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Happy Birthday to Me!

When I woke up this morning I was surprised by this!!! My husband and the girls gave me a Pandora Bracelet with the music notes! The purse charm came from my big sister! (Thank You!) I have been looking at them, secretly drooling, but thought it was a little expensive for a charm bracelet. I had a charm bracelet when I was younger and keep up with it through high school. I love it. Every time something exciting happened, I was able to add a charm. Now I can start all over and hopefully this one will last even longer.
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This sewing chest was another gift from my father and step-mother. They love to go to auctions and bid on whatever is there. They found this beautiful sewing chest but that is not all!!!
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It is packed full with different kinds of trims, every color of zipper known-to-man and scissors. What an awesome gift! (Thank You)
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I just have one question. Inside this chest was this instrument. I am not sure what it is??? The marking on top reads, “Tack- It”, Pattern Marker.
If you know what it is, write a comment below describing how to use it. I will even draw a name from the comments and giveaway One Free Sew Spoiled epattern.
So please include your email address and which Sew Spoiled pattern you would like! Winner will receive the Sew Spoiled ePattern Sept. 13, 2010.
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Happy Stitching,
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Comments

Michele said…
I've seen one of those before. I'm really pattern-challenged, but I believe it was used to mark patterns. Like the darts, or notches. It seams like it would be easier than cutting notches or using that tiny pizza cutter thing with the colored paper. Told ya I don't sew clothes!
Michele said…
Oh, and happy birthday! My manners!
Daisy said…
I have this same tool and also have no clue what it's for! Anxious to see what others say it is!
Kristen said…
It is used to mark perforated patterns. You put the fabric and the pattern between it and punch down. It should leave a chalk mark and then you flip it over and do the same on the reverse side and TADA your pattern is marked. Don't ask me how the chalk gets in there though.

Kristen
Ginger said…
Happy Birthday. The tack-it is used to mark patterns, as Michele says. I have one and use it when I sew clothing. You place a piece of dress maker's carbon under it, give it a smack with the palm of your hand and it leaves a mark on the fabric. I have no idea how old these things are, but I would guess they are considered vintage. I got mine from my great grandmother.
Ginger said…
opps, forgot to leave my email address. ginger c at gmail dot com
Jessica said…
Michele got it right! They are used for marking patterns. I'm dieing to get my hands on one - but thing like pen caps also work...
Janel said…
I did a quick google search - apparently, you use in conjunction with tracing paper to mark points on your pattern. "just a tap marks both layers"

see the original package here...
http://gretasthreadworks.ecrater.com/p/1713274/sold-tack-it-pattern-marker-w
Carrie Me! said…
Happy Birthday to you! You will adore your Pandora, they are so fun to buy charms for!
The Tack It can be used to mark darts in your sewing without having to use a tracing wheel. You make the dots and then connect them, from what I remember. My grandmother used one, she sewed A LOT of clothing :)
Country Mouse said…
Happy Birthday!!! You got some awesome gifts!!! I just started a Pandora bracelet and I love it!!! Enjoy your gifts!
Anonymous said…
AH! I know this one!

so, you know how on good old tissue patterns, there are things to mark, like darts or stops/starts for things... and then you have to either punch through with your water marker, or use that stupid pizza wheel thing that just doesn't work... and it only works on the one layer or fabric, but you always have 2?

well... with this you pin your tissue to your two layers of fabric, and whenever you have a dart or something to mark, you slide everything in and just give it a good TAP. it puts the BEST mark, just where you need it, and it's on both layers of fabric.

i think originally it was meant to be used with a kind of washable carbon paper transfer type deal - but i find that to be not necessary for it to work...
Rachel said…
I've never used one myself, but my impression is the same as Michele's- basically, it makes dots to mark parts of the pattern without ruining the pattern by having to trace it or cut it unnecessarily. That sewing chest full of supplies is an amazing gift, what thoughtfulness! :) Happy birthday!
Jennwith4 said…
Happy birthday! Maybe it's used to mark the pattern notches.
This is a tool for making tap marks. Your placing your paper pattern on two layers of fabric which you want to cut, placing Tack-It on the important points/dots on the pattern and tapping to make a hole. Has a felt under to secure the table :)
Oh, happy birthday is missing... seems I'm still sleepy :)
Happy belated birthday!
I had a look about and found out that a tack it marker makes a marking on your fabric with a little dot of blue carbon paper at the end of your dart or zipper location or anywhere you need a marking.
Some of them have felt attached to the bottom to protect the table.
There seems to be a couple of makes, but the main one being Orco.
The sell on Ebay and Etsy for about $6 or so.
I am not sure where the carbon comes from, or if you have to put it there yourself, either way what a lovely find.
Are you going to up cycle your cabinet?
clare said…
happy birthday hun xx Hope you have a lovely day xx And your birthday gifts are all gorgeous x
Sorry can't help you..but im sure someone will..good luck!

Hugs Clare xx
Elena said…
I would say that you use it to punch patterns, and then use one of those chalk pounce pads to mark the fabric through the holes in the pattern. I made it up and that's my best guess! lol
Happy birthday!
kr said…
It's probably already been said but it's to mark on the fabric where you are to sew the tacking threads to mark for darts, etc.

sewmommy at windstream.net
Lynne in NC said…
Leah,
Happy Birtday, belatedly.

One would use the Tack It marker, along with tracing paper, to accurately transfer the tailor's marks from pattern to fabric.

My grandmother had one and I remember being fascinated with it. She was a professional seamstress.
It seemed it was a foot long, but I'm not sure. Is yours this long?

She also used 'chalk' to mark the darts, and other pattern markings onto fabric.

She taught me and my cousin to sew when we were teenagers. Today both of us continue to sew for our families.
Peace.
The Journey said…
It is used to make the circles on your patterns for darts- I believe you use it with carbon type sewing paper. It is fun to find old sewing tools- I have a few.

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