Originally Posted by chance
One - Keep small bits of leftover "warm and natural cotton batting" near you to stop the bleeding when you prick your fingers. I even make emergency home-made band-aids from them.
Two - I use a long artists T-square when I want to cut long strips of material. No matter how careful I fold, sometimes the strips come out wobbly. This solves the problem.
Hopes these ideas aren't too weird :)
I have been known to use a T-square to mark/cut with, but you actually have several already.
When cutting folded fabric, the secret to getting straight cuts is to cut perpendicular to the fold. If you line up a straight line on the short side of your long quilter's ruler with the fold of the fabric then cut your cut edge will be straight.
A tip to help keep your rulers in place/not slipping? Try clear plastic first aid tape. I use NexCare brand, but as long as it is "clear" and has texture it will work. When you put pressure on the ruler the not-sticky side of the tape grips the fabric well. <G>
You can also brush on clear nail polish and sprinkle it with salt before it dries. The salt acts as "grips" too. and it is easy to redo.
Have fun,
Pati, in Phx