Tool Time Tuesday...Clamp For Turning Fabric Tube

Woo Hoo...another fabulous "man" tool that can be used for sewing and crafting. I started Tool Time over 3 years ago and thought I might find a few things in different stores that can be used for something other than it's intended purpose. Never thought I would find 3 years worth...

Well, I found one more...a locking clamp. I found this in Harbor Freight Tools for $3.99. It's used to hold things securely and reach into tight places. Probably for clamping hoses on motors or something. We also have locking clamps in the dental office where I work. They are called hemostats...much smaller though. Hmmm...need to ask my boss if I can have one. Add to my collection. LOL!!

The handle is like a scissor handle, but has a ratcheting locking system that locks the tip to hold something.

Here's a picture of the tip or nose of the clamp.

This is a long one...12 inches. (pictured compared to a pen)

Now onto the "Sewing" transformation of this tool... TURNING A FABRIC TUBE.

When you sew a fabric tube for handles on bags or anything long and narrow, boy can it be a pain turning it right side out.

Just insert the clamp nose into the narrow fabric tube until you reach the end.

When you reach the end, open up the locking handle...

grab a little of the end fabric and lock the clamp.

Pull back on the "locked in" fabric and pull through the tube.

Tah Dah!!!

I am not kidding with this...it is fabulous!! Fastest turning for me...ever.

You really need to get one. I have no affiliation with Harbor Freight, but it is a great store. I'm sure you can find this online or in an automotive store if you don't have Harbor Freight. I'm so mad, the one Harbor Freight sells on their website has cute bright red handles :(    Would have match my sewing room.

Happy Turning,
~Karen~

Tool Time Tuesday...Magnetic Clamp Sewing/Kitchen Helper!

Welcome to Tool Time. You know I love the hardware store. I roam around just looking at things and think to myself...hmmm, what can I use this for (other than it's intended purpose).

Well, here's this week's tool that I won't be using for painting! It's a magnetic clamp for your paint can.

It clips to just about anything...

If you do use it for painting, it has this little metal thingy that gets under the lip of the paint can to pry it open.

Here is the original use. Clamps to your paint bucket and the magnet holds your paint brush.

The metal part of the brush sticks to the magnet.

Not using it for that here at Sew Many Ways though...

How about clamping it to your stitching patterns to hold your place in the book and the magnet holds your needles.

You can keep several needles threaded and stick them to the magnet.

How many times do you lose your spoon in cake or pancake batter? No more! Clamp it to a bowl and the spoon sticks to the magnet!

You won't being fishing for your spoon at the bottom of the bowl any more. This is made from plastic, so I wouldn't try this on a pan.

Back to sewing. If you have a small table or something next to where you do your hand sewing...use the clamp!

Holds your pins and needles perfectly...never search for them in the chair again!

Now here's the best! I sew a lot in the car on long trips. I've had 2 other tutorials for sewing helpers in the car, but this is the easiest to use.

Just clamp it to your air vent and never search for you needles again!

If you think I don't use my crazy creations, here is a picture of my car Monday morning on the way to work. That red note pad is a tutorial I made from a plastic gift card and a name badge clamp. Way down the end of the picture is the clamp for my sewing.

The clamp is found in the paint section and costs, I think, about $1 or so. Well worth it for a needle keeper.

Here are the links to some of the things I mentioned above...

Click here for the note pad clamp

Click here for the car caddy tutorial

Click here for a cup holder sewing organizer

Thanks so much for stopping by. If you haven't visited this week's Sew Darn Crafty Party, click here to join the fun...everyone shares such great projects. Maybe you can link up too!

Happy Tuesday,
~Karen~