Tool Time: Fiskars Ergonomic Rotary Cutter

I like tools.  All sorts of quilting tools and notions.  A favorite are all my rotary cutters and accessories.  I own Fiskars, Olfas, and Gingher.  18mm, 40mm, 60mm.  Straight blades. Pinking blades.  Wavy blades.

Several weeks ago, I mentioned buying the Fiskars Ergonomic cutter as a gift for myself (I've had an Olfa ergonomic cutter for several years, but it finally bit the dust).  My friend, Lauri, asked for an update, but I'd been delaying... waiting for the day I had to change out the blade so I can review that also.  However.... still waiting... 

Even though I've been cutting dozens of Oxford shirts fused with interfacing, the blade is still sharp as ever (good sign!). So I will have to get back to you on that.  I have made a few other observations, though.

• It does the work, but it doesn't feel very solid.  The handle is hollow so I don't have the reassuring weight in my hand.
• Still getting used to the cutting angle as the ergonomic handle is quite different than the Olfa.  I have performed hours of cutting, however, and my hand never tired nor my shoulders ached.
• It does like to collect lint up in the guard area.  Unfortunately, I  have an urge to wipe it away when I see it.  Fortunately, I've remembered it's a blade before I've cut myself.
• I do like the guard.  I like, when closed, how it's larger than the blade so it gives extra protection.

So, the Olfa is gone, and I've retired the Gingher (which REALLY wasn't worth the money!). So thumbs up!

Tool Tip: Masking Tape

I made a set of drawstring bags for myself and my sister for our upcoming GeoBash (theme is Mardi Gras, I'm heeled at how nice they came out. I found this nice pattern for a lined bag at In Color Order. The only made a slight change - I wanted the dot fabric to peak over the top but didn't want to line the whole inside with such a dark fabric so made the interior half dot/half light.

Do you use masking tape? I use a lot of masking tape for guiding machine quilting and top stitching. I don't like the mess marking pencils make (especially on very dark or very light fabrics). You can see here where I used 1" masking tape to use as a guide when stitching my sister's drawstring casing.

To keep the tape from being too sticky, I'll run the tape over my clothes first so the adhesive gets a little fuzzy. Easy on and easy off!

I'll try to get a picture of my sister's bag to share soon.

Hugs to you all,

E.

P.s. Lauri, still plugging away on my butterflies!

Tool Tip: Velcro & Power Cords

Here's a cool tip that will work at home (sewing machine cords, irons, CD players) or at work (phone chargers).  I did this at work and was surprised how many compliments I received.

This is my iPhone charger at work.  I like to keep it at the ready because I need to charge my iPhone in the afternoons.  However, the outlets are under my desk so the cord kept slipping down and pooling on the floor.

So I added adhesive-backed velcro to the desk's edge. I cut off a section, peeled off the backing on one side, adhered it to the edge, and then clamped my cord in between.  It's discreet and allows me to extract as much cord as I need or completely remove the cord if I need to take it with me.

I have this at home, too.  I have a portable CD player that I like to take from my quilt room and use outside when we grill.  When I return it to it's normal space, I just plug the power cord back in.

Happy Wednesday!
Elisa

Gadget Time - Melts Like Butter!

One of my hesitations in taking up applique was the cost of multiple spools of thread.  All these applique pieces, ranging dozens of colors and shades, and the advice is "match the thread to the applique?"  Who can afford that?



DMC 50-wt. Machine Embroidery Thread



My dear friend, Lauri, told me about this fabulous DMC 50-wt Machine Embroidery thread for hand applique!  Hmm... it works!  I bought a few neutral colors, and, so far, all of them blend fabulously in my appliques.  In fact, the thread seems to melt into the fabric.

And this, my friends, is why I listen to my friends!

Off to applique my cupcakes!

Happy Stitching!
Elisa

 



My New Favorite Tool

Who'da-thunkit?

I'm a gadget girl. Gotta have! Gotta have! When I decided I had to finally focus on appliqué, I didn't have to go far for tools. I was able to shop in my own quilt room (some goodies still in packages - LOL).

After months of practice, I finally completed my first block (do I sound pleased with myself? Will share on a sunny day). And, with all my practice blocks and fancy gadgets, what was the most useful tool in my arsenal? A toothpick.

Wooden. Inexpensive and light.

Dull point. Nudges fabric back into place without poking holes.

Wet. Snags the loose threads for concealment.

Round. Rolls seam allowance under like a curling iron.

In celebration of my victorious first block, I may go out and buy another box of them!

Cheers!

Elisa