Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Tool Time Tuesday...Quilt Row Markers

My motto for Tool Time Tuesday is to always think outside the box. For me, that "box" usually means finding something in the clearance bin and saying...hmmm, what else can I use this for!
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I haven't cross stitched in years and gave all my supplies away, but I still couldn't pass this package up with the big red clearance sticker!
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What to do...what to do...
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They're plastic too, so they'll last forever.
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I have it!! I took out my favorite Avery Labels #8160 and used Microsoft word to print out this...


Cut them out to fit the plastic bobbins...


or because they're plastic, you can use a permanent marker and just write on them.



Grab a key ring. The kind that hinges open are much easier.



Hook the bobbins on the key ring and you are all set. You now have a set of quilt row markers to keep each row organized and in order.



Just use a safety pin to attach to the fabric through the hole on the plastic bobbin.



Here's the close up of the pinned row marker and a close up of some of the "I Spy" fabric. Isn't this chalkboard fabric cute?



and here's some Halloween fabric.




I still have a lot of these tags left, so I'll be thinking more on this one.
  • Maybe write your name on them and tie the tag to your scissors so you don't lose them at retreats
  • add to a key chain and write what the key is used for (ex: extra back door key)
My minds still a ticken' so I'll let you know if anything else comes to mind or if you think of some, let us know.

Have a fantastic Tuesday,
~Karen~

ps. I'll be updating the interest in the I Spy Swap on Wednesday.

25 comments:

  1. Hi this is a great idea; one that occurred to me was to do the same thing for rows of knitting. I'm addicted to quilting, but must admit I knit wool socks for my husband for time to time - I like to spoil him - and keeping track of the rows is always a pain. I've tried lots of methods, but this could be just the thing. Regards Sam (Sandra)

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  2. ANOTHER great idea......you are just TOO much, Karen!!! (And I mean that is a good way.)

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  3. That is definitely a wonderful idea!! I usually mark with a post it note, but this definitely saves paper.

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  4. Another great idea Karen, I have to look for those.

    Zlaty

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  5. Well, I usually tear paper off and label my stacks, but once again you have found a "greener" way. I really like this idea. I am always thinking there must be a better way to label your stack of fabrics. And here it is!!! :0)

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  6. Another great idea - because I cross-stitch, I have lots of these, and just yesterday was looking for a key-chain for a single key - now I know where to find one. These could be used to keep fabrics separated for projects as well - pencil erases quite easily from these little plastic tabs. Keep the ideas coming - love all of them. Peg

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  7. Yeah or yeah!!! I love this idea. I just picked up some of these floss holders at the thrift store a couple of weeks ago. I also have not cross stitched in ages, but it was a good price and I thought there had to be some way to use them. YEAH!!!

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  8. I love this idea! I'm going to use it! And seriously...you should write a book!

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  9. Duh! Lightbulb moment! What a fantastic idea. Bloggers are such smart people and I'm glad I know them!

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  10. Very smart idea!!! Thanks for sharing!

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  11. I will be checking out all the bargain boxes now for these plastic bobbins. Fantastic idea. Will share with my quilting friends.

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  12. Like I said, you are so clever....I love it...I usually just put one straight pin in for row one, then two for row two etc....this is alot better...but can't find those here...will have to store the idea until I get tot he states.

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  13. First, I really love your TTT! Had to laugh about this one. I do use them for my embroidery thread and use stickers for my rows, but I will keep this one in mind...

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  14. Great idea Karen. I was using post-its and they always ripped and fell off!

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  15. Your brain must tick over constantly, I'm amazed by what you come up with. This is a good one.

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  16. Oh this is brilliant Karen, I'm going to make a set of these, I get so sick of ripping up little bits of paper that get lost half way through. Did you ever watch the show MacGiver (not sure how it's spelt), where he could get out of a situation with a bit of string and not much else? I think you are Mrs MacGiver, the ideas you come up with out of the box are incredible!!! xo

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  17. Hey! I've got some of these...great idea AGAIN!!

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  18. Wooohoo...what a great idea!!
    Thanks Karen...you've done it again :D

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  19. I have an even easier way to mark rows. I put a piece of masking tape on a safety pin and folded it over on itself so the sticky was all covered. Then I wrote numbers on each tape - cheap and effective!
    (but your idea is good too!)

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  20. You've done it again. Your ideas are sew amazing!

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  21. I use the cardboard version of these to keep earrings organized.

    I punch holes with a large sewing needle, place the matching earrings in the holes, and then hang the cards on an unused thread holder. The pairs stay matched up, and I can see them all when they are hanging by the large hold on the wooden thread holder. (The type from JoAnns like you use on one of your other projects to hold your thread.)

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