I recently went on another extended retreat to my Little Cabin In the Woods. Before leaving for my trip I tried anticipating all of the supplies I would need. Packing for my sewing projects is the toughest. Trying to account for every gadget/supply item that might be needed is challenging. I almost always forget at least one thing. Typically I will think of it 3/4’s of the way into my travels. By then it’s way too late to turn around.

For this trip I didn’t realize I was missing something until I looked for it in my cases. The item I was missing was the tool I use when constructing bindings called the TQM Binding Tool. I’ve grown so accustomed to using it that I can’t imagine working without it. I acquired the tool from a local quilt expo a few years back.

The project I was intending to work on was my reinvented iPad Tote. The outside edges are encased in a binding. Obviously the binding had two ends that would have to be joined together. With my gadget missing I was at a loss. Well at least until I had a brainstorm.

I had my oldest daughter hooked on the same gadget so I knew she had one at home. Since she was only a phone call away I figured I could call her, get the dimensions of the gadget, as well as it’s included markings, and directions. With one simple call I had all the information I needed.

Using those details I was able to improvise and make one out of a section of Peltex I just happened to have with me. I was so relieved to be able to reconstruct the device. My homemade gadget worked perfectly. Now I keep it in my case at all times just in case I forget to bring the real thing. Here’s a photo of my hand-made tool.

Thanks for sharing your time with me. I look forward to our next visit. Any comments?

Cindy Anderson of In A Stitch Quilting