Helpful Hints - Design Transfer

When working with fabric, you're often left trying to transfer a design from paper to the fabric. I haven't tried this idea personally, but one of my coworkers swears by it. What you do is you buy cheap laminating paper at the craft store. You put that in your printer and print your design on it from your computer. Regular ink works just fine. Anyway, then you put your newly printed design face-down on the fabric and you use an iron on a cool setting to transfer the ink to the fabric. Then, sew or paint or whatever on the fabric, and then send it through the wash. Supposedly, the ink comes out in the machine with just regular detergent. Now how's that for an idea!

Essential Tools: Home Cook

Like the post that has come before, I have spent many an afternoon in front of the kitchenware section of my favorite store, looking at the latest and greatest gadgets and wondering what I need. After much pondering, here's my list of essential home cook gadgets. And again, I'd love to hear what you feel is essential, too! Keep in mind, this is the tools and not the pantry essentials.

1. A set of measuring cups and spoons
2. Wooden spoons
3. Spatulas
4. Assorted sizes of mixing bowls, skillets, and pots
5. Assorted baking sheets and trays
6. Collander or strainer
7. Blender or food processor
8. Hand mixer
9. Kitchen towels
10. Set of sharp, sturdy knives
11. Can opener
12. Grater
13. Assorted cutting boards (it's very helpful to have one for meats only and one for fruits/veggies)
14. Assorted tupperware (with lids that fit) and zip top bags

Essential Tools: Crafter

Every good crafter needs a good set of crafting tools. But from time to time, I've wondered, "What exactly do I need?" There are lots of things I could own, but do I really need them all? So below is a list of the tools I have come up with that are necessary for the everyday crafter. However, this is just my list. Let's start a comment thread: what do you feel is a necessary tool of the trade?

1. Fabric scissors (don't ever cut paper with these - it'll dull them)
2. Needles in assorted sizes
3. Pins
4. Threads of different purposes, strengths, and colors
5. Cardboard (I use old boxes for all sorts of things, from making a template to holding stuff in place)
6. Glue gun with plenty of glue sticks.
7. Fray Check, or similar no-fray product
8. Assorted fabrics, buttons, and beads (including felt)
9. Assorted pins and clips
10. Flathead and needle nose pliers
11. Fishing wire beading floss and stretchy beading floss