! But just about agree with about everything you say ! So much money wasted LOL … I make mainly quilts now! Fabric is getting so expensive to make clothes out of, but I did when my kids were younger !

[@vivienlee610]

This so resonates with me but I hadn't even heard of the thread burner... won't be bothering with that!

[@sueburton6920]

Definitely got a few things myself on that list, but I agree I hate having too much stuff, often find myself decluttering,always a great feeling to be clear of the clutter.

[@Penguinandpear]

Feels so much better!

[@AngelaKindness]

You are such a wonderful tutor! Just beautiful! 😊

[@jesspeak7543]

I really loved this ""rant", (for a better word) as I laughed a few times with either WHAT you were saying or HOW you said it. I can relate and agree with some items comments and disagree with others, because, as you said, our sewing journeys differ. Thank you so much for sharing your views.

[@rebeccamiller3248]

The button holer my Mom used it to help notch fabric for her hand drawn patterns. She used it to put measured notches in. Then use it to check if her notches would mirror each other on the fabric.

[@Dcs.234]

Yes used fabric glue but only used it for gluing beads onto bridal veils… used bias binding many times but I bought the best not the cheap stuff

[@mayetchells8884]

I use thin soap slivers in place of chalk. Doesn't wear off, washes off or irons off, always available

[@mssixty3426]

I think the long plastic gadget for the needle is to insert the needle in the shank of the machine? The little metal and wire item you showed is for threading the needle.

[@sandrapride1046]

I have quit saving sewing items from friends who are no longer sewing. I keep what I know I will use and donate the rest.

[@joanijackson3108]

Thank you for your handy hints. I am an experience so but you can always learn more from others. I was born in Wales UK but have lived all my life in Australia so if you could convert cost to pounds it would be helpful and maybe I could find comparable places to buy things that you suggest. Much love and thank you once again.🤗💝🩷

[@jbartrug574]

Great video. I’m getting overwhelmed with my scrap fabric. Do you have any videos on the best way to declutter my scraps?

[@Penguinandpear]

I understand that! Not yet but I am planning on it as I have a big bag of scraps.

[@lisahalmshaw1275]

I’ve made a couple of cute footstools and stuffed them with my fabric scraps.

[@elizabethhill8781]

Great video, and I’m sure we’ll all agree we don’t need most of these items. I made the Moneta Dress too, and couldn’t sew with the clear elastic. I used knicker elastic, it’s nice and soft, and super stretchy.

[@Penguinandpear]

I have no idea why they suggested clear elastic seems like an odd choice to me.

[@aldonastraczek]

Clear elastic is actually meant for stabilising your knit shoulder seams. It prevents them from getting distorted. As for twin needles, they are not a gadget at all. I am aware they are a pain to set up but they can't be replaced by 2 lines of stitches. However, seams on jersey can be made using maraflex or simply a harry potter stitch with regular thread.

[@Penguinandpear]

Yes clear elastic can be used for stabalizing but the pattern I used called for it for gathers. I just went back to double check - I never said double needles were gadgets. They can be replaced by 2 lines I’ve stitches I’ve done it before. I’m not sure what a Harry Potter stitch is?

[@aldonastraczek]

@@Penguinandpear it's that lightning stitch used for knits you have on machines mid range and up

[@Penguinandpear]

Oh yes!

[@KarenMcNeil-en2fn]

Can't stand labels on clothes. Cut them from everything. Clear elastic ends up going hard and is irritating and some people on KZbin have more fabric on their shelves than a fabric shop and still buy more 😂

[@tanzle]

I'm with you on the loud fabrics - I like to look at them but prefer to wear quieter stuff

[@kittybrowning]

The plastic threader u showed my hubby bought me one as ment to help as I'm new to sewing I've done crochet for years and I also do card crafting I have so many stamps and does I've never used but then I've only been doing it since fab prop so built up a stash and not used all of them as of yet but I wanted to learn so sew so got myself some bits. But the threader thing is useless I just use a cheaper wire threader does the job xx

[@comfortouch]

This was a good list Claire. My notes: 1. I made the mistake of buying the cloth markers that are supposed to disappear when you heat the mark with an iron. Not a single one of them would write, they were all seized/dried up before I even got them. The childs washable crayon markers that you showed work just fine. I also find that the chalk 'tailors' markers require too much pressure on the knit or lightweight fabrics, so they move the fabric and the mark ends up in the wrong place. 2. I totally agree with you about zippers. Not only do I rarely use them in new projects, but I remove/recycle them from bags or clothing that I'm going to throw away. 3. I disagree with the plastic headed pins, mainly because I have injuries to my hands that make grasping the smaller ones difficult. 4. I made my own pattern weights using scrap fabric and rice. Basically a rice 'bean'bag. Kind-a like what you did with the ham. 5. I do use the glue on craft projects but not on clothing. 6. I use beeswax when I am sewing real leather (not fabric or vinyl). A couple things you didn't cover: A. I'll use FreyCheck every once in a while. B. I made my own pincushion from scrap C. I bought the clips that people are using instead of pins, & don't like them. Unless your working with denim or canvas, they pull the fabric so it doesn't lay flat.

