Yes, a hammer is a sewing tool

Looking through my sewing cabinet, I have some non-traditional tools that I use in my sewing.

Sharpie Markers:  I use them in drafting patterns and marking my muslins.  When I'm drafting a pattern I usually use a pencil or a colored pencil to mark my stitching lines.  I use the sharpies to mark the grain line, pocket placement, and cutting lines.  If I need to make changes to the pattern after it's been drafted, I make sure to use a different color to mark my new cutting lines.

Tagboard:  When I get a pattern to the TNT (tried 'n true) point and I know I want to use it design other items I transfer my paper pattern to tagboard.  I do this by taping the paper pattern to the tagboard and cut the pattern pieces (with my paper scissors), so when I want to do a redesign I can just trace around the tagboard pattern and there's no need to reinvent the wheel.

Scalpel:  Works great for cutting open button holes, especially in waistbands.

Hammer & Nail:  I make a lot of pants and I like to use tack buttons on them.  They're stronger than regular sewn on buttons, but sometimes trying to poke the tack through 2-4 layers of fabric in the waistband can be kind of tough.  I use the nail to make a small hole where I want the button to go, and then the hammer to pound the tack and button together.  The hammer also comes in handy when adding grommets.

What kind of non-traditional tools do you have in your sewing arsenal?

Why I chose to fit good enough instead of perfectly

I finished my jeans.  And yes they don't fit perfectly; there's still some fit issues that I could work on, but you know what?  They're good enough.  I have the same fit issues in RTW and never noticed, so why should I let it bug me in what I make?  I've spent a lot of time looking at other people's backsides and noticed a lot of fit issues and nobody seems to notice.  Have you ever heard anybody (besides a seamstress/tailor) say "Look how those trousers don't fall from the hip correctly."  Or "You know...You have have smiles under the bum."  I never have.  Unless it's something really poorly fitted, who's going to care?

It's taken me 3 years to get here and I finally feel like I accomplished something.  I want to make myself some capris for summer and if I obsess over a few wrinkles; it's never going to happen.  I'm not saying I won't ever try to correct these issues, but right now I have a pattern that's wearable and I'm happy.

 

Side note:  I know I need to add a little extra room in waist and hips, and work on a contoured waistband and then they should be good