Sunday, October 25, 2009

Review of Snap pliers for plastic snaps


I read alot of mixed reviews of these snap pliers. A lady was selling them on ebay for roughly $40.00 shipped including 450 snaps. So compared to a snap press (which usually is about $120+) I figured I would try them. It took over a month to receive as it came from china but I was just impatient to try them. So when I received them I tried them. I was ticked off as it keep pressing my male connector piece which in turn wouldn't snap into the female piece. No directions were included so after 30 minutes I figured maybe it was the knob on the pliers as it came with another set. I change it and low and behold it worked perfect every time. Once you've figured out what size to use they are really easy to use and don't require a lot of pressure to press them. Plus they don't take up as much room and they were much cheaper then the snap press. A lot less frustrating then applying the metal snaps with a hammer. You tube also has a video on how they work and how to change them.

Serging around outside and inside curves re: cloth pads

It has defiantly been a while since I have updated my blog, mostly due to the fact that I am pregnant. I'm 15 weeks and have suffered through extreme nausea this entire pregnancy more so than my first child. I used Adahy's cloth pad pattern located here to make some panty liners and another larger pad similar to the that pattern make a super pad. I do admit I am a sucker for cloth pads and hate when I have to use disposables (like when we go camping). Laundering them is as simple as throwing them into the diaper pail and washing them with cloth diapers or if you don't have cloth diapers throw them in a small pail of vinegar and cold water until wash day and then when ready to wash, I prewash on cold then do a hot wash. Hang to dry for longer life and environmental reasons or throw them into the dryer if needed.

Serging:
I just figured out how to serge around tight inside and outside curves. I won't lie to you though it takes a lot of practice. Don't expect it to happen overnight. If you are new to serging first practice doing outside curves. these are easy once you get the hang of it. Make sure that you are watching both where you're stitching and where your cutting blade is. GO SLOW at first and then speed up when you feel comfortable. Next get some cheap flannel (I found some in the as is section because it frayed easily, you can also use old tshirts or scaps) cut out your pad shape x 2 pieces. Start at one of the outside curves and as you near the inside curve pull your fabric away from the cutting blade (almost as if you are sewing straight) go really slow here and if needed lift the presser foot to reposition the fabric if you need to. Keep this up until done. It does take practice so don't be upset if you don't get it right off the bat. Hope this helps others!