A Spoonful of Sugar

Make. Bake. Create.

Menu
  • Home
  • About
    • About Us
    • Press
    • FAQ
    • Disclosure Policy
    • Contact Us
  • Crafts
    • Crochet
    • DIY
    • Embroidery/Cross stitch
    • Gift Wrapping
    • Knitting
    • Miscellaneous
    • Paper Crafts
  • Holidays
    • New Year’s
    • Australia Day
    • Back to School
    • Valentines Day
    • Easter
    • ANZAC Day
    • Mother’s Day
    • Father’s Day
    • Halloween
    • Christmas
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Bars & Slices
    • Bread & Pastries
    • Cakes
    • Cookies
    • Confectionery
    • Cupcakes & Muffins
    • Desserts
    • Drinks
    • Ice Cream
    • Jams/Preserves
    • Main Meals
  • Sewing
    • Sewing Tutorials
    • Quilting
    • Sewing & Quilting Patterns
  • Family
    • Back to School
    • Family Fun
    • Our Home
    • Parenting
    • Travel
  • Shop
    • Pattern Store
    • Etsy Store

Sewing Tool Roundup #2

June 13, 2015 By A Spoonful of Sugar - 6 Comments

Sewing Tool Roundup 2

We had such a positive response from our 10 Essential Sewing Tools post, that we are going to write a regular column about new sewing tools, gadgets, and supplies! If you are like us, you are probably always on the look out for new products to make your sewing and craft work easier, more enjoyable and give you a professional result. Each month we will showcase a roundup of some new, or new to us, supplies. Hope you find something here to add to your wish list!

Jelly Clips

Jelly Clip Purse Frames

Jelly Clip Purse Frames from Lecien are so vibrant and colourful! They are perfect for making one of a kind purses from your favourite fabrics. They come with a full sized  pattern and are easily sewn together. Glue is then applied to the inside of the purse frame and the fabric is inserted neatly. The frame comes with paper string that can also be inserted if needed for a nice firm fit.  The frames are available in three sizes – small, medium, and large. I love the bright colours in this range. These frames are a new release from Lecien and should be available soon in stores and online.

Soak

Soak

Soak is a gentle, rinse free laundry product that is perfect for washing your precious quilts, hand knits, lingerie and baby clothes. It comes in a great range of scents including yuzu, fig, lacey and celebration. It really smells divine and leaves your quilts really fresh. I road tested Soak on a pile of quilts on a recent sunny day and they washed up so well. It is very gentle and the rinse free formula is great for hand made items. You can find Soak at Sew Nana’s Place.

Olfa Rotating Mat

Olfa Rotating Self Healing Mat

The Olfa Rotating Self Healing Cutting Mat is perfect for cutting squares, triangles or tricky shapes. There is no need for awkward turning or moving of materials, you can simple rotate the mat 360 degrees. The base is non slip (the black base pictured above) and it makes it so much easier to cut those smaller shapes. I bought my mat from Massdrop – an online group buying community. We really recommend the rotating mat for anyone who enjoys quilting.

Transfer Pen

Sublime Stitching Fine Tip Transfer Pen

The Sublime Stitching Fine Tip Transfer Pen is perfect for transferring a stitching design onto fabric. You simply trace your design onto paper and then transfer the design to preheated fabric with a hot, dry iron. It couldn’t be easier! You can even make multiple imprints from the same transfer. The nib is extra fine (only 0.5 mm) which means that the lines are easily hidden by your embroidery stitches. The pens are available in five colours (red, blue, orange, green, and black). I have only tried the black so far and it works extremely well. It is the best transfer pen I have ever used. I can’t show you my results just yet, but trust me, it is very effective. You can find the pens at Sublime Stitching.

Hiroshima needles

Tulip Hiroshima Needles

Hiroshima is the largest producer of needles in Japan. Like everything Japanese, Tulip Hiroshima Needles are beautifully packages and come in a small glass tube inside a lovely box.  Tulip Hiroshima Needles have a polished finish which results in them passing through fabric smoothly. They  are flexible and warp resistant which is a big plus for embroidery and quilting needles. The eye of the needle is a little larger which is great for easy threading. The needles come in a range of types depending on the purpose – embroidery, quilting, applique, sashiko, sewing needles and more. I have been using these needles in a variety of projects over the past few weeks and they are really make a difference. You can find Tulip Hiroshima Needles at Sew Nana’s Place.

