A seam ripper named Jack

As quilters we all seam (oops, seem) to find ourselves facing that dreaded event: picking out, reverse quilting, un-sewing or ripping out the work we have just tried to do. Whatever the reason for undoing our work, we have to do it sometimes, and my comment on that topic is DO YOURSELF A FAVOR!!

Buy yourself several (as in 5 0r 6) long-handled, comfortable seam rippers.

There are several reasons for this recommendation.

A long handled ripper is easier to use. Your fingers/hands don't cramp and a ripper with a rounded or ball end fits comfortably in the palm of your hand (I like the red and white ergonomic rippers by Fons and Porter....OK, OK ....$o find a coupon or watch for a $ale).

Having several rippers means that they are all fairly sharp since you haven't dulled one by overuse. If you find one is dull and won't cut easily, Throw It Away! This tool uses the small muscles in your hand, and should not provide a major muscle workout.

Placing rippers in a variety of locations means you can find them easily and that they are available when needed. Try the side of your sewing machine, the ironing board, by the chair you sit in, in a workbasket or box and, my favorite, in front of the TV. The less time you spend searching, the quicker the job is done, the lower the frustration factor (as if it isn't high already) and you are back making forward progress on your project.

Finally, no matter how many rippers you have, they can all be named Jack, as in Jack the Ripper (Thank you Lisa Boyer!) The more seam rippers you have means the less time you will spend screaming "Jack!.....Jack!" as you search for your one and only (and the less time you will spend explaining to your family what, why or who "Jack" is).