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!

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.





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.



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.

• 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.

• 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.