Product review: BIHRTC 3.6 Inch Scissors Small Embroidery Scissors Sharp Stainless Steel

 

These small scissors are very cute.  They are also comfortable to hold and pretty sharp.  I do a lot of crafts and sewing, and I am enjoying having them in my toolbox.
They are slightly longer than 3.5" end to end.


You can find it on Amazon by following this link.

Ali Julia review ★★★★★
 

Product review: IZO Home Goods Upholstery High Density Foam 2 inch X 20 X 20 Foam Replacement Seat Cushion Foam, Set of 4

I purchased this foam to make my own car seat cushion as I was dissatisfied with the two cushioned I bought (they were too short for a car seat).  This foam was perfect, I only needed to trim it a little bit to get it to be the right shape for the car seat.  I used 3M spray glue to glue two foam pieces together to get the shape I wanted. 

The foam came shrimped wrapped but sprung to 2" height instantly.  The photos of foam in the bag were taken a few minutes after the package was open - no creases, fluffed up to the expected height.

You can find it on Amazon by following this link.


Ali Julia review ★★★★★

Product review: 3M General Purpose 45 Spray Adhesive for high density foam

I purchased this spray to glue upholstery high-density foam, and it did a really nice job.  Not only did it do a good job, but it also had no odor.  The fact that this is an unscented glue was a pleasant surprise!

When you spray it on, you, need to wait a bit until it becomes tacky. I found wearing gloves very helpful as when it gets on your skin; it is hard to get off (yep, I started without gloves).

You can find it on Amazon by following this link.


Ali Julia review ★★★★★

Book review: Applique Patterns by Donna Koepp

I did not find the content compelling. This book has a collection of mostly out-dated holiday patterns (trees, angels, snowman, poinsettia, folky birdhouses, stars, hearts). I did not think any of them were pretty, current or trendy. The applique have very simple forms and are aimed at the true beginners.

For Kindle users the patterns in the book are too small to be useful, but the author provides a web address where the usable patterns came be downloaded.

You can find it on Amazon by following this link.


Ali Julia review ★★☆☆☆

Product review: PYLE PLDM22 Handheld Laser Distance Meter with Backlit Lcd Display

This laser meter is very accurate. It is rated to be accurate within 1/16 of an inch. The key to getting a good reading is to position the back of the unit (i.e. the side opposite to where the laser is emitted) where you want the measuring to begin. The meter is 5 inches long so if you think you are measuring from the front of the unit it would look like the measurement is 5 inches off.

I started by measuring the accuracy on the gridded mat which is 18 inches long. As you in attached video I placed the laser meter one inch into the grid and got a reading of 17" inches. In all experiments with different distances and different background colors the measurements were accurate.

I also liked that the I could turn on back lighting on the meter, so I could see the numbers very clearly. The meter comes with study canvas pouch, which has a loop on the back so you can carry it on a belt or hang on something when you need free hands.

The laser meter runs on two AAA batteries (which are included). It auto-shut offs after 3 minute of inactivity.

The unit is 5.1" x 2.16" x 1.1" and is splash proof.

Pyle laser meter has several functions: it can measure as a single measure, do continuous measuring, perform additions and subtractions of the measurements, it can calculate areas, volumes, Pythagoras (given 2 sides of a triangle calculate the length of the third side) and so forth. I found the manual explained the functions clearly.

The only negative I can say is that the laser meter has no memory of my settings. For example, when I switch units to inches the next time I turn it back on the units go back to meters, so I have to reset it every time.

Overall, I am impressed. Very accurate measurements and it is easy to use.

You can find it on Amazon by following this link.


Ali Julia review ★★★★★

Book review: Knitting: Learn To Arm Knit Scarves & Blankets In Under 30 Minutes! by Kitty Moore

I am pretty sure this is worst craft book I have ever seen. This book is not for beginner knitters. It is impossible to learn to knit without seeing pictures that show how to do it.  This book has only short verbal descriptions. 

The book also has no images of completed project.  Only text, so one has no idea what the project would look like. What is worse the author provides links that promise images of completed products, but the link lead to advertizing pages for the author's other books not images related to the products.

You can find it on Amazon by following this link.

Ali Julia review ★☆☆☆☆

Product review: Skyhawk Acrylic Quilting Ruler Combo Pack of 2 Quilters Rulers

I am experienced quilter and I like working with these rulers.

* The rulers has a lot of lines and the lines are in yellow and black so it works well on dark and light fabrics. In my photos I show it on black and white fabric so you can see how well the lines show up.

