Day 3….Needful things for quilters

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by lisabongean

3 days

Day 3….Light Table…

Now this needful tool is essential for laying out our quilt blocks and all kinds of tracing.

The one I have in my studio is this 12″x 18″ model..225375.  It is a very nice size for quilting projects.  I know some of you have to layout blocks exactly like the layout…well if I just described you this is your must have tool to help with exact placement when laying out your fusible web shapes and drawing your stitching lines that you might have to stem stitch or words you may have to trace and want to trace them exact…I am referring to wool on cotton here…you can see through wool if it is light but not black….The light table is available here on sale now until the end of the year… Click here: Light Table…by now we all should know that I may not have one in stock for all right away…so just keep that in mind again…

Now for yesterday’s winner…we had 45 people at our party last night so Comment #45 is the winner!!!  Judy you win a 5″ scissors!!!!    Please send me your address!!

Judy GalliganDecember 21, 2012 at 12:54 pm

Every since I heard you talk about these scissors I have lusted after them, A treat they will have to be
The 5 inch would be wonderful for my wool. Appliqué.

I hope you are all busy doing you Christmas stuff and not waiting for this post…lol…I had a great time last night and I am paying for it today…but I guess I will be good now until Jake and Lauren’s Wedding…It was a great stress relief and here is a pic of Santa and his Elf who had some gifts for Nice and Naughty people!!!IMG_8430

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lisabongean

I live on a lake in beautiful Butte Des Morts, WI. I have three sons: Lance (forever 29), Luke 33, Jake 32, and two grand-babies, Little Man and O-Bug. I've been married to the love of my life Nick, since 1998 when we started our crazy adventure together! I am a quilter, rugger, and gardener. I also love to cook when I get the chance. Thanks for visiting and supporting Primitive Gathering Quilt Shop where I try to bring you the best Moda fabrics and wool projects anywhere!

144 thoughts on “Day 3….Needful things for quilters”

  3. Another thing to put on my “have to get” list. Guess I didnt give Santa enought time. Will be sorry to see your suggestions end but have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

  7. I have a smaller one my dad made for my mom and I years ago… A large one sure would be nice!! Oh, how my list keeps growing…

  8. A light box would be wonderful!! I sure hope Santa is reading all about these super great Needful things because I need them ALL! Have a wonderful Christmas and all the best in the New Year!
    Paulette

  9. I am saving up for one of these. I just started applique. Right now my light box is my back door during the daylight hours. My kids think it’s hilarious to stand on the other side and make faces at me while I am tracing. Needless to say it takes longer because I feel the need to chase them around the yard laughing all the time! Merry Christmas!

  11. With each day comes a new addition to my wish list! Though I did order the Rowenta Travel Iron…Merry Christmas to me! Thank you for sharing ideas, tools & tips with us. Merry Christmas to you & your family….

  12. I just broke my very flimsy light table, and was going to purchase another one, but couldn’t find one substantial enough. How I need this one. The one I had for years was very small and had a short cord, so was always falling over! Merry Christmas to all!

  15. Having a light box like this would be really helpful when tracing out patterns. This one is much bigger than the one I use. Should have put it on my Santa’s list. Merry Christmas everyone.

  20. Once upon a time I had a small light box and then my son went to college to major in animation and the light table was required … off it went 100 miles away. I got another light table some time later, just before my second son went to college to major in printmaking… and a light table was on the school supply list. So 2 light tables later maybe I can get a really BIG light table! Thanks for all the great types. We are all going to miss our daily message from Lisa after Monday!

  22. Yes, I agree, a light box is a needful thing. Mine is smaller, though. I think that was the only size I could buy lo, those many moons ago.

    1. Every one of your needful things have been wonderful suggestions. Currently I am using my sewing room window for tracing.

  23. I think I definitely need a light box for all my Primitive Gatherings patterns that I have been buying. What a great idea! Thanks for all the hints!

  24. To be honest, I’d just never thought about a lightbox, but it certainly looks like a needful item!

  25. This light table is amazing, what a treat not to have to tape patterns and fabric to my patio door-I can only trace this way in daylight-

  27. This is the second item you mentioned that I have…yay! I still NEED all of the others and I am making my wish list from my favorite on…

  29. I have a small light box and it is very handy. By the way I made Nick’s casserole and it was a hit at my house.
    Everyone enjoyed it.

  30. This is also on my list. I have a small one to carry around but for all my tracing on all my primative gatherings BOM this would be the cats you know what!!

  31. This is definitely something I could use, I love all these ideas to make my life easier, My list keeps growing!

  32. You are a wonderful resource! Your light box looks like it can handle so much! Love the Santa & Elf photo!

  34. I have a small one but love the size of this one. Now, I still need a tool that helps me remember to trace the reverse. Thanks, Michelle S.

  36. Wow – a 12 by 18 inch surface would be wonderful, mine is much smaller. Having good tools makes everything so much easier!

