If you’re just starting out in quilting, the process of selecting a batting for your quilted project can be daunting! There are so many battings to choose from. You may select a batting that is on hand, is on sale, or that is recommended by a friend… but does it really make a difference what batting you choose? The answer is YES! The batting you select for a project can make a big difference in the way your quilted project […]
Product Review: Terial Magic
As a quilter and crafter, I’ve tried the more traditional ways to stabilize my fabrics – using spray starch and using Best Press. So, when I was asked to try out Terial Magic, I wasn’t sure how excited I would be. Spoiler alert: I was VERY excited! Terial Magic is a liquid that comes in a spray bottle. It works a little different than starch or best press. You spray it on your fabric, wring out the fabric, allow it […]
Last Minute Stocking Stuffers for Quilters
When Santa shops for quilting stocking stuffers, there are some go-to items he can always reach for. Here are some of the best last-minute stocking stuffers for quilters. 45mm Rotary Blades Quilters need to replace their blades regularly, and most don’t. Not because they don’t want to, but because they forget to keep them on hand. Tuck some replacement blades in their stocking this year to keep them cutting safely in 2015. Sewing Machine Needles Having a needle break […]
Lumi Sunfold Product Review
When I first heard of Lumi Sunfold dye, it made me think of the nature prints I made at scout camp using specially treated paper. We would place leaves, sticks, grass, and shells on specially-treated paper, then lay the paper in the sun. This would result in simple prints of our designs. That is the basic theory behind the product… here is what they say about their kit: An exciting new way to print elegant patterns on any natural fabric. […]
Iron Cover Comparison
If you do a lot of ironing – like most quilters and seamstresses, you might own an iron cover, or be in the market for one. Recently, I reviewed the Clover Press Perfect Iron Safe Iron Cover here on Craft Test Dummies. You can check out my full review – but the end result was that as an experienced quilter, I decided it wasn’t a product I need in my sewing studio. I decided to test a second iron cover […]
Clover Press Perfect Iron Safe Review
As a quilter, I do a lot of ironing. Fabric needs to be pressed before it can be cut and seams need to be pressed – either open, or to the side, depending on the project. I starch my fabrics, or use best press, or sometimes just a little extra steam. My iron gets a work out. So when I was asked to try out the Clover Press Perfect Iron Safe, I thought I’d give it a try! Irons are […]
Fiskars Rotary Blade Replacement Review
Earlier, I shared my review of the Fiskars Rotary Cutter and Ruler Combo. One thing I wasn’t able to chat about in my review was the no-touch blade system, since I didn’t have a blade replacement cartridge to try. The awesome folks at Fiskars sent me a blade replacement cartridge, and I’m super excited to share my findings with you! Before we go on, I should tell you that I have a history with rotary cutters. When I was 12, […]
Book Review: Simple Beginnings Beading
I love making simple jewelry. Over at my site, 30 Minute Crafts, I make a lot of fast and easy jewelry projects. And I love picking up books that take me through basic techniques. I like reviewing the basics, and I also like having books with basic techniques to pass on to my friends who want to learn new crafting skills. So I was excited to review Simple Beginnings: Beading by Suzann Sladick Wilson. Here is what the publisher says […]
Book Review: Bewitching Bead and Wire Jewelry
As an intermediate beader, I’ve made my share of earrings, bracelets, and necklaces. I have a simple style that I stick to… and I am ready to branch out. So I was super excited to be sent Bewitching Bead and Wire Jewelry by Suzanne J.E. Tourtillott to review. Here is what the publisher has to say about the book: These 40 fun projects—rings, bracelets, earrings, necklaces, cuffs—will inspire wire workers, beaders, and all types of creative crafters. Written by Suzanne […]
Book Review: Never Been Stitched by Amanda Carestio
I have been sewing a long, long time. More than half my life. But that doesn’t stop me from keeping my eye out for books for beginning sewers, like this book “Never Been Stitched” by Amanda Carestio, with the contributions of others. I have lots of friends who want advice on learning how to sew. And since I can’t send them to my mom’s house to learn on a hand-crank Singer like I did, I like having some basic books […]
StichNSew EZ Print Quilt Block Sheets
