Sewing's come a long way! Isaac Merritt Singer produced his first sewing machine in 1850. Photo: SSPL, Getty Images
He was always coming up with something that would make the job easier, and it was all thanks to his tools.
"Touch my tools and die," he told us.
Of course, since then, I've been into tools.
And there are a lot of amazing high-tech sewing supplies out there. Here are some recently discovered favorites:
- CraftVideo: Sewing App - There's an iPhoe application for everything these days, including sewing. Download this one to take your stitching up a notch with the help of numerous tutorials -- from how to thread a sewing machine to making your blah jeans skinny.
- Bendable LED Light - Sewing machines come with a light, but it's not the best for seeing important details, like where the needle is going into the fabric. Check out this brightener which attaches to the side of your machine.
- Washaway Stabilizer - It's old news with experienced sewers, but I'm always wowed by this one. If you're into embroidery or applique, this stuff is the bomb. Use it as a backing for your design to stiffen the fabric and then, presto, it washes away.
- Brother Quattro 6000D - There is no better sewing mousetrap. This machine sets embroiderers' hearts aflutter with its large HD LCD screen and almost 50 square inches of workspace. Don't even ask the price -- the Porsche of sewing machines has a price tag to match. Read a review here.
- Smart Fabrics - While you can't buy it yet, it's always good to plan ahead for future projects. On the horizon is this battery-powered glowing fabric. Just imagine a night on the town in material that emits its own light. Other smart fabrics, like temperature-controlled textiles are on the way, too.
These are just a few of the gadgets that will amp up your sewing. Start surfing and you'll be amazed what you find.
Next week's DIY Design : Go with the grain -- all you need to know to make your garments hang straight.
Amber Eden is the former editor-in-chief of Threads magazine and founding editor of SewStylish magazine and CraftStylish.com. She has studied draping and haute couture techniques at The Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), and according to her, will probably be a student there for life.