How to kill time?
#14
I take shirts and jeans apart to make quilts and other smaller projects and it does take longer to cut than yardage. I use the shape cut and a rotary cutter and you could use a small mat to be able to haul to work. I then throw the odd leftover pieces into a scrap bag for applique pieces. I think a sandpaper template is also a great idea and would be something easier to haul to work.
#15
I depend on books on tape to cut down on the boredom factor. I really enjoy the look of tiny pieces -- I have thousands of 1.5 inch squares --but it takes a looong time to make something that I consider to be a useable size. All of my "quilting clothes" have a pocket for my iPod. Try audible.com and take a look at the titles and see if their "try one free" offer is still going.
I don't like cutting either (painful from old injuries) but since I cannot quilt unless I do, I try to cut every day for 20 to 30 minutes. I can usually tolerate that much boredom with the carrot of being able to piece dangling before me.
I don't like cutting either (painful from old injuries) but since I cannot quilt unless I do, I try to cut every day for 20 to 30 minutes. I can usually tolerate that much boredom with the carrot of being able to piece dangling before me.
#16
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Central Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA
Posts: 7,695
If you are transporting your rotary cutter consider a small plastic tool box for the job. No accidents that way. I have an inexpensive plastic pencil box made for kids that mine lives in. A small caboodle type box would hold your fabric also. I would spend one lunch cutting strips, then another sub cutting squares just to keep it from getting boring. A small mat and ruler is all you need. If you have trouble cutting accurately, I will give you the tip that made my cutting much better. *Cut less layers, and slow down. Fast is not the goal, fun is.
#18
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Pacific NW
Posts: 4,393
I once watched a woman trace with pencil around templates and then cut approx. 1/4" away from the drawn line. Then she would stitch along the line. It seems like that would be pretty accurate. She was hand piecing, but it should work as well with machine sewing I would think. Good luck.
#19
When I started making quilts I had to use scissors. There were no rotary cutter, mats and certainly no die cutters. When the rotary cutters and mats came out I bought several rulers and I have never turned back. I am so thankful I don't have to cut with scissors. Rotary cutters used with rulers are so much more accurate. I never found it relaxing. Making a quilt took so much longer than now.
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