Sewing kit new-in

I’m currently struggling to get over the cringe-factor of posting photos of myself on the internet, which means that although I’ve been sewing quite a bit lately (hurrah!) I haven’t actually got any photographic evidence of it.

So, while I attempt to cure my blog-photo shyness (is there even a cure for that?) I thought I’d share a few new sewing bits and bobs I’ve added to my stash lately. I’m not usually one for buying lots of sewing gadgets, but these ones landed on my desk at work and I couldn’t resist giving them a road-test. None of these are affiliate links/ads – just products I’ve tried and liked!

Clover Hold It Precision Stiletto. This one is filed firmly in the don’t-need-it-but-I’ve-got-it-so-I’ll-use-it category. I don’t think I’d ever think of buying a tool like this, but it has proved really useful for not burning myself while pressing (always good), and for holding fabric in place while stitching trickier bits on the sewing machine, so I stand corrected.
Klasse duckbill scissors (from Sewing Quarter, but not currently available). Honestly, I’m not sure how I ever did without these essential snips – they’re amazing for trimming and grading seam allowances, and if you haven’t already got a pair you should buy them NOW.
Clover Hot Hemmer. This basically does what it says on the tin – it’s great for folding and pressing hems accurately, and is made from a cotton blend so it won’t melt when ironed. If you hate hemming (yup) this will make the process a lot speedier.
Clover Roll and Press. Another one I probably wouldn’t think of buying as I thought these were more for patchworkers than dressmakers, but I use mine for giving seams a quick press as I go along before pressing them properly with my iron in batches, rather than individually – it’s been a real time-saver so far.