* The numbers appears on all four sides of the ruler so I can tell at a glace if my fabric is lined up correctly

* Has lines for 30, 45, and 60 degree angles

* Has a hole for hanging, so I can store it on my craft pegboard

This is a simple product but it is well made with attention to details.

You can find it on Amazon by following this link.

Ali Julia review ★★★★★

Product review: WEfun Reward Stickers Smiley Teacher

This bulk set includes a large number of small stickers.  In my video I show them next to a ruler but in general their size varies from 0.5" to 0.75".  There are 10 sheets of each design, and there are 8 different designs.  Majority of the photos are smileys of various kinds and one set is stars.  They stick well and the cost per sticker is much better than what I've been buying at a local craft store.

The stickers come in resealable plastic bags, and in a nice cardboard box to store them in so they don't get bent.

You can find it on Amazon by following this link.

Ali Julia review ★★★★★

Product review: Tengyes Digital Caliper - 6"

I checked that this caliper gives me accurate results and it is consistant by giving me the same reading if I measure multiple times.  I like that I can get the read out not only in inches and millimeters but as a fraction as well. The display is easy to read. I am attaching a video which shows the caliper in use.

The caliper has two sets of jaws: one can measure items on the outside, the other on the inside.  It also has a button for tare (zeroing).

There is one gotcha to watch out when using the caliper. The display turns on automatically as soon as you move the caliper's jaws. This is very convenient when you measure, but it is also easy to do accidentally turn it on when you place it back into the case (happened to me a couple of times).  And this can drain the battery while the caliper is sitting in the case.  I now always take a look at the display to make sure the screen is off as close the case.

The caliper came with a case, a spare battery, cleaning cloth, a small screwdriver, and an instruction manual. 

The battery replacement is a little tricky.  You need to open the screw on the back of the unit.  The little screwdriver that fits the screw is included in the package.


This is a reasonably priced caliper and a display in fractions is not a feature that all digital calipers have.

You can find it on Amazon by following this link.


Ali Julia review ★★★★★

Book review: Crochet For Beginners: Learn To Crochet Quickly & Easily by Kitty Moore

This book has diagrams to show basic stitches but no images of the completed projects.  It is hard to tell if I want to do the project because I don't know what it will look like.  What is worse the author provides links that promise images of completed products, but the link lead to advertising pages for the author's other books not images related to the products. 
You can find it on Amazon by following this link.

Ali Julia review ★★☆☆☆

Product review: Pro Line 15 Watt Soldering Iron with Ceramic Heating Element & Ergonomic Cool Grip Handle

This a nice soldering iron. It comes in a 12" x 4" x 2" case. The soldering iron has an ergonomically shaped handle which is 6.5" long. It stays cool while you use it, and its texture is grippy. The package includes a 2" x 2" safety stand. The soldering iron has ceramic heating element and heats up quickly. Maximum temperature is 824°F (440°C). The tip is iron-clad chrome-plated and replaceable. The soldering iron has a 8-foot power cord.

In attached video you see my husband working on the banana plugs for the audio cables. He thought the soldering iron worked well. The soldering iron has been in use since 2014, he uses it for a couple of projects every year.

You can find it on Amazon by following this link.


Ali Julia review ★★★★★

Product review: Allied Tools Portable Work Station Saw Horse

This work station has a nice size and shape.   The gap between the particle boards can be adjusted. The work stations folds up for storage.  I like its overall design.

The legs are made out of metal and the top particle board.   Unfortenately, the metal parts are extremely flimsy.  How flimsy? The corners of each leg got bent  during shipping and the metal is so soft that I was able to straighten most of the pieces with my bare hands. And I have very weak hands! If I can bend its metal by hand how is it going to hold when a heavy load put on it? Not well.  This workstation is not for heavy duty work. 


You can find it on Amazon by following this link.

Ali Julia review ★★★☆☆

Book review: Macrame Jewelry Paperback by Leisure Arts

This book teaches how to combine knots and beads to create your own jewelry. This book is 32 pages and contains 20 projects (on the left I included the picture index which shows every projected in the book). The instructions come with beautiful photographs, they help visual the projects and inspire new ideas. I have been having fun learning from this book. Pretty neat technique - fairly simple yet the results are really good looking.

You can find it on Amazon by following this link.

Ali Julia review ★★★★★

Product review: ZERRO Self Healing Cutting Mat 36 X 24 INCHES

I am a quilter so I have a number of rotary cutting mats in various sizes. The things that I like most about this mat are the markings.  The markings are on all four sides of the map and they well marked thick solid lines - yellow on one isde and white on the other side. The measurements are in inches and grid lines are every 1/2".  In addition on one side you also have centimeter markings, they are next to inches not instead on inches so this mat is trully aimed at US quilters and crafters.

