Assembling Cutting Tools

We're on a roll.  We've started clearing out  a space to call our own;  dug the sewing machine out from the attic, the basement, the garage (multiple choice here) and taken it to be cleaned and oiled.

We're signed up for Pinterest, Jo-Ann's coupons (and downloaded the App) and All People Quilt (oh, and don't forget The Quilt Bear's Thread Club.)

What else do we need..... yes, we actually do need more...

One thing you will learn; there are many methods for quilting  and many types of tools and supplies.  You don't need EVERYTHING to start but there are a few tools you need to even get started.  

Rotary Cutter and Self-Healing Mat 

Olfa 45mm Rotary Cutter

You will ABSOLUTELY need these.  You don’t cut quilt block fabric with scissors (for the most part.)

This is the rotary cutter I use because it is “ergonomic” and when you release the handle, the blade automatically retracts.  They are VERY sharp...they are basically a round razor blade. 

About $30 at Jo-Ann's.  But, check Amazon.  You’ll be surprised what you find. This same rotary cutter is just under $16 on Amazon AND if you are a “Prime” member, NO SHIPPING! (I actually get my batting from Amazon.  More about that in a later blog.)

Olfa Self-Healing cutting mat

You need a mat as big as the cutting surface you will use. The table I use for cutting, piecing, etc is 30” X 50”  My cutting mat is
25.5”  X 38”  It pretty much fits my needs.  

I have a couple other mats as well (a smaller one for taking to classes, one that rotates that I use when trimming blocks) but you don't need to buy additional mats in the beginning.

 I won’t lie, cutting mats are expensive.  This mat is $45 on Amazon.  Closer to $60 at Jo-Ann’s.  Quilt shows will often have “show specials” where you can pick up these types of items less expensively.  (And some items will be more expensive...gotta be careful.)

There was a vendor at the Desert Lily's quilt show in Yuma, AZ earlier this month.  His mats were on sale at 40% to 50% off.  This mat was around $36.  I should have purchased it, but cutting mats must lie flat and I had to drive 4 hours back to "the O.C."  So, I'll use my 50% off coupon at Jo-Ann's.

A Couple Things to Mention

Rotary Blades:  They get dull.  They must be changed.  They are not cheap.  Be careful about buying "deals."  I bought rotary blades at Harbor Freight once.  O my gosh, the deal!  O my gosh, how terrible they were!  Sometimes you get what you pay for. (I think they were meant for a different purpose than cutting quilt fabric.)

I have a method for when to change sewing machine needles and rotary blades.  It goes like this:

I wind 12 to 18 bobbins all at once.  Let's face it, winding bobbins is a pretty boring job. So, I just sit there and wind as many as I have empty bobbins to wind.  I keep them in a plastic bobbin holder ring, separated in groups of three.

When I reach for that third bobbin in a group, I change my rotary cutter and I change my sewing machine needle and I "sweep" out my sewing machine bobbin case and surrounding area of lent and thread.  (I admit, I do fudge on the rotary cutter a bit.)   You want to always use a sharp rotary cutter.  Dull blades are DANGEROUS!

What do you do with the dull blades?  I do keep a few around for cutting paper.  Rotary cutters follow the same rules as scissors...one for fabric, one for paper.  Some people have had good luck re-sharpening the blades...me, not so much.  If I'm feeling particularly broke, I do have a sharpener and I do give it a whirl from time to time.  The result is a blade not quite as sharp as a new blade.

Mostly I dispose of all sharp objects (blades, needles, pins) in a specific container, which I picked up at the pharmacy.  By the time this puppy is full I'll be long in my grave...let the heirs deal with it.

PS:  I just this minute came across a blog post on U Create.  It is a short-term fix to dull rotary blades.

One more post about supplies and then I think we are actually ready to discuss my favorite subject,
FABRIC !!!!!!!  Yeah, Baby!