Check out our 10 Sewing Tool Essentials for details of other new sewing tools and gadgets.

Disclaimer: Thanks to the following brands and stores for sending us products to review – Lecien, Sew Nana’s Place, and Sublime Stitching.  All opinions are our own.

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: sewing tool roundup

« 100 Years of Pyrex + Lemon Meringue Pie
Chocolate Weetbix Slice Recipe »

Comments

  1. liz n. says

    June 14, 2015 at 1:10 am

    I adore Hiroshima milliners and sashiko needles! I’m still loyal to Piecemakers betweens for hand quilting, and I doubt I’ll ever change from them. I’ve been using the Sublime pen lately, and while it does let you mark a much thinner line than any other marking pen I’ve used, I still find myself going back to .5 mechanical lead pencils for tracing embroidery patterns. Perfect for getting that super-fine line.

    And I absolutely MUST HAVE those purse frames! TOO cute!

    Reply
    • A Spoonful of Sugar says

      June 14, 2015 at 9:04 am

      I haven’t tried the Piecemakers needles as yet. With the sublime pen I love that you can use the tracing multiple times which is great when you have a repeat design.
      Happy Sunday!

      Reply
  2. Susan says

    June 14, 2015 at 11:00 am

    I have used a few of these notions. Best of all is your link to the online store “Sew Nana’s Place”. I would love to support another Australian online retailer. And she has those cute lace zippers I was after. Thanks for the link!

    Reply
    • A Spoonful of Sugar says

      June 14, 2015 at 9:46 pm

      Thanks Susan – Janet from Sew Nana’s Place is lovely. She takes a lot of care when packaging her items to sell. It is great to support small Aussie businesses.

      Reply
  3. Di Ross says

    June 14, 2015 at 11:47 am

    I love these posts. So often I see things on line but don’t know where to buy them. Thanks.

    Reply
    • A Spoonful of Sugar says

      June 14, 2015 at 9:47 pm

      I am so glad – I like to recommend stores who offer great service.There are so many fun sewing gadgets around these days!

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Threads
  • TikTok
SUBSCRIBE TO NEWSLETTER
×

Categories

Archives

PURCHASE PDF PATTERNS

We offer over 100 affordable PDF sewing patterns available for download from our store website or Etsy store. Each pattern includes detailed instructions, numerous photos, and templates.

