tip of the day – using pattern weights

I’ve been using pattern weights to secure my patterns, instead of sewing – pretty much since I started sewing.  There are commercially available weights, but they seem awfully expensive for chunks of plastic-coated metal

There some definite advantages to using weights, over pinning.

• It’s so much faster!  It takes seconds to slide the weights into position.
• You don’t risk the pins marking fabrics.  They’re especially useful when you’re sewing leather, pleather or vinyl – you definitely can’t use pins in the “good” area of those!
• Pins are hard on tissue-paper patterns.  Weights won’t put tiny pin-pricks all over the surface – your patterns will actually last longer.

You know what my favorite weights are made out of?

Old chandelier pieces.

My mother once rescued a gaudy old brass chandelier from our barn, wash it and took it apart.  There were heavy brass plates, about 3 inches across.  Those brass plates do a great job of pattern weights.

Now that’s being creative with your recycling