As part of my year-end review process, I conduct an inventory of the essential tools and supplies for sewing and pattern making. I haven’t done this in quite some time, so this is the year to knuckle down and tackle this project.
Over the past months of intensive sewing, I’ve noticed some of my scissors have dulled beyond resharpening, rulers have cracked, and some supplies I’ve reached for I’ve used up, or worse, are completely missing. I do plan on having a couple of pairs of scissors sharpened, but many of my tools are just simply worn out. My plan at this moment is to purchase these items a bit at a time over the next six months until I have refreshed my entire collection.
Tools
Tailor Scissors Set
A trio of essential scissors from a really good company – Graf. I’m getting a set of these for myself! What I like about this particular kit is that includes my three styles of cutting tools. I do so much cutting that I do wear my tools out and it’s time for some new nippers! My current collection primarily consists of Gingher brand shears, but I’ve heard great things about Graf brand products and I’m ready to try something new. On Amazon
Pattern Making Curves
If you’re planning on giving some pattern making or manipulation a try in 2018, now is a good time to pick up a set of curves. I’ve got a few essential metal curves, I have lost or misplaced quite a few curves over the years. Since I’m going to be picking up this set. This set has practically everything you would need to make practically every style of garment imaginable! On Amazon
Bias Tape Maker Set
In 2017, I found myself heading out the nearest fabric store to purchase ready-made bias tape. Although I have a bias tape maker, it’s for making really big bias tape! I’m not planning on binding blankets in the near future, but I do use bias tape for finishing necklines, shoulders, and hems. With those needs in mind, I decided that what I really need is a set of tools so I can make any size tape out of any fabric I like! I’m really looking forward to building a bigger and more versatile set. On Amazon
Chubby Handled Seam Ripper
There is no doubt about it, seam rippers go dull with use, and are virtually impossible to resharpen. In 2018, I’m going to pick up a new model, but with a nice big comfortable handle. I use the seam ripper extensively during costume rehab projects and having a good grip is essential. This is probably the first thing I will get on this list. On Amazon
Supplies
Hand Sewing Needles
My favorite hand-sewing needles are John James Millinery Needles. I bought my first pack many-many years ago when on a trip to London. I went to Liberty of London main store and visited the sewing department on the top floor. I bought a few trinkets and small supplies, and part of my tiny haul was a set of hand-sewing needles. I fell in love and I need to replenish my supply. I’m going to pick up a craft needle assortment so I have everything I need.On Amazon
Rotary Cutter Blades
That moment when your rotary cutter starts to skip is the worst! I went through my collection of supplies and realized I have used up my backstock of blades. I currently have three rotary cutters in my arsenal, a 45mm, 28mm and a tiny 18mm. But it’s the 45mm one that I use for cutting out large garments that seems to go dull the fastest. Instead of buying name-brand, I like to go down and dirty and buy in quantity. Will they go dull faster than a an Olfa or Dritz brand blade? Probably, but I know that the glam belly dance fabrics I use with foiled finishes will dull all blades, why not save some money? 45mm – 10 pack on Amazon
Pins
Over time, pins bend, become dull, and just disappear. To keep things simple in my studio, I only use two kinds of straight pins. I use these Dritz brand extra-fine white-headed glass pins. These are perfect for fine sewing and working with couture sewing techniques on slippery fabrics. on Amazon
I also regularly purchase Dritz yellow-headed quilters pins in the large-sized package. These are pins are long and sharp and easy to get through even tough fabrics
. These are work-horses in my studio and I use them daily. on Amazon
This color coding system makes it easy for me to identify the pins I’m grabbing at a glance. I also use red clips in my process, but since they last longer and don’t need to be replaced as often. If you’re interested in the clips, these are the set I have in my studio currently. on Amazon
If you are setting up your own sewing kit from scratch or updating an existing kit, perhaps some of the tools and supplies I use will also work for you! If you would like to join the ongoing conversation about belly dance costume construction, materials, tools, and supplies, join us in the Studio Davina Facebook group.
I hope that you have a fabulous day during this holiday season!
Dawn Devine ~ Davina
Dec. 21, 2017
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