Every year I update my mammoth list of Gifts for Quilters and People who Love to Sew. You can find the full list here including lots of notions, tools, and quilting-themed novelty gifts. But if that list feels a little overwhelming, here's a shot list of a just a few new things that I've bought and loved in 2024.
New Tools and Gadgets for your Sewing Room
This year I discovered Cutterpillar crafting and quilting notions and I'm super impressed by their innovative ideas for quilters! I bought a couple of products to try out. First is the Clamp Light for Quilting Rulers. Not only does it easily attach to an acrylic quilting ruler with it's strong suction design, but there is also a built in rechargeable light to illuminate details!
One thing I like about this suction clamp is that you can place and rotate it anywhere on your ruler. This creates a better ergonomic grip that to reduce hand strain without uncomfortable twisting or gripping, and allowing for one-handed operation and for users to easily adjust the light's position.
The built-in adjustable light providing enhanced visibility for precise cutting. Its adjustable brightness and flexible design ensure optimal lighting for detailed work, making it a must-have tool for quilters seeking accuracy and comfort.
I also bought myself the The CutterPillar Flex Sewing Machine Light. This is a flexible, adjustable and rechargeable LED light designed to provide bright, focused illumination for sewing machines. It's also portable and with the bendable arm it allows for customized lighting angles to suit any project.
I was able to see and try more Cutterpillar products at Quilt Market this year and I'll be sharing more about them. The quality and innovation was impressive. If you're interested in trying any of them yourself, use code AMYSMART to get 20% off.
Another cool item that I bought this year is this combination pressing tool/clapper. You use the felted-wool pressing bar to smoothly press open seams on quilt blocks. Then, you place the clapper base on top to keep the seams flat while cooling.
This is such a great tool, especially for intricate quilt blocks with lots of intersecting seams that need to be pressed open.
My other favorite tool in my sewing room that I use EVERY day is my Eufy handheld vacuum cleaner. This is lightweight, portable cordless vacuum designed for quick and easy cleaning of small messes and tight spaces.
I use it daily for quickly vacuuming up dust, small scraps, threads. It's easy to clean and empty and has great suction.
Full disclosure - the first one that I bought through Amazon had trouble recharging. I received a free replacement and have not had any trouble since! This item is 50% off right now for Black Friday. I wouldn't pay more than the 50% off price. If you miss the BF sale, bookmark it as it does go on sale frequently throughout the year.
New favorite books of 2024
Here's a list of new book releases that came out in 2024. Three of them are from proven-winner, prolific authors and one is from a brand new writer!
Strawberry Garden by Joanna Figueroa from Fig Tree Quilts - a gorgeous 12-month sampler quilt + 9 other quilt, pillow and runner projects.
Family Favorites by Sherri McConnel and Chelsi Stratton with multiple sampler quilt options
The Prairie Home Quilt Book by Lori Holt is a 257 page, spiral-bound book with 40 quilt and table-topper patterns inspired by vintage farm life during the 4 seasons.
With step-by-step instructions and beautiful photography, it guides quilters in creating cozy, nostalgic designs perfect for any skill level. Lori's books are always a huge bang-for-your buck with so many projects and patterns included.
If you know someone who loves Foundation Paper Piecing (FPP) or wants to learn how to FPP check out new author, Liza Taylor's book Paper Pieced Quilt Blocks.
Another great add-on gift for anyone who loves FPP is an Add A Quarter Ruler. This helps so much with accurate folding and trimming.
I've listed a bunch of other favorite books on a list in my Amazon storefront. A bunch of them are marked down to around $9 right now!
Relaxation for Quilters
Mugs and Beverage Containers
Everyone can use a good mug and Maker Valley has some really cute and clever sewing-related mugs. Use code SMART10 at checkout for 10% off.
Aluminum beverage containers with lids are a popular commodity these days. The Fat Quarter Shop has a big variety of quilt-y themed containers here.
Puzzles
There are so many fun quilt-themed puzzles available right now. A great gift with a quilt 'theme' that can be enjoyed by the whole family. I especially love this Gee's Bend Quilts puzzle.
My daughter gave me this Quilt Shop puzzle for my birthday last year and I love it!
Sewing Machines
Finally, if you're looking for a big-ticket item like a sewing machine, this is a great time of year to buy one.
If you are looking for a good mid-level machine, I highly recommend the Baby Lock Jubilant. It's lightweight and easily portable (making it a great travel machine) but is sturdy with a consistent stitch.
If you're looking for a beginning machine and don't want to spend a lot of money: a Baby Lock Zest is the perfect machine. It's doesn't have all of the bells and whistles, making it affordable, but still sturdy and reliable. A friend who teaches sewing classes at a college uses and recommends these machines for their beginning students.
If you're looking for tips buying a sewing machine for any budget, I've got a whole post here.
Get 10% off a Baby Lock Sewing Machine
If you decide to get a Baby Lock machine, my discount code SAVE10-ASM2 at checkout for 10% off any machine, accessory, or software. Excludes Classes, Getaways and Love of Knowledge. Unlimited uses. 1 per customer account.
Discount can often be stacked on top of another manufacturer's discount.
There you go! A more concise list for starters. If you're looking for the expanded list of ideas to gift quilters, you can find it here:
Happy Gifting! (Or Receiving! 😉)
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