  37. Sounds like the party was a huge success! I use my light table a lot, I’m one of those that I really like my things to line up. My table is much smaller, the bigger one would be awesome! Hope you are feeling better tonight! Lol!

  38. Our holiday celebrations started also. Love the season of family time!!

    Nice light box. Another great quilt studio tool!

  39. This light table is a very needful thing. I too trace on the patio door until the sun goes down. There are several things on this list I could use.

  41. This light table would be a great addition to my quilting room. Just might have to put it on my wish list to my hubby!

  42. Your light table looks great. I have used a window in a pinch when I needed more light to trace a pattern.
    All your give always have been terrific choices.

    1. I have a small light box and the only drawback is that I can’t trace a whole pattern without moving it around. I think the larger size is something new and would be very handy. It would sure eliminate the frustration of having to move and line up patterns. Thanks for the tip.

  43. I have been shopping around for a light table for quite awhile, but never saw one that was good enough. I think I just found it! It’s right at the top of my list today!

  45. Every Fall when the time change happens and it’s too dark to trace patterns on my windows using sunlight, I think this is the year I’m going to break down and buy a light box. This sure looks like a great one to put on my wish list! Thanks for all your great posts, Lisa!

    Sent from my iPad

  47. This is definately going on my list. I love the size. My light box is so small that I usually use the patio door. Some nights when I am desperate to get something traced I have resorted to using the Tv screen. This is not something I would recommend as most shows are so dark you have to keep waiting for a bright scene. Pitiful!

  48. You have quilte a great list of ideas…..each one is better than the last. The light table would be a time saver for sure.

  50. I would love to get a light table. My arms get sore holding papers up against the window…….. Thanks for the idea.

  51. I have a very small light box and know what a help they can be. I have even resorted to tracing my designs on real tracing paper and trying to use that. Another great idea, thank you.

  52. I have been eye-balling one of those…even took my hubby into my local quilt store and he saw me ogling it…so maybe Santa hubby will come through… Thanks for the tips and advice and peeks into your life. Way cool

  54. The light box would be a great tool to have. You have such good ideas. Looks like your party was lots of fun!
    Cheryl

  55. i use my window when i need to trace … sigh … but it does get the job done. a light box like the one pictured would be a treasure! your list has been an eye opener – i onlythought i had lots of gadgets and needfrul things!

  56. Love the light table! I have an old glass coffee table that I use, along with a flash light propped up in a shoe box underneath the table. Sometimes the tv screen works too…it’s 25 years old also. No sunshine I’ll find a way! My husband use to ask me what I was doing – now he understands – no questions. 🙂

  60. I also have a small light box and a larger one would be so much better. Must mention it to “Santa” as mine is so old that it’s ready to give out on me.

  62. I have a homemade light box, but it’s not big enough. I’ve read about this light box, and it really is a needful thing! Thank you for all of the great hints and list of needful things. Happy holidays!

  67. I do a lot of tracing as I love to embroider. You would think I would have one of these. I’m sure it works better than taping things to the window…yep, that is my light box right now. Guess I better let Santa know. Thanks again for your tips. Glad your party was a success.

  71. I use my light box for a lot of things, it really makes placement of appliqué easier. I didn’t know they made it in such a big size.

  72. I love this light box. The one I have is too small so I always dread having to trace anything. I love the elf suit by the way!

  74. By the pictures that must have been the “funnest” Christmas party! Since it was even hard for me to see all of what that light table looks like, I must really need one. 😉 It’s snowing again at your place!

  75. This is a product that is new to me. I have seen light boxes before, but this one looks very interesting. I will have to check it out.

  77. Again, you have the greatest ideas. That would be so much nicer than a window. I, too, will add it to my wish list.

  79. I do a lot of embroidery and tracing of sewing patterns. A good box like this would be a welcome addition. Sometimes a window just doesn’t do the job! PS your Santa and Elf are looking very jolly 🙂

  86. I have had a light table for the last several years and it is a must have to do your applique and embroidery designs.

  87. Your tips and new idea tools have inspired me to get more quilting done in 2013! They all seem to make work easier and more fun! Thanks, M

  89. Lisa, I love this idea. And I love all your ideas! Can’t wait to start the new year and incorporate as many of these items as I can.

  90. Lisa, I wish you could do a tip all year, I’m sure you have millions of great ideas for all us quilters. Thanks for sharing with us all, you and your family have a Merry Christmas.

  92. This light box looks to be a great size. I have been using one my kids had as a toy and it has not been going good with it.I usually end up at a window.

  96. I have a tiny 12×12 light table that I do all my wool work on and could not live without it. I finished my summer free be quilt while you were away at a show. I sent it to the PG facebook site and they were going to show it to you when you got back. Did you ever get to see it? I love it and feet very proud of doing my own thing on the borders. I’d attache a photo of it here but am not sure how to do that.

