Gadget Giddiness

A few of the many wonderful things about retreat are all of the exciting new techniques, tips and tools that you come across because of the diversity of experience, exposure and style. This past retreat was no exception. One of the gadgets I came across was a fork pin. For all I know, these have been around forever. But, for me, they were brand spankin' new and, I must say, slicker than snot!

I was so enamored with the gadget that I had to purchase some while on retreat. Then, I promptly tucked them away, too intimidated to use them. You see, I am pretty anal about most things in life.  Sew, I pin...and pin...and pin, in hopes that nothing slips and everything comes out just perfect. Well, perfect rarely happens, but I apparently take comfort in the rituals of effort for perfection because I do them *all* of the time. This new gadget is supposed to help improve my accuracy and curb my pinning enthusiasm. Despite witnessing the results for others, I somehow doubted they could work for me.

Well, I was wrong!

 So, if you're like me, you might be asking I'm talking about. Here are what fork pins look like.

They are designed to hold butted-seams in place. (It's hard to see in the picture, but directly across from the one I laid on the table is the one in the fabric.)

One pin. That's it. Really? Because before this, I could frequently be found using anywhere from two to four pins to ensure the same result. But, yes, really, they work! One of several "keepers" I picked up from retreat. What about you? Any new, must-have/must-know techniques, tips or tools? I'm always on the prowl and just as happy to be enabled as I am to enable. :)

And speaking of perfectionism and enabling, might I recommend a blog to you? (Can you see my sinister smile?) If you have taken the time to comment on my blog, it seems only right that I take a minute or two to learn more about you, if you've put the information out there. Well, Del was kind enough to offer an encouraging comment and I found that she has a few blogs of her own.  Sugar N' Spice Home is one of them. Today's post was so poignant, and right at the core of my daily goal of living in the moment, that I've returned several times and forwarded the link to friends. Perhaps her reflection will resonate with you, too, and enable positive change.