Most of my mats are self-healing Olfa mats. This mat is thicker than a typical Olfa mat. Olfa mats have marking on four edges as well, but only on one side. Self-healing properties of any cutting mats do not last for ever, so when both sides have markings it increases the useful life span of the mat.

After using this mat on several projects I am pleased with how cutting feels on this mat. Overall, excellent mat, it covers practically my entire sewing table, I really like how well it marked.

You can find it on Amazon by following this link.


Ali Julia review ★★★★★

Product review: OfficeGoods Electric and Battery Operated Stapler

This is a very easy to use stapler. It easily staple 20 lbs regular office paper, 25 sheets no problem.  I also used it in craft projects stapling heavy duty fabric together, also works very well.  I am using it plugged into the outlet (power cord is 6 feet long), but it can run on batteries as well.

The stapler comes loaded with staples.  To open the staple draw you need to push a button on the back of the stapler and the draw opens towards the front.  It works with regular standard staples, it accepts one full strip of staples at a time.

When I use my old manual stapler I often have to redo bent ot jammed staples.  This has not happened with OfficeGoods stapler so far!

You can find it on Amazon by following this link.


Ali Julia review ★★★★★

Product review: Funjewelryshop Kiwi Stud Earrings

This earrings are handcrafted and unique. I love the Kiwi design! The Kiwi looking center appears to be hand drawn and covered with acrylic in a silver-tone setting.  I am not sure of the metal material but I nickle allergy did not react to the metal, I am able to wear them all day long.  The earrings are lightweight (both earrings to together weigh 0.1 oz).  They are 1/2" in diameter. Watch out - they are not waterproof - so be careful if you get caught in the rain.


You can find it on Amazon by following this link.

Ali Julia review ★★★★☆

Product review: Funjewelryshop Colorful Violin Pendant Necklace Handmade

This necklace are handcrafted. Violin has a special meaning for me I really like the design.  The violine center appears to be hand drawn and covered with acrylic. It is presented in a silver-tone setting and has a rope-style silver-toned chain.   The necklace is lightweight (both chain and the pendant together weigh 0.2 oz).  The pendant is 1" in diameter and the chain is 16" long. The chain has a lobster closure, and operates smoothly.

You can find it on Amazon by following this link.


Ali Julia review ★★★★☆

Product review: Multifunction Stainless Steel Scissors, 7 Inch by linback

These are general purposes stainless steel scissors. The total length of the scissors is 7" and the blade is 3". The blades are sharp - it is easy to cut thin cardboard and plastic (the type of plastic that is used in  packaging).

The openings in the handles are fairly large, I found them comfortable. Overall, a decent set of general purpose scissors.

You can find it on Amazon by following this link.

Ali Julia review ★★★★☆

Product review: Evermarker Silver Colored Teardrop Shape Drop Earrings

I like fashion earrings that look like they could be real gem stones.  This tear drop loop looks like it could be covered with small diamonds. It is just the right size, not too big and not too small. Each earring is 1.4" long and 0.6" across. The earrings have an attractive design and the workmanship is nice. Often fashion earrings do not look as nice from the back as the front.  These earrings look neat from the front and the back.  The back of the earrings is not a give away that these earrings are inexpensive.

The earrings have a hook and a silicone tip to keep it sliding out of your ear.  The metal is silver in color. It is a copper-based alloy. I can tell that it has no nickel because my ears start itching quickly if a earrings have nickel in the alloy.  I wore these earrings all day - no problems.

Overall, great earrings! They look more expensive than the price tag.

You can find it on Amazon by following this link.


Ali Julia review ★★★★★

Product review: Skyhawk Quilter's Ruler Combo Pack - 24-Inch-by-6-1/2-Inch and 9-1/2-Inch-by-9-1/2-Inch quilting rulers

I am experienced quilter and Skyhawk folks clearly know what quilters need in the rulers.

' The rulers has a lot of lines and the lines are in yellow and black so it works well on dark and light fabrics. In my photos I show it on black and white fabric so you can see how well the lines show up.
' The numbers appears on all four sides of the ruler so I can tell at a glace if my fabric is lined up correctly
' Has lines for 30, 45, and 60 degree angles
' Has a hole for hanging, so I can store it on my craft pegboard

A simple product but well made with attention to details.

Skykawk was looking for an experienced quilter to evaluate their new product. I reviewed one of their products in the past and they provided me a sample to evaluate these rulers. I give them thumbs up!


You can find it on Amazon by following this link.


Ali Julia review ★★★★★