1. A sewing machine
Isn't it amazing that this small machine can create such lovely things? I thought I'd start this blog with my top 5 tools that I couldn't sew without, and number one, of course, is the sewing machine. We've been through a lot of ups and downs together, much swearing, a bit of crying, and moments of pure joy when a garment comes together in the way I'd hoped. This is the Janome 7025, bought from John Lewis for about £230 roughly ten years ago. As machines go it is pretty basic - as you can see there are no digital elements and just 24 stitches. As Redgwell Sewing Machines said when they serviced it recently "it does what is says on the tin". Indeed. It does have an automatic buttonhole function which can be a little temperamental but usually when it goes wrong it is user error rather than machine error. I do dream of owning a Pfaff (don't tell my Janome) but until that day I'm content to carry on as I am - my Janome and I know each other's foibles and almost always get along.
2. Really good cutting tools
I started out with some cheapo scissors and didn't realise how difficult this had made cutting out patterns until I upgraded to Fiskars scissors a few years later, they are like driving a rolls royce after driving an old banger!
I added a Fiskars rotary cutter and a cutting mat about 2 years ago and that has made life even easier again, I much prefer using a rotary cutter when I can. I'm sure there are other quality brands too, I just haven't tried them. And hmmm...that is actually three pieces of equipment rather than one but never mind.
3. A pin cushion
Pins really are the best invention: for such a tiny thing, they can do so much!
I've tried a few different pin cushions over the years - magnetic, pin saucers etc but always come back to this (admittedly now tired looking) pin cushion which my friend Lisa made for me as a hen party gift. It's made from the wedding bunting she helped me to sew 10 years ago and I still love it.
4. An overlocker / serger
An overlocker for me opened up the world of sewing knit fabrics and having more professional looking finishes for all garments. I use this Brother 734Ds which works well for my purposes: it is easy to thread, easy to move the blade and I get great results.
Prior to this machine, I bought a second-hand overlocker on Ebay - I wouldn't recommended that unless you enjoy tinkering with machines, taking them apart, giving them a deep clean and trying to get them to work. Although I got it working it was always temperamental and liable to throw a tantrum at any time....
5. Support
Yes, this does look like a thimble. It is a thimble. But it represents so much more. It was my Nan's thimble. She was a brilliant dressmaker but in her lifetime I don't think I asked her one question about dressmaking, and I regret that so much. So I'm self-taught, but I keep this thimble with me whenever I sew as a reminder that a) sewing is in my blood, b) I was loved, c) sometimes you just have to stop, breathe and make a cup of tea before you start again, and d) there is a brilliant, encouraging and helpful sewing community on Instagram who, for me at least, have in part replaced what my Nan could have given in terms of sewing and have made my sewing journey so much more enjoyable.
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