10 things you should have in your Sewing kit

Over at Doll Street Dreamers. we've been discussing what constitutes a sewing kit. You'll get instructions or a supply list for a class and it says blandly: Sewing kit. So, to help clear the fog, here's what should be in a basic sewing kit, in no particular order:

1. Scissors, one large pair and one small, sharp pair. By sharp, I mean they should cut to the tip. Depending on the class, you may also need paper scissors.
2. Pins - not those you've collected from packs of shirts. Those are useless for sewing.
3. Tape measure.
4. Assorted hand sewing needles.
5. Thread to match the project you are doing, plus maybe basting thread in another color.
6. Marking pens or pencils; dressmakers' chalk; maybe a marking wheel and carbon paper.
7. Thimble.
8. Ruler- a small, bendy one is useful.
9. Rotary cutter and mat if you use one.
10. Stitch ripper.

I store my basic class kit in a pencil case - the kind that goes in a 3-ring binder with clear pockets. You can see what's in it. I have several of these for different purposes. One for my travel painting kit, one for doll tools, etc.

I hope that's helpful for you, next time you do a class. Speaking of classes, my dear Marilyn Halcombe of Sydney, Australia has one starting this Friday. It's Walter. He's such a charmer! Marilyn is a master at cloth dolls making and needle sculpting. Believe me, I know. I have one of her mini elves sitting on my desk and admire him every day!