Are you a quilter? Have you ever tried paper piecing? There are two different kinds of paper piecing – and they are very different. English Paper piecing uses paper templates and hand stitching. You might be familiar with the flower designs made from hexagons – a very popular motif in English Paper Piecing. Then there is the other kind of paper piecing – also known as “foundation piecing”. That is the kind of paper piecing I’m talking about today. Paper […]
ProMAG Magnetic Paper Review
When I opened up the big box of magnetic papers sent to me from CTD World Headquarters, I was excited to get playing with it! Jenny sent me all kinds of different ProMAG Magnetic papers to try out – from paintable to photo printable – so I got down and got crafty! From left to right, there is a magnetic adhesive sheet, printable photo magnet, paintable magnetic vinyl, and magnetic paper. I’ll go in order as I played with each […]
Review: Fiskars Rotary Cutter and Ruler Combo
When I was asked if I would review the new Fiskars Rotary Cutter & Ruler Combo, I immediately said YES! I’m a quilter, and have been for more than half of my life. I teach quilting at a local quilt shop, and often do demos of new rulers. Quilters, as a group, love gadgets. We haven’t met a new notion we don’t immediately think we need. And companies know this. So they are constantly coming out with new notions for […]
Beer Crafts: Book Review
I’ll admit that I’m not a big beer drinker. But my husband is a beer fan, so reviewing the book “Beer Crafts” was a great opportunity for me to fulfill one of my husband’s deepest desires: asking him to pick up some beer on the way home! Here is what the publisher says about “Beer Crafts – making the Most of Your Cans, Bottle Caps, and Labels” by Shawn Gascoyne-Bowman. While author and crafter extraordinaire Shawn Bowman would like to […]
Little Windows Resin Starter Kit: Review
One of my favorite parts of being on the Craft Test Dummies Team is getting to play with different products… which is why I was so excited when I was sent the Little Windows Resin Starter Kit to play with! I took some time to create two batches of the resin, and play with different techniques, and can’t wait to tell you what I learned! Here is what Little Windows says about their products: Little Windows makes it fun & […]
Book Review: Aimee Ray’s Sweet and Simple Jewelry
I haven’t been this charmed by a book in a long time. Really, get ready for a love-fest, because I’m about to dish about the fabulous book Aimee Ray’s Sweet & Simple Jewelry. Here is what the publisher has to say about the book: Aimee Ray, the bestselling author of Doodle Stitching—along with top Etsy and indie designers—presents some of the most beautiful, on-trend jewelry projects ever. Designed for general crafters, jewelry makers, and Ray’s legion of fans, these stunning […]
Book Review: Flip Dolls and Other Toys
If you’re looking for a fun book on making stuffed toys that do double-duty, you may have found your match with “Flip Dolls and Other Toys that Zip, Stack, Hide, Grab, and Go”. This book packs a lot of bang for the buck! Here is what the publisher says about the book: Why make an ordinary stuffed toy when you can sew irresistible creations that flip, zip, snap, stack, and move? Filled with wit, humor, and inventiveness, these delightful interactive […]
CHA New Product: True Angle Rulers
If you’re a quilter or papercrafter looking to take your designs to the next level, you’ve probably considered adding unique angles to your work. But angles are hard. It is hard to get them accurate. They are not easy to measure. But not anymore. Thanks to the folks at Quint Measuring systems. But before I go on, let me share this with you: Yes. She is BENDING THE RULER. I have your attention now, right? Carol and her husband, the […]
CHA 2014: New Product: SandIts
I’ve gone to CHA for a couple years now, and hands-down my favorite part of the show is the new products section. This year, one of my favorites was SandIts. Paul and his son (who is manning the camera for the video below) were charming, and their product is just plain neat. Paul told me that he came up with the idea for SandIts when he had some battery corrosion that he was scraping away, using an expensive kitchen knife. […]
CHA 2014 New Product: Amazing Tape
As I was strolling through the new product section at CHA, I came across a product that I’ve seen in my Local Quilt Shop, but might be new to lots of crafters: Amazing Tape. What’s so amazing about Amazing Tape? First: it isn’t tape. That’s right, it has no adhesive at all. It is best described as “cling wrap on steriods”. Quilters have been using Amazing Tape for years to secure thread onto spools. It can be used just as […]
