Is it just me, or do all of the back to school supplies make you feel just a little bit giddy!
Fresh and new supplies put a pep in my step!
The sharp pencils. Crayons WITH TIPS! New scissors!
EEEEK!
Even though I’m not going back to school, I couldn’t resist a stroll down the back to school aisle at WalMart, and soon a few supplies jumped into my cart!
I use a number of school supplies for my quilting hobby and I always stock up this time of year because the prices are not better any other time!
Want to know which supplies I use year round in my quilting room? Then read on!
And don’t forget to get in the drawing for your own set of back to school supplies! FIVE lucky winners will receive their own goodie box of supplies!
Top 9 School Supplies EVERY quilter needs:
Crayons
What is it about a fresh box of crayons?
Go ahead, take a deep sniff…ahhh, do you smell the freshness?
I always stock up on a fresh box of crayons this time of year because I like to use crayons to personalize wall hangings, throw pillows, embroidery projects, reading pillows and other fun quilted projects.
Coloring on fabric is so easy!
Color like you normally would on paper.
Once you are at a point where you would like to set your colors, use a dry iron (turn off steam) and a piece of wax paper or use some Pressing Paper from ThermoWeb.
With the paper between your project and the iron, gently press and it will set the wax and lift off any residue.
Repeat to layer on colors.
What art project would you love to see come to life?
Paper Scissors
Every quilter knows you do not use your good fabric scissors on paper!
I always keep some paper scissors in my sewing tool kit so that I can trim foundation papers for paper-piecing projects or cut patterns apart if needed.
Paper scissors sure came in handy when I paper pieced my Farmer’s Daughter quilt!
I like this smaller size, because then I know and always remember these are for PAPER! That way I never confuse it with my fabric scissors.
Grid-lined Notebooks
When I saw these grid-lined notebooks I GEEKED out!
How perfect are these for sketching quilt blocks or even trying out some color schemes! Grab your crayons and design away!
PS: This paper is also great for designing barn quilt blocks! Tutorial was requested on these and is coming soon!
Glue (the regular old Elmer’s kind)
One of the BEST QUILTING HACKS is using glue to baste binding!
And yes – the regular old white Elmer’s glue works!
First of all, it is water based so can be wiped up or washed away, and secondly, it dries quickly if you set it with your iron.
I did a video on this that you can find here.
I most commonly am asked if it gums up your needle or machine, and the answer is “NO! It doesn’t”. By heat setting with your iron, the glue is dry when you take the project to your machine.
Glue Sticks
I use glue sticks when I am paper piecing or using foundation pieces (such as when you make a string quilt block using leftovers).
A little dab in the center helps secure that first piece of fabric to the paper so that you can focus on sewing versus everything slipping around.
Highlighters
I know some purists will never mark up a quilt pattern, but I like to read through my pattern first and determine the stumbling blocks i will encounter.
I highlight any key points of the pattern I don’t want to miss.
Another thing I do is highlight the SIZE I am cutting for my project. Since many patterns are written for a variety of sizes, I like to use a highlighter to remember which one I am actually making!
This saves me from mis-cutting pieces and wasting fabric.
Pencils
Pencils are like crayons – you will never regret having a sharp one with a good tip!
I use pencils ALL OF THE TIME!
I jot quick notes down. I use them to mark the backside of fabric when I’m making half-square triangles.
A pencil is a constant companion for a quilter
Small Notebook
I don’t necessarily keep a small notebook in my sewing room, but I always have one in my purse for taking notes down when I’m out and about!
Oh, I know phones can keep notes too, but I am a little old fashioned in this way and love a good notebook with me.
Always.
I jot down names of patterns or fabric lines I love, or I keep notes of how much yardage I need to buy for certain projects.
Letter + Number Stickers
A lot of success in quilting comes from staying organized.
Whenever I am cutting fabric for piecing, I like to neatly label it so that I can remember what each piece is designated for.
These stickers are perfect for this! So cute and perfect
I did a tutorial on how to make your own DIY Quilt Markers. Use your creativity and make whatever color you like best!
You can read the post or watch the video!
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