[@Penguinandpear]

You can get glass headed pins which are the same size as the plastic ones. I have the clips too. I don’t tend to use them on most clothing projects but they are handy for bag making.

[@DawnDavidson]

Beeswax is also good for linen thread, apparently. Or so says Bernadette Banner and the other historical costumers I sometimes watch. I’ve personally never used it either. I’m over 60 and I have been sewing more than 50 years!

[@Dcs.234]

I absolutely loved my Necchi Lydia machine got it in the 70s when I started at art collage doing fashion design lasted well over 30 years and when I went to look for another they had gone out if business so 2 more machines until 8 years ago bought a Pfaff 5.0 computerised in a sale but still cost me a lot of money, was worth it though except for when a message pops up to say …It Needs a Break .. wtf I then end up arguing with a machine 😂😂😂😩 I love my overlocker fister Rossman couldn’t be without it

[@Beruthiel45]

Great tips, thank you! 😊👍 I have several so-called needle threaders and the only one I can figure out to use is the good old silver metal thing with the wire loop.

[@pincurlsandpolkadotsgirl165]

Totally agree about the woven interfacing! So much nicer to work with and my garments feel much nicer. And loop turners are total garbage. I found a straw-like tube turner set and it was a game changer! To be honest, I have and use a lot of the items you described, but it was interesting to think about what I could and would do without. I think as a sewist one just needs to decide what they personally consider essential. I have a seam guide foot that I absolutely couldn’t do without! I just found your channel and have been bingeing your videos! Great content and lots of useful information! 😊

[@Penguinandpear]

This is exactly the message I tried to give - we are all different and your needs are different to mine. Thank you for binge watching that helps the channel a lot!

[@jacquefessenden9570]

The duck billed scizzors are good for when you do a turned hem

[@Penguinandpear]

Not with my tremors they’re not. I actually find normal scissors easier

[@knitlamb5125]

I know what she means like those thumb things don't fit my finger and I have some I have so many. I do use marking tools. She is so right. I feel like patterns don't really fit and then I have to make adjustments .

[@kiwiblosm]

This is such a good tutortial

[@barbaraa6098]

Very good video, thanks for sharing. From across the pond.

[@jawzobang8062]

Thanks for your opinion !! yes everyone is entitled to their own opinion even if they are wrong. I have most of those gadgets as I have been sewing for 50 + years and teach a sewing class at my local library for free, and all those things are very hands. In my Great Country USA we get so many bargains that it would be foolish to turn our backs, as for polyester which is a man made fiber is great when it is mixed with another fiber, as for pattern you can buy them and adjust them to fit your body. Hope you have other opinions that are not negative.

[@Penguinandpear]

Lol 😂 you come to my channel to criticise my perceived negativity by being negative lol thanks for the engagement

[@lorrainemcdonald7332]

New subscriber here. I have also decided about most of the 50 Do Not Buys over the years. I, too, try to be environmentally responsible but never considered my plastic headed pins! I shall not discard what I have but on a go forward basis will not repurchase them. Agree they have to be replaced often as they don't keep their point. Also, you are spot on about sewing feet! I bought a box with a large number of feet in it. I've not used any from the set. I needed a walking foot, it was not in the set so had to be purchased from the company that made my machine.

[@Penguinandpear]

Hello! Happy to have you here. Good call on keeping what you already have - that is the most sustainable option. I need to buy a walking foot as I lost mine. I’ve had a cheap one and a branded one in the past and the cheap one was soooo noisy. So I’ll get a branded one. More sustainable too!

[@rondaschafer2656]

I dislike polyester fabric too. I also am a sewing machine hoarder; I have 2 industrial, 1 semi industrial, 10 domestic, and 3 sergers. Because I sew, whenever someone passes away, I’m sent their sewing machines.

[@bluegrassdreams2seams510]

Cam snaps: I’ve never had good luck with these! Very frustrating to take time to make a baby garment and find out later the dang snaps don’t stay in the garment! So I have to agree… big waste of money and time! I still want a dressmaker’s dummy, but I’ve never taken that leap! Maybe it’s because I know people that do exactly what you did😂 The only place I use the cute retractable measures is in knitting. For sewing, I prefer the one you use😊 Great list!

