18 March, 2008

Grab A Fork!

... a fork pin, that is. These are my newest favorite pins, absolutely worth their weight in gold* when it comes to precision piecing. This is the way they work: when matching up opposing seams drop a "marker" pin (conventional straight pin) straight down, vertically, through the seam; aligning the stitches both top and bottom. Slide one U-shaped fork pin up either side of the "marker" and remove the vertical straight pin. Stitch. I used to align and match this way, but instead of a fork pin I would pin close on either side of the vertical pin before removing it; this took time, two pins, and would occasionally push the marker pin off of vertical. These fork pins are sharp and thin, they slide smoothly into the seam allowances; since they're going in at the same time they seem to lock and anchor the marker. The results are great! Take a look here at how precisely these seams, and points, line up after using the fork pins (click photo to view larger):
They're pricey, though. *The above reference to gold isn't accidental. The Clover pins pictured here come 35 to the box and retail for around $10. I found them at my LQS. (I'll keep tabs on these babies, I won't be tossing them around my sewing space willy-nilly.) Think of these an investment... in your time, in your sanity; not to mention how much longer your seam ripper will last!
11. Separate worries from concerns . If a situation is a concern, find out what God would have you do and let go of the anxiety . If you can't do anything about a situation, forget it.
Life is Good!

10 comments:

MJMR said...

(Ah-h-h....I see you are doing your
February "homework".) I really like the double stick pins. First used them on our shop retreat in February. They really do help keep everything in its proper place.

*karendianne. said...

Oh this interesting. I'm not sure I exactly understand but I will think on it somemore.

Stuck Quilter Love, *karendianne.

CONNIE W said...

I've seen them and wondered if they were a good product. With your endorsement I will be getting some. Thanks.

Lisa Boyer said...

SOLD!!! I'm getting me some. I wonder where I can get them online. FedExed overnight. I need them NOW.....

Gee...you're a pretty great saleswoman!

Libby said...

A very handy tool, indeed *s*

Quilting Memories said...

I'm HOME, thanks for the tip, looks like I will need some for my quilting on the go****VBS****
Took the trailer by work when we got in this afternoon and the "boss" promised me a working generator by Thursday afternoon....YEAH, finally ELECTRICITY..... now, no excuses...
Good to be Home J

Tanya said...

I will look around for these. We do get Clover products in Japan. Always interested in anything that makes life easier!

Cheryl said...

I need some of those!! Thanks for the wonderful explanation!

meggie said...

Good advice on several fronts here!!

Bonnie K. Hunter said...

I saw these also and want to give them a try! They are also available from my amazon store (shameless plug)

http://astore.amazon.com/quiltville-20/detail/B000YZ8MK6/002-2736082-1792053

Just in case anyone is interested! (I told you, I was shameless!)

Bonnie