  97. This is the first item of the “needful things for quilters” that I actually have. My husband actually made it for me two summers ago when I was making your summer BOW. Some of those vines and flower placements were tricky, so I admit I wanted mine to look “almost” as great as yours. Thanks again for this countdown of top needfuls!

  98. Your lightbox looks like a must! Mine is small and doesn’t light up very well. Christmas gift idea? Thanks for all your ideas!

  99. This is the top of my needful things to get list. I now borrow one of my friends or put a lamp under my acrylic machine table. Not great, but gets the job done. Would be so nice to have a for real light table!

  100. That is a great size. I have a small light box that is helpful for card making, but definitely not much help on quilt blocks. I need to add this item to my “wish” list. Love the pic of Santa & Elf. Merry Christmas…and thanks for the great ideas.

  102. That light box would be so great to have. I always end up using a window,but it has to be during daylight hours. The last big project that I needed a light box for, I used my glass top coffee table and put a light underneath. It worked – just not very convenient.

  103. This would be a wonderful light box for me – I do tons of applique, and need something with more power than the one I have. Thanks for the opportunity!

  105. This is a very needful thing. I always have touse a window to trace my applique placwments. I sm going to drop a hint to Santa about this very needful thing. I have enjoyed this needful things series and wish it would continue past 12 days. Merry Christmas to you and yours.

  108. A light box would be a wonderful thing to have for tracing the redwork that I’m going to start in 2013. Thanks for sharing this great product.

  110. Love my light box. Can’t imagine ever doing applique with out one now. Sounds like you had a very successful party. Good times with good people, does not get too much better than that..

  112. Love the light table! It would make tracing so much easier and faster ! All of your hints have been top notch ideas and much appreciated! You deserved a night to party for all you have done for all of us this year! Janet Kay

  113. I have always wanted a light box. I know it would enhance anyones workmanship – or “stichmanship” !
    Ha! Sounds like you had a fun time at your party. Have a blessed Christmas!

  114. Lisa,,,,,I think you would fit right in with me and some of my “naughty” quilting friends. Thanks for the great blog. Merry Christmas….jmh

  115. I have always use a light under my coffee table which is awkward to sit on the floor and the table is a little to high. I would love to win and if not Thanks so much for the chance. I’ll have to check into getting one of these. I loved the pictures of you Christmas buddies, it looks like they were having lots of fun. Have fun relaxing after such a fun filled night. Merry Christmas.

  116. Ha-Ha, everyone likes naughty! Glad you had a good time. I do admit I get tired of standing in front of a window tracing thru the paper taped up! Once again, it’s a good reminder of tools.

  118. I need this! I do use a smaller one all the time, or like others have mentioned…a window if I need to trace something larger. Thanks for all your tips!

  120. Great way to place the wool applique using the light box. I’m loving your needful thing blog, I’m learning alot and I love to learn better ways to do things. Love the picture of Santa and his helper!

  122. What a luxury to have a light box. I’m up against the window to trace things….I wonder what the neighbors think?
    I love the picture of Santa and his Elf.

  123. I do a LOT of stitchery quilt blocks and it is really a pain to tape things up to a window and trace that way, though it does work. I don’t know about everyone else, but it kills my back and shoulders. I have had a good “Light Table” on my list of ‘things I really need’ for a while now and this one looks wonderful.
    By the way, Santa and his Elf are really adorable, LOL.

  124. I also use a window for a light box, it would be fun to have a light box that I could actually use at night. Looks like Santa and his elf were jolly enough.

    Merry Christmas!!!!

  125. This would make life so much easier-to actually be able to see CLEARLY the designs I want to trace. Wow! I would love to have a snowstorm once, but not likely here in southern Alabama.

  126. Lisa

    What a wonderful surprise. many thanks Address is Judy Galligan 1624 Dracka RD Traverse City MI 49685

    Sent from Judy’s I Pad

  129. I’m making a list of your recommendations and when the holidays are over I am cleaning out my sewing room and keeping one of each tool-just the best most useful.

  130. That light box looks like it would be a lot easier than holding things up my back door window to trace. My arms get tired after a pretty short period of time!

  131. I hope Santa brings me a new light table. My h usband was cleaning and thought the box was empty…..:0

  133. If I had one of my own, I could return my friend’s. She hasn’t bugged me to return it so I would certainly surprise her if I got my own. 🙂

  136. A light box would be a great addition to my sewing room. I still use the one my kids had when they we younger. I really should have one just for me.

  137. I have read about this lightbox, and it has been on my wishlist for a while. It just may have to move up a notch. I use a homemade lightbox this is awkward to use.

  140. this template really looks great, thanks for showing all those great stuff. merry x-mas and a happy new year. Marjan

  141. a light box..why couldn’t I remember that when hubby asked what I wanted for Christmas…I usually use the window …kinda hard know it gets dark so early..and I work so late…maybe he can do a last minute gift!

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