Perplexed as to what to get the quilter/sewist who “seams” to have everything?

Here are a few suggestions to help you out with your holiday gift giving. Any links in the list below are for artisan produced items that I personally own and absolutely love. I receive no renumeration for the recommendation. I am merely a satisfied customer.

Gift certificate to a favorite local quilt shop
Gift certificate to a favorite online quilt shop
Sterling silver thimble that’s custom fitted (vends at many quilt shows and Original Sewing & Quilt Expos around the country)
Handcrafted seam ripper and/or stiletto
Wooden clapper for pressing seams flat
Advanced steam iron or ironing system
Rotary cutting mat
Titanium blades for 45mm and 60mm rotary cutters.
Quality sewing scissors (like Gingher or similar brand)
Chocolate

Does your quilter/sewist frequently attend classes, retreats, sew with friend days or RV extensively?

18″x24″ folding cutting mat
12″x18″ wool press mat
Sew Steady extension table
Travel size steam iron & 4 oz Best Press
Power strip with 12′ cord
Portable sewing lamp
Duplicates of favorite notions and rulers to create a designated “travel only” sewing kit
Clear project bags in assorted sizes
XL canvas tote bag to carry everything (long handle option makes it easier to sling over your shoulder)
Small lightweight sewing machine and carry bag*
Chocolate

*If you fly with a sewing machine, you may want to invest in a 3/4 size sewing machine and a wheeled tote. I do fly with my Elna STAR Edition (or my Singer Featherweight) in a wheeled tote that fits under the seat. All other accessories are packed in my checked luggage.

Use your blind hem foot! On Janome machines, it’s the G foot and comes in 2 styles: Fixed and Adjustable

If your machine makes stitches 7 mm wide, you can use EITHER foot. My friends with 5 mm wide machines (like my Elna STAR edition) will need the adjustable version. The narrower stitch width on 5 mm wide machines means the needle can’t go far enough left to achieve satisfactory results with the fixed style foot G.

Machine settings: Straight stitch with stitch width = 0.0 or 0.5 and stitch length = 3.0. For 5 mm wide machines, adjust the guide wheel so only 2-3 threads are showing (see picture below).

Place fabric under needle and align right side of fabric with flange on foot.

Sew at a slower speed for more uniform topstitching.

That’s it! What a timesaver on bag handles and topstitching folded edges for a more finished look!