Saturday, April 2, 2011

I've Been Blessed

I have some new additions to my sewing space that make me pause and say "thank you." Great deals on eBay, Overstock.com and Amazon.com and even the soon-to-be-defunct Chase rewards program have provided some killer bargain-hunting opportunities. I've been quietly hoarding since January.

The stars aligned when I had two weeks of all-day, off-site work meetings where meals were provided -- no groceries needed. An extra bonus was that the test kitchen gave all the leftover food away to the attendees. Folks walked out with crates and boxes of stuff.  I haven't had to cook for three weeks! I politely transferred my grocery budget to sewing :-) The only downside is that because the meetings were in the 'burbs, I couldn't sew in the mornings.

Here is what's making me jump for joy:

I finally own a pressure iron/steamer! My poor little Hamilton Beach struggled with my RTW, so I'd been praying for something more powerful. Meet St. John (pronounced "sinjin"). He's a Rowenta DG8030. Someone was selling these "or best offer" on eBay. I am in absolute love!
Rowenta DG8030 Expert Steam Generator
I have a needle board!!  I'd been hunting on eBay even more passionately since Victoria shared her great find. Mine was a part of a vintage sewing supplies lot. $45 for it and some cool buttons, trims, labels and other stuff.



Ruby! has been remade. My first My Double Deluxe form from eBay was bought as-is and arrived in less than stellar condition, but I made it work. However, I ruined everything when I put the cover on.

Now, I have a brand new form and the Fabulous Fit System. I was smart enough this time to ask for a 3/4 cover (I ordered the large set). I've been eyeing the Fabulous Fit pads for a couple of years; they are usually $127. I saw an ad in the most recent Threads where they were on sale for $69 (+$17 for shipping)!
If you are thinking about getting a dress form, please get these pads while they are on sale. This is so much easier than using batting and fluff.

Because I got the 3/4 type, I only got one cover. I probably could have used an XL. Since I haven't given up my dream of weight loss, I'm okay with the cover and Ruby being off by a couple of inches. I really, really wish I could figure out how to lengthen the CB and have it stay that way. I've tried taping it still slides back to the original length.

Dritz(R) My Double Deluxe Dressform (20405) - SmallDress Form System



I thought the pants seam board might be helpful when I graduate to pants. Picked this up for about the cost of a Starbucks run on bonanza.com. (It's all about sacrifice).


I used this mini iron for the first time on a collar seam. Worked great. Then, I got the bright idea to press the seam allowances again. Well, by then, the iron had fully heated. Can you say melted ITY? Good thing this collar was for a muslin.

Clover Mini Iron II The Adapter

I cashed in some rewards points for this sleeve board.



There are just a few more things I'd like to have by the end of the year and I'll be satisfied with my pressing and fitting tools:


  • The book from the creators of Fabulous Fit -- I think Victoria has it, so I'll check in with her to see if she likes it first.


Fit Made Easy: CATCH 22" Dress Forms & Fitting Secrets Revealed










  • A new ironing board -- I want one that has a place for the steamer to sit. I'm kicking myself for not buying the Rowenta board from Williams-Sonoma years ago. They've been discontinued and the new brand is more expensive.  The one below is by Reliable.


Reliable C60 The Board Home Ironing Table


  • Last, but not least, the latest Threads is right on time. I'd like a press cloth wardrobe! I'm on the lookout for remnant worsted wool, cotton flannel and cotton canvas.




3 comments:

Faye Lewis said...

Enjoy your bounty girl!

Faye Lewis said...

I'm really loving my new sewing room. I still have not done the curtains however. What's your fear of prints??? Is it matching them?, or what?

NuJoi said...

@Faye - When I look in my closet, I see a couple of striped turtlenecks. That's it for prints. I just don't buy them. I have a couple of print skirts; I bought them at the same time years ago. I have lots of print ITY - for dresses. I can't explain why I don't have more print tops.I guess I'm afraid they'll look too busy on me. Completely irrational. I will conquer my fear by making a print top this year!