[@MattPhonee]

There's a co-op shop near me tgat sells beeswax pellets. I melted them down into a puck, and it works great!

[@mimiagain]

Hello from Canada! I just stumbled across your video. I assume you just make clothing? I'm the opposite - I make everything but, lol!! If I ever do decide to try clothing, I'll remember these tips. I hoard quilting cotton lol. I only use cotton, canvas, or linen. I have beeswax for hand quilting with heavyweight thread. I use the coloured snaps on projects, not clothes. I think my niece could really benefit from following you as she wants to study fashion design and sewing. I will forward this channel!

[@DaniLong]

SPOT ON with this list. Well done video. Thanks for putting the effort into this. Funny thing about dumping polyester/non-natural fabrics: Especially since going through menopause, my skin/sense of texture absolutely cannot stand polyester. Hate it with a passion. The fact that it's petroleum-based adds to my loathing of it. I'm actively trying to find good sources of natural-fiber fabrics and am working on using recycled fabrics from things I buy at the thrift store.

[@Penguinandpear]

If in the uk I like new craft house as they only use deadstock - stuff that would’ve gone to landfill otherwise. Good quality too.

[@krystleroy3068]

Sounds like u know what I’ve been doing❤ 😂 i buy so much stuff I like to collect machines, and fabric and quilting rulers and books

[@Allahguest]

J’ai fait la même chose que vous, je me reconnais, j’ai plusieurs choses que je n’ai jamais utilisé encore et je suis sûre que je vais jamais avoir besoin d’utiliser

[@annadortheaaasbjerg9970]

Just found your channel and I really enjoy it! :-) I so agree with the subscription boxes and the labels. But I do love my loop turner and my wonder tape. I mostly use wonder tape to attach bias binding when sewing quilted garments. For the not buying, it's not as much not buying as it is more mindful buying. I primarily sew with second hand fabric og stash fabrics (I worked in a fabric store for 6 years), so if I buy something it has to be special og at least for a specific project.

[@GabrielWood-tg7qr]

Hello, I hope you're safe over there? I hope this year brings happiness, prosperity, love 💚 , and peace all over the world . I would love us to be good friends in honesty and in trust so as time goes on it will bring something great for us in the future, hope you don't mind? I'm Gabriel Wood from Brooklyn New York, where are you from if I may ask?❤

[@erikayuille4691]

I actually donate these items that I seldom use to schools and new sewers. I would highly recommend industrial equipment, such as a lockstitch and 2,3,4 serger, primarily for speed, reliability, and the fact that the head is positioned flat in its own table. Holding your wrist upward makes you a candidate for carpel tunnel syndrome. I fix all of my mechanical machines, saving repair costs. At 76, I am also giving away a lot of my fabrics, too!

[@lisab.akarenegadehamster8262]

Regarding marking tools. What’s up with those pencils for marking that you have to sharpen. They are impossible to mark with ,the point always breaks and no matter how you sharpen the point just breaks off. They are a waste of money. I do hand quilting and the only thimble I’ve found that works for me is the Collins thimble. They are a bit hard to find. The last one I had lasted 20 years before it developed a hole . I found a new one at a quilt show.

[@kimt2au]

Hi Claire, I know you said you have enough scissors, but if you ever find your hands get too sore to cut out fabric, try the Fiscars spring loaded scissors. The issue with scissors is not closing your hand as that is a natural movement, but rather opening the hand to open the scissors which is not an easy movement. The Fiscars spring loaded scissors open themselves and you only have to squeeze them closed which is so much easier on your hands. I have the Fiscars scissors and their scissor sharpener and I have had them about 30 years and they are still going strong. Quick question, did you ever have a chance to try out the crayola pens after you have ironed them and see if they still wash off? Kim

[@Penguinandpear]

Hi ya This is good to know. I tend to use my rotary if there is an issue but this is something I’ll consider if I need to. I’ve also seen electric scissors which are..interesting You know I used pen on the inside of my top I just made and ironed it but haven’t washed it yet. I will give it a wash this week and get back to you.

[@kimt7899]

Thanks, Claire.

[@paraboo8994]

I had cheap overlocker thread from Aldi melt on me yesterday when pressing my seams! So, don't cheap out on that either 😂

[@kathygann7632]

That’s AWFUL!

[@mcallan5782]

Such a good video - thank you! Marie

[@joannashworth2396]

really appreciated your discussion. Regarding polyester fabric - what are you replacing that fabric with? There has been such a movement to crafts instead of garment sewing, and I can only do so many crafts! I need to sew great garments!