WEB STORE ETSY STORE

Instagram

A lot can change in 10 years ❤️ It’s been fun look A lot can change in 10 years ❤️ It’s been fun looking back at where I was in 2016 and how far life has come since then. Swipe for a little trip down memory lane.Back in 2016, my priorities were firmly centred around family. I was working full‑time, sewing in the guest room, sharing tutorials on my blog, and slowly dipping my toes into selling a handful of patterns on Etsy. It was a busy, full season — and creativity was something I fitted in around everything else.  Fast forward to 2026… I’m now retired and living the creative life I once dreamed of. My kids have grown up and are living in their own homes nearby. My husband and I are free to travel, explore, and enjoy this stage of life. And I get to spend my days designing, sewing, and connecting with this beautiful community.Life looks different now — in the best possible way.Were you following me back then, or what has changed for you over the past 10 years? I’d love to hear your story too.Tagging the lovely makers of my quilt: @arabesquescissors @ministryoffabric @belloquacity @alittlepatchwork @sameliasmum coleandtaffy @quiltymamaof4 @shequiltsalot @downgrapevinelane @lizzierosesews @lovethatfabric @sew_mimi.k #2026isthenew2016 #10yeartransformation #sewingjourney #sewingcommunity #aspoonfulofsugardesigns
Fall in love with sewing all over again ❤️I’ve Fall in love with sewing all over again ❤️I’ve rounded up 10 heart‑themed makes — from quick gifts to charming quilt blocks — perfect for weekend stitching or using up your favourite scraps. Whether you’re sewing for Valentine’s Day, birthdays, or just because, there’s something sweet for every maker.Comment HEART and I’ll send you a link to my Heart Pattern Collection.#sewingproject #heartsewing #quiltblock #scrapsewing #easytosew
Raw edge appliqué doesn’t have to feel fiddly or i Raw edge appliqué doesn’t have to feel fiddly or intimidating. With a few simple techniques, you can create neat, crisp shapes — even tiny details like penguin beaks and hearts.I’ve put together My Top 5 Secrets for Raw Edge Appliqué to help you feel confident, whether you’re brand new to appliqué or looking to refine your finish. Save this for your next sewing session.If you’d love a quick, beginner‑friendly project to practise these tips, my Penguin Love Mugrug is the sweetest Valentine’s make — scrap‑friendly, gift‑ready, and such fun to sew.Comment PENGUIN and I’ll send you the link to the pattern. Available now in our Pattern Store and Etsy shop.  #rawedgeapplique #appliquetips #sewingtipsandtricks #mugrugpattern #penguinlove
If you’ve ever wanted to add eyelets or grommets t If you’ve ever wanted to add eyelets or grommets to your sewing projects, here’s a quick look at how I install them using my DK93 snap press. It’s the same tool I use for snaps — and it makes installing eyelets beautifully quick and consistent.For this Ribbon Pouch, I used the Liberty Gifts from the Garden collection (printed on Lasenby cotton and released in January 2026). The colours and motifs pair so well with the little ribbon tie detail.Here’s how to install the eyelets:Punch out the four holes using a hole‑cutting die.Place the eyelet into the hole.Press it into place using the snap press.That’s it — easy peasy, and it gives the pouch such an elevated, professional finish. I love how clean and sturdy the result is.Fabric is Gifts from the Garden by Liberty - kindly provided by @regent_street_fabrics — thank you!If you’d like the Ribbon Pouch pattern (it comes in 3 sizes), comment RIBBON and I’ll send the link straight to you.Ribbon Pouch Sewing Pattern: available in our Pattern Store and Etsy shop ( links in profile).#SewingInspiration #SewingProjects #Eyelets #Grommets #SnapPress
The Twirling Treasures Hot Pad & Placemat Set show The Twirling Treasures Hot Pad & Placemat Set showcases one of my favourite FPP designs — a stunning kaleidoscope‑style block that always turns out beautifully. Kaleidoscope blocks are some of my most popular FPP patterns, and this set is such a fun way to use them.  This set includes six sizes, making it incredibly versatile: use them as hot pads, trivets, placemats, or simply as a way to add a pop of colour to your kitchen.For these samples, I went with a monochromatic scrap‑busting approach, pairing fabrics from the same colour family with a low‑volume background. The black‑and‑white striped binding adds such a crisp, modern finish. It’s a wonderful project for building your FPP confidence — and a fantastic way to use up those treasured scraps.The Twirling Treasures Hot Pad set is our Pattern of the Week. It is currently 25% off this week in our Pattern Store and Etsy Shop.If you’d like to sew your own set, comment TWIRL and I’ll send the pattern link straight to you.Happy sewing! Lisa 🌸#FoundationPaperPiecing #Quilting #HotPads #ScrapBuster #KitchenSewing
The Ribbon Pouch is one of those little makes that The Ribbon Pouch is one of those little makes that feels special from the very first stitch. I made this sweet trio in the Liberty Gifts from the Garden collection, and the colours couldn’t be more perfect for gifting, organising, or adding a little beauty to your everyday.Each pouch features: 🌼 A simple ribbon tie closure 🎀 Optional sew‑in tags or DIY felt/fabric labels 🧵 Three practical sizes — perfect for notions, treats, or small gifts ✨ A quick, beginner‑friendly sewIf you’d like to make your own, comment RIBBON and I’ll send the pattern link straight to your inbox. Save this for your next weekend project — it’s such a satisfying little sew. Pattern is available in our Pattern Store.Thanks to @regent_street_fabric for the Gifts from the Garden fabric collection. (released Jan 2026)#SewingInspiration #SewingProjects #LibertyFabric #SewingPatterns #BeginnerSewing
Follow on Instagram

Featured Pattern

Travel Sewing Kit Pattern

Featured Tutorial

Retro Drawstring Bag

Featured Recipe

Lemon Pound Cake

Connect

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Threads
  • TikTok
SUBSCRIBE TO NEWSLETTER
×

Popular Posts

  • Charm Square Fabric Tray
  • Merry Little Christmas Sewing Projects
  • {Back to School} Tissue Cover
  • Raw Edge Applique Tips
  • Sewing Gifts 101: Easy and Affordable Ideas for Your Crafty Friends
  • Fabric Gift Pouch
  • Free Holiday Sewing Tutorials

Copyright © 2026 Lisa. K. Cox - A Spoonful of Sugar