Make Your Mark
I’m pretty sure that ripping out stitches (or, “unsewing” as I call it) is our least favorite part of quilting and sewing. But it is a necessary evil and something we must all do once in awhile.
My amazing, talented husband started making custom seam rippers earlier this year, and I have to say, it makes ‘unsewing’ a little more bearable. They are so much more comfortable than your average seam ripper, the tip and blade are of high quality, and, let’s face it, they’re beautiful!
Paul made one for me as a test piece about 9 months ago, and I’ve been using it since as my only seam ripper. I really wanted to make sure the components are of high-quality, as I don’t want to offer anything that doesn’t do it’s job well. I can assure you, my seam ripper has had quite a workout.
These seam rippers make wonderful gifts for any occasion. He is taking Christmas orders right now, and we only have a small window of opportunity left, so if you would like to purchase a seam ripper, please contact me immediately. Because of the holiday rush (he makes pens, styli, wine bottle stoppers, razor brushes and handles also), he does not have a large ready-made selection, so your seam ripper will be semi-custom made, in that you will get to choose the primary color of your handle.
This is a double-sided seam ripper that was recently made for a client.
This single-sided acrylic seam ripper, in green and yellow, is already made and available for purchase (first come, first served) for $22 plus shipping where applicable.
This white with black acrylic, single-sided seam ripper is already made and available for purchase (first come, first served) for $22 plus shipping where applicable.
Seam rippers can be made from various woods, or acrylic. Acrylic is by far the more popular choice, as customers like choosing a color and a style that suits them or the recipient. You will need to let us know what color or colors you would like, and Paul will choose the most appropriate blank from his inventory to create your seam ripper. There are other custom options available, such as picking a specific acrylic blank to order or other materials (TrueStone, etc.), but those will come with various additional cost.
The tips of the seam ripper come out and turn inward to prevent injury or tearing by hiding the sharp tips. This is great if you have kids or young, curious people! Below is a double-sided seam ripper with both ends ‘closed’ to protect the points:
All seam rippers come in a clear plastic tube to protect the item, and is perfect for shipping.
Please note that if you are not local (we are just outside of Atlanta), shipping charges will need to be added to your order. If this is a gift, we are happy to ship directly to the recipient, or we can ship to you.
The cost for a standard single-sided seam ripper is $23 (wood or acrylic chosen from available inventory based on your preferred color)
The cost for a standard double-sided seam ripper is $25, and will come with a small seam ripper on one side, and a large on the other (wood or acrylic chosen from available inventory based on your preferred color)
The cost for a standard seam ripper and stiletto combo (not shown yet, pictures coming soon) is $28, and will come with a regular-sized seam ripper on one side, and a stiletto on the other (wood or acrylic choosen from available inventory based on your preferred color)
We are in the process of building a website to make Paul’s work more available, but we are also in the midst of moving our family and both of our businesses to a new (more sufficient!) location, so look for a full inventory and selection after the first of the year. In the meantime, please contact me at asbarney@gmail.com if you are looking for a seam ripper or other specific item. We are happy to help you any way we can!
Welcome to the first Product & Tool: Hit or Miss?
Today’s feature is 505 Spray. The reason I picked this one is because I was turned on to it about a year ago and never looked back. I see a lot of fellow quilters that are very curious about using the 505 Spray for basting quilts, but are afraid of messing up their quilts one way or another.
I definitely thing 505 Spray is a hit! I was very hesitant, given my best friend’s try at spray basting a quilt. However, she made to errors that we’re aware of now: one, she used the cheapest spray she could find at Walmart, and two, she sprayed way too much when basting the quilt.
A friend and fellow quilter opened me up to the idea of spray basting after hearing that she ONLY spray bastes her quilts. With her guidance and support, I tried. And yes, I was hooked.
505 Spray gives a nice, even coat without caking or flaking. I’ve never had the spray soak through my fabric. It never shows or leaves rings. The fumes are very low, and I don’t experience inhalation (keep the ceiling fan off!!) or gagging. I can baste my quilt, fold it up, and store it for several weeks before quilting it, and it’s still just as sturdy and secure as the day I basted it.
When quilting, you don’t have to stop and move or remove a ton of safety pins. I have only experienced one wrinkle on any of my quilts, and that’s when I was using flannel shirting as a backing and didn’t check for wrinkles while basting (so that was my own fault).
The adhesive is temporary, so when you wash your quilt, the 505 Spray dissipates.
This is one product I definitely think every quilter should keep in their arsenal. If you want to try 505 Spray but are hesitant, here is a very clear step-by-step tutorial.
505 Spray is available in the store!!!
Have you tried 505 Spray for basting your quilts, or do you use it regularly?