[@Penguinandpear]

I’m in love with linen right now. But anything natural is good.

[@joannashworth2396]

Thank you ever so much! I am teaching a sewing class (we are all newbies or return-a-bees to sewing. Two ladies have recently inherited sewing machines and are in retirement. So now we have time to learn or return to a skill that has potential for great pleasure. Our first project was a pair of pajama pants - and well - you guessed it, I got some polyester jersey mix. The fabric has a tendency to roll on the cut edge - ugh! We are all learning as we go! We will watch your video today as a group. Blessings to you from West Virginia (It is almost heaven here)

[@StuffsewnbyJoan]

Just stumbled on your channel! LOVE your sense of humor! You mention so many items that I WISH I had known not to buy! Thank you! 😃

[@lauralivingston5237]

I’m the one who sells you all that stuff! Have been in the sewing industry for over 42 years. But really… once you buy some stuff, you never need to buy it again, buy good quality, and you only need about 10 core tools. Also remember, your sewing, taste, interest changes, as does the industry. Good list as I would agree on many of the item. Don’t forget, we do want to have some items on hand so we don’t HAVE to go shopping and we can get our project done.

[@Penguinandpear]

Yes I agree - this is a list of things I didn’t find useful, I have another video coming where I talk about things I do find useful, and it’s also a big list.

[@crestwing6572]

my hatred of polyester is actually the reason I began sewing so that I could make garments without it. It simply does not belong on our skin

[@LiseWaring]

I agree with everything you mentioned except the twin needles. If you are are still making knit garments, twin needles are a much better choice for hemming knit or repairing anything with cover stitches. Two rows of single stitching pretty well guarantees that your hem will be stretched out of shape.

[@Penguinandpear]

No it doesn’t. I’ve been doing it that way for years without stretching the fabric. You need to make sure you’re not pulling on the fabric and if it becomes a problem use a walking foot. I loved my walking foot but lost it years ago.

[@Penguinandpear]

The right type of needle is important too

[@barbaraferron7994]

I was going to buy more bobbins but then I decided to buy filled bobbins and then when they are used up I'll have spare empty bobbins.

[@susancordes8573]

very useful

[@jaynefederici9140]

My biggest mistake buy is the cover stitch. I have only used it once. I found it really awkward to use. I bought it because it gives a professional finish to knit garments, so they say. Personally I am happy with a sewing machine hem and nobody has ever said my hems don't lock right. Also I don't sew a lot of knirs so it is an ornament in my sewing room. Luckily it was cheap.

[@SonyaForest]

lol same story with zippers. I've got a lot of it from my mom. She used to sew. The zippers was bought at soviet times 😂

[@aletijones1969]

Nice dress u r wearing.

[@beebs72332]

I believe that buttonhole lattice thing is also to make sure your hem is even. I could be wrong.

[@denisedorsey2889]

It’s great for marking pleats. 😊

[@elissayost4657]

wonder tape -- to hem stretchy and fussy tops/shirts.

[@joyful8072]

That's a very long list of things you no longer buy. I haven't purchased quite so much but it is because I don't sew that often and when I did it was mainly for my mom and I didn't need all that much to make her clothing. I do however have a lot of excess stuff for other hobbies, some of which I've inherited and some I've bought 2nd hand. I have decluttered a lot of it but still have a lot. I'm hoping to do a lot more crafting in the coming years.

[@GabrielWood-tg7qr]

Hello, I hope you're safe over there? I hope this year brings happiness, prosperity, love 💚 , and peace all over the world 🌏. I would love us to be good friends in honesty and in trust so as time goes on it will bring something great for us in the future, hope you don't mind? I'm Gabriel Wood from Brooklyn New York, where are you from if I may ask?❤

[@lw3396]

I love that top you're wearing! could you share the pattern with me, please? For some reason, I thought you stopped your videos' I was so excited today to see this in my feed!

[@Penguinandpear]

Hi. I had stopped but I recently started posting again. Here’s the video where I made the top I am wearing kzbin.info/www/bejne/pqaam6mgeJWFfMk enjoy!

[@lw3396]

@@Penguinandpear thank you! I loved the video today.

[@lucilledaub5991]

Thanks for your likes n dislikes.

[@wendymurdoch7369]

What is the brand of the sscissors you won again? Righters?

[@Penguinandpear]

Wright and sons

[@wendymurdoch7369]

Thanks@@Penguinandpear

[@rtblade4]

I think I got 90% of my sewing tools and about 1000 zippers from an estate sale.

[@andylod292]

Wat een peek Vogel! Ik wens Je rust en pace!

[@Penguinandpear]

Thank you. What’s a peek bird?