Sunday, August 3, 2008

This is......my trade secret


Well actually it's probably no secret that 'My Trade Secret' would have to be my bias tape makers...........

I use them constantly for all sorts of things.....blanket edging, apron trim and straps, bag handles, drawstring bags, potholder trim.....anything I can find!

I'm even going to use them for the next pair of Moo Moo pants....I have the idea in my brain already.....I'm going to make a pair of corduroy pants and use the cow print to trim the pocket and the bottom leg seams.


I bought mine online from Clegs (you place the order online and they call back to confirm and get payment).

My next trade secret is my trusty Snap Setter.......

You just place the bottom part of the snap on the bottom plate, put the fabric over it, put the middle plate on top, add the top part of the snap, then place the top plate on and give it a few whacks with a hammer. It's quick and easy!

The snaps are available in all sorts of different styles and colours....I've used them on bibs, bags, notepad covers, and baby bjorn covers.

I bought the cool hammer from Snapsource too. When you take it apart it has a set of four screwdrivers....it's perfect for any crafty chick!

This is a gadget that I bought at Big W on Friday.....I don't know whether it's worthy of being a trade secret but it was only about $1.65 so I thought I'd grab it and test it out!

Thanks to the lovely Angela for hosting 'This is' and to Amelia for such a fantastic theme....I can't wait to go and check out everybody else's secrets!

23 comments:

Michelle said...

Hey! Great trade secrets! This is another good meme, no?

Anonymous said...

I have just bought 2 sizes of bias tape makers and looking forward to using them.......I love all things Clover....and keen to see how your Pom Pom maker works....Thanks for the tips
Sharon

Michelle said...

I just got a bias tape maker and am looking forward to using it. Just have to finish asll my current wip first...

Love the snapsetter. I have got a snap press but it is big and cumbersome. The snapsetter looks so much better.

Cass said...

I really have to get one of those bias makers.

Anna-Lisa said...

Wow - this week is sooo helpful. I failed sewing at school so are winging it with most things. when I make straps I use a safety pin to try and thread it back through. takes hours!! I'm gonna get some this week!

Kyriake said...

I have no idea what bias tape even is! I'm a sewing newbie! But, it sounds pretty snazzy and the things you made with it in those pictures look pretty snazzy too!

Thanks for your words of encouragement re: brown owls! I'm actually really excited about it... I always hear wonderful stories about it, and I've been wanting to go to one for ages! :)

Claire (ethel loves fred) said...

Oh Wow - love your gadetry! I MUST purchase one of the bias makers!

Liesl said...

How beautiful does that bias trim look! (I still haven't taken my bias tape maker out of the packet ... its too daunting! I must give it a go.) Love the look of the snap setter too!

Anna-Lisa said...

Thanks so much for the ink and spindle tip off!!

Bird Bath said...

I've always been curious by the bias tape maker...will have to give it a go.
I have a tried the pom pom gadget and can assure you that it pops out poms poms in minutes.

Cathy said...

Thanks for sharing your trade secrets - I am already with you with the bias makers - I have them in all sizes and couldn't live without them - on the other hand I had never heard of the snap setter - thank you very much - my credit card has just had a workout.

Jacinta said...

These all look really cool, but a little bit overwhelming for me. The pompom maker, however looks like it could be fun, but the bias tape maker and the snap setter are just a bit beyond me I think!

Michelle said...

Your trade secrets are spot on! I bought the snap setter on your recommendation and it's THE BEST!!!! I bought the bias tape maker as well - but I'm scared of it still!!! I need a lesson I think!!

Melanie Gray Augustin said...

I bought a bias tape maker a few months ago and just love it!! It's so much fun, I want to find more excuses just to use it :)

Jenny said...

It looks like I will have to give that bias tape maker a go-great trade secrets!

Nathalanes Place said...

Hi there, I have a bias tape maker but I never wven used it. Still meke bias the old way. Just am to use to the old method, comes with old age I guess. Love your tips though. Have a nice one.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for sharing all your tools of the trade! I love checking out things like this - the "bits 'n' bobs 'n' tools 'n' gadgets" section is my favourite in craft stores, although I have to admit there are a few that have me completely stumped as to their use! You know the ones - you pick them up and turn them over and read the packaging but you still can't figure out what they're supposed to do!

The snap setter looks like a magic tool! I'll be going out to get one today methinks!

~Holly
Two Cheese Please

Beth said...

Wow, great tips! I've looked at those bias tape makers but just haven't been sure how often I'd use one. So many cool examples! Hrm... maybe I will have to buy one after all.

Cindy said...

What a great collection of goodies. I love the bias one, here I have been ironing my fingers trying to get the same result. Thanks for the tips, my fingers are grateful too.

Sasparilla Sue said...

I've been eyeing those bias tape makers because thus far all mine have been made by me eyeballing them and then crossing my fingers that they come out all right. Of course, I've only had to make any bias tape about 3 times but I still think I'll go pick one up.

That pompom maker is so simple yet so genius. My mom used to use different sized books (usually paperbacks) when I was little to make her pompoms. I think I'll go pick up one of these for her!

Amelia said...

i have the clover bias tape maker in three widths and it was actually one of the things that came to mind when i suggested the theme!

Drewzel said...

One day I might even try to use my bias tape maker...you've inspired me.

A said...

I just bought me a couple of bias tape makers last week - totally addicted already! Thanks for the tips!