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Costumer's
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Sewing tool kitOne of the best things that any costume designer, seamstress or tailor can do for themselves is to invest in good quality tools. Many people have written to me asking for a list of essential tools for the dance costumer's kit. My sewing toolbox has grown organically over many years. If I discovered I needed a special tool as I worked, I purchased it. I now have it on hand and ready for similar future projects. On the other hand, there are some items, such as needles, scissors, pins and thread that are necessary basics that most seamstresses already own. Because I teach workshops, in classes and at sewing studios around town, I have to stay portable. A tackle box holds all my gear in one place and allows me to pack-up and dash at a moment's notice. I use the top trays to separate tools and notions that I regularly use. The bottom bin holds large items such as scissors, boxes of pins and thread. The outer top of the case has some flip-top sections that are used to hold consumable notions, such as snaps, buttons and hooks and eyes that are used in virtually every sewing project. The box - This tackle box is now over 10 years old and gets used on almost a daily basis. It sits at one end of my sewing table open and ready. When I need to make patterns or cut fabric, the box is easily closed and placed under my table. Having the tiered trays means small tools are readily available and within easy reach. There are many specialty boxes available at craft and sewing stores. Tool boxes can be very inexpensive at hardware store. Shop for tackle boxes at the end of the fishing season in the fall. Look for them at sporting goods stores, discount stores with sporting goods departments and at specialty fishing shops. Top sections - Almost every costume will require some sort of closure system. In this top area, I keep consumable good such as various types of hook and eye sets, snaps and an assortment of buttons. I also keep a mini hand-sewing kit on the top of my box. This kit can be used for quick emergencies, or if I don't have the space to whip out the whole box. However if I need a pair of scissors, needle and thread, it's all there and waiting. I often have this box nearby during fittings, so I also have easy access to straight pins and safety pins.
Top Tray - Long items such as pens, marking tools, tracing wheels, an awl and hem gauge are located at the top. Other long slender items in this location include turners, long bodkins, long tweezers and tools such as a screwdriver and knife. Middle Tray - This section is all tools for machine and hand sewing. I have sewing machine needles, bobbins for my various machines, bees wax, seam rippers, thimbles, sewing machine feet and assorted thread nippers and small scissors. Bottom Tray - This level is home to odd but helpful tools like bias tape makers, plastic bodkins, point turners, Iron-Off iron cleaner, tweezer assortment, buttons and snaps and stray bits from various costumes that seem to accumulate at one end. Lower Bin - Tins of pins, spools of threads, large shears, scissors, bees wax, measuring tapes, pliers, bias tape, elastic, rotary cutter, bottle of sewing machine oil in plastic baggie. There are other items stashed in here during projects. This week, there is purple paisley trim, yellow and red bias tape and some coins.
A few tools of the trade |
