Photo Challenge: Common

Pincushion and Scissors. Photo: TLClark, 12/17/19.

Once upon time – when I was but a child – my mother had common sewing tools. I have similar tools today: a red pincushion and a pair of orange-handled fabric scissors. Those who own fabric scissors share a common rule: THOU SHALT NOT USE THE FABRIC SCISSORS ON PAPER (OR ANY OTHER NON-FABRIC MATERIAL).

When my mother started quilting, her tool kit expanded. I have followed her lead, becoming a quilter and acquiring modern tools of the trade.

Common Tools for Quilters. Photo: TLClark, 12/17/19.

Common quilter’s tools include:

Cutting mat (background), rotary cutter (bottom left), and specialty rulers (three shown);
Thread in neutral colors;
Long, thin pins on a magnetic pin holder;
Small pair of scissors;
and a good seam ripper (for un-sewing, sometimes called Jack).

Q: What is the difference between a beginning quilter and an experienced quilter?
A: The experienced quilter keeps her seam ripper handy.

I used most of the tools – plus a few others – earlier today making quilted Christmas cards.

*Quilted Christmas Cards. Photo: TLClark, 12/17/19.*

Posted in response to this week’s Tuesday Photo Challenge: “… it might be interesting to go for something rather Common… Whether it is the every day, common object or the things that you have in common, or crossing the town common.”

12 thoughts on “Photo Challenge: Common”

Prior... December 17, 2019 at 8:19 pm

This was fun to read and had to share that last summer – we had some remnant fabric we used for table
Coverings – and used kitchen scissors for the fabric –
I thought nothing of it –
But the lady helping me was a seamstress and she just chuckled so much –

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Teressa Post authorDecember 17, 2019 at 9:16 pm

Trying to imagine how well (or not!) kitchen scissors would work on fabric! Not hard to imagine a seamstress chuckling about it. 🙂
So glad you shared the memory.

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1. Prior... December 18, 2019 at 4:07 am
  
  They worked “fine” for the informal slices we needed – and I did not even pay attention because they were sharp- but would not have been ideal for any major project
  
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judydil December 17, 2019 at 10:19 pm

Great
Love it

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TCast December 18, 2019 at 1:19 am

Those quilted Christmas cards are just amazing.

Teresa

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Teressa Post authorDecember 18, 2019 at 9:25 am

Thank-you! I’ve been having fun experimenting.

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dondilworth December 19, 2019 at 5:49 am

Only material for your scissors, only clean wood for my jointer. Dad

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Teressa Post authorDecember 19, 2019 at 8:53 am

Didn’t know about the only clean wood for you jointer rule! Clearly I need to spend some time with you in the wood working shop.

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