• Blog,  Tool School

    Tool School: Straight Pins

    What is it? – In some of the oldest archeological digs around the world you can find ancient straight pins. They’ve been around that long and probably always will be. There are so many uses for them and in many cases there really is no substitute. We use them to hold patterns in place on our fabric, bind fabric pieces, tailor fabric to our bodies, hold seams together, anchor trims, beads or other embellishments in place and even block knitted products. Because of this wide variety of uses for straight…

  • Blog,  Tool School

    Tool School: “Takumi” Bamboo Knitting Needles

    What is it? – Takumi, Stradivarius, Cartier. Their legendary quality of performance defies all attempts of description. The name alone is iconic and imbues a sense artistry. Pretenders and imitators come and go but never stay. Clover has long prided itself in the production of Takumi premium bamboo knitting needles. Production quantity has always been secondary to production quality. Only the finest raw materials have ever been used and manufacturing has always been accomplished to the absolute highest, most exacting standards. But just when you thought it couldn’t get any…

  • Blog,  Tool School

    Tool School: “Quick” Yo-Yo Maker

    What is it? – Chances are either you or someone you know has a box full of fabric yo-yo’s under the bed or in a closet. And chances are either you made them or they were given to you by your grandmother or an aunt. It’s surprising how many people tell the same story. But why do so many people make fabric yo-yo’s? The answer is actually very simple. It’s FUN! Sit down in a comfy chair, grab a handful of fabric scraps and get your creativity flowing. Colors, patterns,…

  • Blog,  Tool School

    Tool School: Kanzashi Flower Maker

    What is it? – How do you make a Kanzashi flower? Place a piece of fabric in the template, fold it closed, trim around the edges, take a threaded needle through the holes in numerical order, open the template and pull the thread tight. Petal complete. Repeat four more times and your flower is done. Could not be easier and no heavy equipment required. With all of the different sizes and shapes of Kanzashi Flower Maker templates and the vast and always changing selection of fabric patterns, colors and textures…

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    Solving Problems at the Pressing Station Seminar

    The Sewing & Stitchery Expo has something for every sewing and quilting enthusiast and sew much more! Attend quality educational SEMINARS taught by national teachers, be inspired at the STYLE SHOWS showcasing the latest fashions, and SHOP from more than 400 booths to find everything for sewing: fabrics, notions, specialty yarns, threads, patterns, books, machine embroidery designs, home décor items and the list goes on! You will be surrounded by creativity and inspiration at each step! This ANNUAL event is not to be missed. https://www.sewexpo.com/index.htm Come see Clover at Sew Expo…

  • Blog,  Tool School

    Tool School: Weaving Sticks

    What is it? – Stick weaving is a traditional art form made modern by Clover with Weaving Sticks. Just how old it is no one can truly say. Not even Wikipedia knows for sure when or where it came to be. There is little doubt that this simple method of weaving was initially utilitarian by nature intended primarily for making clothing and other needed implements by ancient ancestors. Weaving Sticks are so simple to use that anyone, regardless of age, ability or skill level, can create beautiful and useful woven…