Tool Thursday: Vivilux Rechargeable Laser System

This Thursday, I'm bringing you a neat notion that can be a huge time-saver. I've been lusting after those machines with built-in lasers, but with a price point around $20,000 this momma of four can't foresee that in my sewing budget. However, the clever folks at Vivilux, makers of the Super Bright, Super Flexible Craft Light, have an add-on gadget that lets me have the convenience of a laser added to the machine I already know and love.

Upon my request, Vivilux provided me with a Vivilux Rechargeable Laser System to review. My main objective was to avoid marking lines for binding, HSTs, and stitch and flip triangles. It's amazing how much time I spend doing this, so skipping the marking step altogether is a major efficiency booster.

In addition to the line lens, which serves as a guide for stitching in the aforementioned scenarios, the laser has 2 other interchangeable lenses. Vivilux has created YouTube videos to demonstrate how each of these makes life a whole lot easier.

I slipped the Vivilux 3-in-1 Rechargeable Laser System out of the package and took stock of my inventory, which includes a USB recharging cable and plug, plentiful alignment stickers, the laser, a strip of Velcro, instructions, and three screw-on lenses (dot, line, and cross-hair).

The 3-in-1 Rechargeable Laser attaches with a Velcro strip. It's a fairly compact unit, and can be placed wherever works best on your machine. First I tried the top of the machine, but found it interfered less with threading the machine when placed on the left-hand side. A small switch is used to turn the unit on and off, which you will want to be easily accessible. When recharging, the unit can be removed, leaving one half of the Velcro strip attached, and easily put back in place after charging. If you have a power strip nearby, you can even charge the unit without removing it from your machine.

I discovered that while the black portion of the light was very flexible, it wasn't particularly twistable. This was rectified simply enough by unscrewing the metal head slightly to fine tune my alignment.

I made sure the laser line was centered on both my needle hole and a point directly in front of that which was marked on my tray table.

While I previously had to make do with a cheap laser marker intended for the hardware industry, I've found some clear benefits to the Vivilux model.

• The Vivilux model is charged using the provided USB cable and plug. It doesn't require you to frequently replace expensive, teeny batteries. (Since I have a one-year-old, the fewer terrifying choking hazards I have in the house, the better.) The custom-developed LiPo battery is tested for 100,000 charge cycles.
• As indicated by the name, you get 3 lasers (dot, crosshairs, and line) in one.
• Attaching the unit is as easy as placing Velcro stickers on the laser unit and your machine. If you change your mind on positioning, just pull off the Velcro sticker and attach it to a different spot on your machine. Hardware lasers are meant to attach with magnets, and do not have a flush surface to attach to your machine. This means making a contraption to clumsily affix it, or at least needing to purchase a Pop Socket and Mount.
• The laser is focused for sewing machine throat height, which yields a fine 1mm line, dot, or crosshair.
• The laser is made in FL, USA and is guaranteed from manufacturing defects.

So do you have a "laser"? If not, it's time to consider this serious time-saver. Besides, everything is better with a laser...or chocolate. Your sewing room can have both!

via GIPHY

Lite Steam-A-Seam 2 ABC-123 Review + Giveaway

Since Lite Steam-A-Seam 2 is my fusible of choice for appliqué, I was excited to try their new ABC-123 product, compliments of the fine folks at The Warm Company. Like Lite Steam-A-Seam 2, the fusible is sandwiched between two sheets of release paper, sticking to one of the sides. It has a tackiness that holds pieces conveniently in place, while being repositionable, before permanent fusing.

I decided to make our Blue Moon Quilt Group (Renee of Quilts of a Feather, Sara of Blue Quail Studio, Yvonne of Quilting Jetgirl, and I) mascot, who also happens to be my youngest son, a shirt featuring his nickname, "The Cuteness".

Now that you've seen the finished product modeled, let's take a look at the process. Each package contains 8 sheets with numbers, letters, punctuation, and a few shapes. They are already reversed, and have multiple cutting sizes. I got a blank t-shirt and a mini charm pack of solids.

 I cut roughly around each letter, peeled away the extra layer of release paper, made sure the fusible was still sticking to the side with printing, and fused the printed pieces to my mini charms. Each letter fit perfectly on a 2 1/2" square.

After cutting out each letter (I used the lines for the smaller letters.), I used a ruler to guide my spacing and alignment as I placed the slightly tacky letters. When I was satisfied with the arrangement, I fused it for a permanent hold. I didn't bother stitching the letters down because that seemed like way too much work, and I trust the Lite Steam-A-Seam to hold through the wash.

 I have since washed the shirt, and all the letters are intact and looking good. I swear, I don't know where he gets his weirdness from!

Because The Warm Company is super generous, I have some more samples for some of you to try. If you'd like a chance to try LSAS 2 ABC-123, leave a comment below letting me know what clever phrase you'd produce. By my completely subjective determination, and in two weeks time, five lucky recipients will be sent a package of their very own to try. To double your odds, follow my blog and let me know in a separate comment. If you are anxious to see about it before then, it can be purchased at Connecting Threads.

 Thanks for visiting, and good luck!