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Member since 7/31/08
Posts: 780
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Posted on: 3/20/09 2:04 AM ET
I'm reading the book Sew U by Wendy Mullin. In the book Wendy recommends using an awl for "marking" patterns/material. For instance, punching a hole at the bottom of where a dart ends.

Is this something that I should get? Or can I get by without it like I have so far?

Thanks!
  
Member since 8/28/08
Posts: 6568
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Posted on: 3/20/09 3:35 AM ET
In reply to Sewnsewmom
Never used an awl in sewing and I've been sewing for years. There were a few occasions when I needed to make a hole at the point of a dart and I used the point of a pencil.

Others will probably have some good uses for an awl, but there are notions that would be higher on the wish list.
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Oops, forgot what I was going to put here.
  
Member since 6/23/04
Posts: 4892
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Posted on: 3/20/09 4:07 AM ET
In reply to Sewnsewmom
I use awl's all the time. I have one sitting in front of each of my sewing machines. I use them when I'm sewing and love them! They are so handy.

You don't have to go to the expense of buying an actual tailor's awl. A wooden bamboo stick used for cake decorating is just as good. Here Debbie Cook did a blog post about her "awl" - Debbie's blog.

As for punching holes in patterns, etc. you can just as easily use a large needle, eg. tapestry needle, if you like.

An awl is one of those gadgets that you never miss until you've used one, then you don't know how you ever managed without it.
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Belinda. Melbourne, Australia
http://sew-4-fun.blogspot.com/
  
Member since 4/28/02
Posts: 148
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Posted on: 3/20/09 6:53 AM ET
I use my grandmother's awl made of ivory, and it's one of my most used notions.
  
Member since 4/11/02
Posts: 10809
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Posted on: 3/20/09 6:55 AM ET
In reply to Sew4Fun
Wow. What a memory!! Even I didn't remember I had posted that.
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"I base my fashion sense on what doesn't itch." — Gilda Radner
http://stitchesandseams.blogspot.com
  
Member since 12/10/05
Posts: 1221
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Posted on: 3/20/09 7:08 AM ET
Well I was going to answer, "Of course not", but now I'm not so sure!

I started sewing nearly 30 years ago, and I don't own an awl, and never felt the need for one. But it sounds like that could change if I think about the possible uses.
  
Member since 12/3/05
Posts: 6572
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Posted on: 3/20/09 7:51 AM ET
I have three different types of awls or stilletos (a bamboo stilleto, a Clover ergonomic awl, and That Purple Thang) , and I use them fairly often. But I've never used them for marking the way Wendy Mullin does. I use these tools for punching holes in handbag projects, for getting unruly fabric under the presser foot and for misc. tasks. If you're curious about awls, they're quite inexpensive, especially if you buy them on sale or with a coupon.
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No sewing project is ever a complete success nor a total failure.
  
Member since 2/17/07
Posts: 545
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Posted on: 3/20/09 8:10 AM ET
I use an awl but I make the occasional corset and if you want to make a hole in fabric to do things like put in a grommet, use an awl because you are not breaking the threads and encouraging fraying.
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Let's...BUILD A HUT! (or a yert).
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Member since 7/23/07
Posts: 7276
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Posted on: 3/20/09 10:16 AM ET
I have bamboo skewer in my "at hand" container by the machines. It comes in handy a lot.
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http://bgballroom.wordpress.com to follow the progress on my next ballgown.
  
Member since 8/14/05
Posts: 25292
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Posted on: 3/20/09 2:01 PM ET
My 1971 Kenmore came with an awl. I have never used it in sewing whatsoever, BUT it is always in my desk drawer for opening CD and DVD packages, poking whatever I need to poke, say if something is falling down in a plastic sleeve, etc. Extremely handy little gadget but I have no idea what it could be handy for in sewing unless you need to poke a hole for some reason, and i guess I never have!
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"Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible." --Dalai Lama
https://eyeletsintheseams.blogspot.com

Pfaff 1222E, Elna eXcellence 720, Brother Innovis PS500, Brother SE400, Brother 1034D, Sunbeam irons ;)
  
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